Alpine Animal Rescue closed its kennels in Rochford in 1999 but has continued to operate from two charity shops located in Rochford and Westcliff in Essex, one prior to 1999 and both since 1999. They have now fallen foul of the Charities Commission for failing to register their accounts for the past 4 years! A spokesperson for the Charities Commission said " The Trustees have failed to submit up to date accounts for the charity."
Penny Wheatman Trustee and founder of the charity said she was saddened by the move but blamed dwindling funds.
Alpine Animal Rescue ceased to hold charity status since July 20th 2003. The shop in Rochford will remain trading as a non profit making organisation but its future remains unclear according to Liz Gordon (daughter) manager of the Rochford shop.

Some details extracted from article in the Yellow Advertiser

Is that how long the Charity Commission takes then 4 years of no accounts being submitted before they do anything? I was always under the impression they acted much quicker and closed RC down if they fell foul of the rules and regulations.

Do they have to pay any of the money back, that they were taking in during those 4 years?

Coleen

You must be joking, pay the money back? There are no accounts for the four years of takings over the counter of the two shops nor money taken for any dogs/puppies that came into their possession and rehomed or any monies donated or legacies left. At least nothing has been disclosed to the charities commission. Personally I think it stinks! Without any accounts submitted to the Chatities Commission no one can see where the money has been spent or how much was taken or given during those 4 years. As the sales for year ending 1999 were £61,000, with just kennels and one shop, what the sales were after with two shops, who knows without any accounts in the public domain. Feel sorry for all the supporters, when this happens, they have given their time and money freely and supported a charity for the sake of the animals and this has happened. It should not be allowed, the Charities Commission seems to be very lax in getting to grips with Charities when their accounts are not forthcomming. At the end of the day the only winners in this are the individuals who have the front to exploit their position of trust.