Legal Notices,
and Policies
Legal Notice
This website is owned and operated by La’al Marras Rescue Group, a non-profit, volunteer-led animal welfare organisation based in the UK. By accessing and using this website, you agree to the terms outlined in this notice.
If you do not agree, please do not use our website.
Website Content and Accuracy
We do our best to ensure that the information presented on this website is accurate and up to date.
However, La’al Marras Rescue Group makes no warranties or representations, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any content. Information about animals, services, and procedures may change without notice.
We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of information on this site, including reliance on outdated or incorrect details.
Links to Other Websites
Our website may include links to third-party websites for reference, resources, or further information.
These links are provided for convenience only.
La’al Marras Rescue Group has no control over the content or availability of external sites and is not responsible for their content, security, or privacy practices.
Intellectual Property
All content on this site—including text, images, logos, branding, and documents—is the property of La’al Marras Rescue Group or has been used with appropriate permissions or licenses. You may not reproduce, republish, or use any content from this site without express written consent from us.
You are welcome to download or share our content for personal, educational, or rescue-aligned purposes as long as you credit La’al Marras Rescue Group and do not alter or profit from the materials.
Use of This Website
This website is intended for lawful use only. You may not use this site in any way that is unlawful, fraudulent, or that could harm the reputation of La’al Marras Rescue Group or interfere with the functionality of the site.
We reserve the right to restrict or terminate access to the website at our discretion, without notice, for any reason, including misuse or suspected breaches of this notice.
Liability and Indemnity
La’al Marras Rescue Group accepts no liability for any loss, damage, or disruption incurred through the use of this website or any linked services.
By using the site, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless La’al Marras Rescue Group, its volunteers, and affiliates from any claims arising from your use of the site.
Changes to This Legal Notice
We may update this legal notice at any time, without prior notice.
Changes take immediate effect upon posting.
Continued use of the website means you accept the most recent version.
Fee & Donation Policy
La’al Marras Rescue Group is committed to transparency, fairness, and accessibility in our adoption and rehoming processes. This policy explains how our adoption fees and donation-based placements work, and how these contributions support the welfare of dogs in our care.
1. Purpose of Adoption Fees
Adoption fees contribute directly to the veterinary care, feeding, behavioural support, and safe transport of dogs in our care. They are not a purchase price, but a vital part of our sustainability as a community rescue organisation. The adoption fee is a one-time payment made upon successful adoption, and is non-refundable except in specific, agreed circumstances.
2. Adoption Tiers
We operate a tiered structure for adoption contributions:
Puppies under 1 year: £250
Dogs over 1 year: £150
Donation-based adoptions: For certain dogs, no fixed fee is set. Instead, adopters are invited to make a voluntary donation.
These tiers are set based on the typical costs associated with veterinary care, rehabilitation, and the length of time a dog may require support. All dogs are neutered (if age-appropriate), vaccinated, microchipped, and assessed prior to adoption.
3. Adoption by Donation
Some of our dogs are available via our “Adoption by Donation” pathway. This typically applies to dogs who:
- Are urgent foster-to-adopt cases
- Have been in long-term foster and need support transitioning to a permanent home
- Are part of specific welfare or rotation-based placement needs
In these cases, no fixed fee is required. We welcome a donation of any amount to support ongoing rescue work. Donation-based adoptions are never conditional on making a contribution.
4. Financial Transparency
As a rescue group seeking Community Interest Company (CIC) status, all adoption-related income is recorded and used strictly for the care and rehoming of dogs. We do not make profit from adoption fees. Surplus funds are reinvested in our rescue and rehabilitation operations.
We may publish annual summaries of our income and use of funds, or provide them upon request.
5. Hardship Support
If a potential adopter is unable to meet the standard adoption fee, we welcome an open conversation. In some cases, reduced fees or payment plans may be offered at our discretion. Our priority is to ensure good homes for our dogs, not to create barriers for compassionate adopters.
6. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy to reflect changes in operating costs, legal requirements, or organisational structure. Any updates will be published clearly on our website with a new effective date.
For questions about this policy or to request financial clarification, please contact us at:
admin@laalmarrasrescuegroup.co.uk
Privacy Policy
At La’al Marras Rescue Group, we are committed to protecting your personal information and being transparent about how we collect, use, and store it.
1. What Information We Collect
We may collect and process the following types of personal data:
- Your name, address, phone number, and email address
- Information submitted via adoption or foster applications
- Details about your home environment, family, pets, and lifestyle (as relevant to animal placement)
- Records of communications between you and our team
- Photos or videos shared with us
2. How We Use Your Information
We only use your data to:
- Process and assess adoption and foster applications
- Arrange home checks and communicate with you about the application process
- Match animals to suitable homes
- Comply with legal responsibilities relating to animal welfare
- Keep in contact with you regarding the animal in your care (if applicable)
We will never sell, trade, or share your information with third parties for marketing purposes.
3. Storing and Securing Your Data
- All data is stored securely and accessed only by authorised team members.
- We use encrypted systems wherever possible and aim to minimise paper records.
- We retain your information only for as long as is necessary to fulfil our obligations or legal requirements.
4. Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
- Ask us to correct inaccurate information
- Ask us to delete your information, where lawful to do so
- Withdraw your consent for future contact (unless needed for legal or safeguarding reasons)
To make any such request please email us by pressing the button below the policy or sending an email to: admin@laalmarrasrescuegroup.co.uk
5. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy from time to time. The most recent version will always be available upon request or published on our website.
Our Path to CIC Status
Why La’al Marras Rescue Group is becoming a Community Interest Company (CIC)
La’al Marras Rescue Group is applying for Community Interest Company (CIC) status to formalise our structure, strengthen transparency, and better serve the dogs and communities we support.
1. What is a CIC?
A Community Interest Company is a special type of limited company designed for social enterprises that want to use their income and assets for the public good. CICs are regulated by the Office of the Regulator of Community Interest Companies and must meet specific requirements that demonstrate a genuine community benefit.
Unlike charities, CICs can trade, pay staff, and operate flexibly, while still committing to reinvest profits into their social mission.
2. Why It Matters to Us
La’al Marras Rescue Group operates entirely to protect, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs in need — especially those overlooked by traditional systems. As a CIC, we will be legally bound to put the welfare of animals and community benefit first.
This helps us:
- Build Trust: CIC status increases public confidence through oversight, transparency, and reporting requirements.
- Accept Funding: It opens doors to grants, local authority contracts, and donations restricted to recognised not-for-profit entities.
- Formalise Partnerships: It allows us to collaborate with vets, trainers, and councils in a legally accountable way.
- Retain Flexibility: Unlike charities, we can still respond rapidly, develop new services, and work with a range of partners to meet urgent or emerging needs.
3. What It Means for Our Supporters
Becoming a CIC won’t change the heart of our work — it strengthens it. Your donations, time, and trust will continue to directly benefit the dogs in our care. All profits will be reinvested into frontline rescue, rehabilitation, and education.
We will maintain a commitment to:
- Open communication
- Responsible use of funds
- Fair treatment of adopters, fosters, and volunteers
- The highest standards of animal welfare
4. Ongoing Commitment
Our transition to CIC status is part of a broader plan to make La’al Marras Rescue Group sustainable, ethical, and community-led for the long term. We are committed to regular reporting, public accountability, and maintaining our grassroots values as we grow.
If you have questions or would like to be part of shaping our future, we welcome your input.
Ownership, Microchipping, and Legal Control
La’al Marras Rescue Group ensures that all dogs in our care are microchipped, logged, and legally protected.
While a dog remains in foster care or awaiting adoption, ownership is legally held by the rescue. This includes responsibility for decisions about veterinary care, transport, and placement.
When a dog is adopted, microchip details are transferred to the new guardian in accordance with UK law. This is recorded and stored as part of our formal adoption process.
In cases of dispute (for example, if a previous owner challenges removal), we act in line with:
Animal Welfare Act 2006
Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015
And, where necessary, with guidance from veterinary professionals, police, and the local authority
We never unlawfully seize animals, and we work closely with collaborative rescue partners and officials to ensure every movement of a dog is both legal and ethical.
Our aim is always to prioritise the welfare of the dog above all else. We will never knowingly return a dog to an unsafe or unsuitable environment.
Emergency Removal and Welfare Seizure Policy
In some cases, La’al Marras Rescue Group is asked to step in during crisis situations — including when a dog is at risk of harm or is being neglected in real time.
These emergency removals are only carried out:
- With the support of another rescue group or vet
- With consent from police, a local authority, or another authorised officer
- Or via owner surrender, documented in writing or with witness testimony
We do not force entry, trespass, or act outside the law. However, we do act swiftly to remove dogs from danger when legal authority or surrender has been obtained.
In these cases, we photograph and document conditions to assist with legal or welfare follow-up. If needed, we notify RSPCA, the Dog Warden, or appropriate council teams.
Dogs removed in crisis are placed into vetted emergency foster or holding care, where they are assessed, stabilised, and protected from further harm. Their welfare remains our immediate and overriding concern.
We are proud to work in collaboration with multi-agency professionals who share our goal: protecting dogs when no one else can.
Volunteer Conduct and Safeguarding
Our volunteers come from many walks of life — what unites them is their commitment to the dogs.
All volunteers agree to:
- Uphold La’al Marras Rescue Group values of compassion, integrity, and non-judgement
- Follow safeguarding procedures when working with families or vulnerable individuals
- Maintain confidentiality when involved in sensitive cases
- Speak and act in a way that represents the rescue fairly and respectfully
We do not tolerate:
- Bullying, discrimination, or harassment of any kind
- Gossiping or the spread of confidential case information
- Aggressive confrontation in person or online
- Taking dogs or supplies without agreement or consent
Many of the people we work with are in crisis, fleeing harm, or dealing with traumatic loss. It is vital we protect their dignity.
Volunteers must also be mindful that some of our cases involve legal action or criminal behaviour — discretion and professionalism are non-negotiable.
We are happy to provide volunteer references and keep DBS details securely when needed.
Photography, Social Media and Image Use
We love to share the stories of the dogs we help — but we do so with consent, care, and dignity.
Photography and social media use must:
- Never include identifying details of previous owners or locations (unless publicly prosecuted)
- Respect the privacy of children, families, or vulnerable adults unless clear written consent is given
- Avoid traumatising or graphic content unless shared as part of formal cruelty awareness campaigns
- Accurately reflect the current status of the dog (e.g., not available = not advertised)
We will sometimes use before and after images to show transformation and healing — but only where appropriate and ethical.
Adopters, fosters, and volunteers are welcome to share posts, photos, and updates, provided:
- They do not misrepresent La’al Marras Rescue Group or other groups involved
- They do not publish unreleased information or media still under review
- They do not use images for commercial or breeding purposes
All La’al Marras Rescue Group materials — logos, graphics, and written content — are copyright protected. If you want to use something in your own project, just ask. We’re usually happy to say yes.
Breed-Specific Legislation and Rescue Protocols
As a UK-based rescue group, La’al Marras Rescue Group operates within the constraints of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (and amendments).
This law:
- Bans the ownership of specific types (Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro) without exemption
- Places restrictions on seized or suspected dogs
- Often results in fear-based misunderstanding of large or bull breeds
We work closely with legal experts and partner rescues to:
- Identify whether dogs are of type or fall outside the ban
- Seek exemption when safe and possible
- Provide educational support for owners and carers
We believe no dog should be judged by their appearance.
When working with restricted types or crosses, we:
- Avoid public exposure while assessments are pending
- Prioritise placements with knowledgeable, compliant homes
- Maintain strict legal compliance with transport, muzzling, and insurance
We advocate for reform of this legislation and call for evidence-based, breed-neutral policies.
Until then, we do everything possible to keep our dogs safe and lawful.
Donations, Fundraising, and Financial Transparency
La’al Marras Rescue Group operates entirely through donations, small grants, and grassroots support.
We do not receive government funding. Every bag of food, vet bill, or microchip is made possible by community generosity.
We commit to:
- Clear, accountable use of funds
- Transparency about major costs (e.g. surgeries, legal cases, end-of-life care)
- Open communication about appeals, campaigns, and where money is going
- You’ll never be asked for money without knowing why.
All donations:
- Go directly to animal care or outreach
- Are documented for audit and compliance
- Can be earmarked for specific dogs or causes on request
We raise funds via:
- Events and online raffles
- Sale of merch and handmade goods
- Sponsorships and birthday/gift fundraisers
- PayPal, bank transfer, and in-person donations
We aim to:
- Register for Gift Aid once eligible
- Publish annual accounts and milestones
- Share the impact of your kindness through stories and images
You’re not funding a brand — you’re changing lives. We never forget that.
Home Checks: What We Look For
Before adopting or fostering, we carry out a friendly home check to ensure safety and suitability.
What we check:
- Secure fencing or containment (for garden-access dogs)
- Hazards like broken gates, open pools, loose wires, etc.
- Safe indoor space with quiet retreat areas
- Understanding of dog needs — not perfection, just thoughtfulness
- Compatibility with existing pets, children, and routines
What we’re not checking:
- Your furniture or décor
- Whether your home is spotless
- If your children are loud or your dog barks — that’s normal!
We may offer advice or suggest changes, but never to shame — always to empower you and protect the dog.
The Role of Microchipping and Why It Matters
Microchipping is a legal requirement for dogs in the UK and one of the best protections a dog can have.
All dogs must:
- Be chipped by 8 weeks old
- Have up-to-date keeper details on a DEFRA-compliant database
At La’al Marras Rescue Group, we microchip all dogs before rehoming.
Why this matters:
- Lost dogs can be quickly returned
- Stolen dogs can be identified
- We can protect dogs from being passed around without consent
- We offer chip checking at events and act as Scan Angels, primarily in Cumbria but we will network to try and help source a local volunteer able to scan a pet when needed