NON-PROFIT GROUP ETHICS:
"The greatest threat to the not-for-profit sector is the betrayal of public trust, the disappointment of public confidence. Virtually all knowledgeable observers of the not-for-profit scene believe that an overwhelming proportion of not-for-profits are honorably run-that admirable context, however, does not provide much protection to the sector when a sequence of highly publicized disgraceful not-for-profit misdeeds occurs." Joel Fleishman, Scholar, Author, Professor of Law and Public Policy, and Director of the Heyman Center on Ethics, Public Policy and the Professions, Duke University.
We expect all rescue volunteers to focus on positively instilling human compassion and understanding for the majority welfare of all adoptable pets while respecting nature and the social system it resides. A balance is needed between the goals of rescue idealism and the natural course of these life & death consequences -- the only real way to change pets' welfare for the better.
Accountability & Transparency
According to the National Council of Nonprofits, every nonprofit should strive to cultivate a culture of accountability and transparency. Accountability and transparency are demonstrated by these diverse practices:
- Respecting a donor’s intent is an ethical issue and also a legal matter. It is not only ethical to be transparent with donors about the receipt of their gifts, but it is also a legal requirement for certain gifts.
- Fundraising activities should not only be ethical, but legal; organizations must be honest in solicitation materials and truthful and clear in communications with donors about how donors’ gifts will be or have been used.
- Posting financial information about the nonprofit on the nonprofit’s website to ensure adherence to all applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations including submission of all public financial information.
Animal Welfare
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the advancement of animal welfare includes any purpose directed towards the prevention or suppression of cruelty to animals or the prevention or relief of suffering by animals. Ensuring animal welfare is a human responsibility that includes consideration for all aspects of animal well-being, including proper housing, management, nutrition, disease prevention and treatment, responsible care, humane handling, and, when necessary, humane euthanasia.
When an animal is in a good state of welfare if (as indicated by scientific evidence) it is healthy, comfortable, well nourished, safe, able to express innate behavior, and if it is not suffering from unpleasant states such as pain, fear, and distress. Decisions regarding animal care, use, and welfare shall be made by balancing scientific knowledge and professional judgment with consideration of nonprofit ethics and societal values.
PLEASE LEARN BEFORE YOU DONATE OR PROMOTE YOUR LOCAL CHARITY!