We are always deeply concerned to learn about any Coton that is suffering, or in need of rescue, and are empathetic to their needs. Unfortunately, the USACTC finds itself in the same position as most other breed clubs, nowadays, and our hands have become increasingly tied about how we can participate in rescue.
Insurance companies have increasingly been placing restrictions on breed clubs, restricting or severely limiting how they can participate in rescue. For liability reasons, our insurance prohibits us from participating in rescue in many meaningful ways. We cannot house, transport or physically care for dogs in need of rescue, nor can we assist others in doing so with our recommendation. Engaging in these activities gives the club liability if any one becomes injured while providing services. Our insurance company will not accept this liability, and prohibits us from participating in rescue in the aforementioned ways. In fact, annually, prior to the renewal of our policy, we are asked qualifying questions about how we participate in rescue.
The Federal Government also further limits our ability to financially participate in rescue. For tax purposes, we are designated as a 501 (c) 7 with the IRS, a social club. In order to maintain our tax exempt status we are required to follow the requirements the IRS has put into place for social clubs. Those requirements state that the majority of the money we raise must come from members, and that even a larger percent of the money we take in must be utilized to directly benefit club members. This makes it difficult for us to respond by directly raising or donating club funds for rescue.
As a result of these constraints our membership voted, on August 16, 2024, to remove rescue from our club’s Constitution and By-laws.
The way many clubs, who find themselves in a similar position, are participating in rescue is by being supportive of 501 (c) 3 charitable organizations that have been specifically formed and insured to participate in rescue. The organization that has this designation for our breed is UCARE, founded by Jane Arrington, and operating out of Texas. The way our members who care about rescue can contribute is by donating and volunteering to 501 (c) 3 organizations like UCARE, and we strongly encourage our members to support and assist these worthy organizations.
Another way we can become involved is to make our members aware of a rescue situation we become aware of that is being conducted by others, and allowing them to make their own decisions about how to participate as individuals.