Purpose

Castoff Pet Rescue (CPR) is committed to operating with integrity, transparency, and the highest standard of care for the animals entrusted to us and the community we serve. This policy encourages staff, volunteers, fosters, and board members to report concerns about misconduct, illegal activity, or violations of CPR policy without fear of retaliation.

Who This Policy Covers

This policy applies to all CPR staff, volunteers, foster families, board members, and any individual acting on behalf of Castoff Pet Rescue.

What Should Be Reported

Individuals are encouraged to report any good-faith concern regarding:

• Mistreatment, neglect, or abuse of animals in CPR's care

• Violations of CPR's no-kill commitment or adoption and surrender policies

• Theft, fraud, or misuse of CPR funds, donations, or resources

• Falsification of medical, behavioral, or adoption records

• Unsafe or unsanitary conditions for animals or people

• Violations of federal, state, or local law

• Retaliation against anyone who has made a report under this policy

How to Report

Reports may be made in any of the following ways:

• In person or in writing to a CPR board member or organizational leader

• By email to info@castoffpetrescue.org

• Anonymously, by submitting a written report to CPR's mailing address at 240 Patton Place, Blairsville, GA

CPR encourages individuals to identify themselves when reporting, as it allows for a more thorough investigation. However, anonymous reports will be taken seriously and investigated to the fullest extent possible.

Confidentiality

CPR will make every reasonable effort to protect the confidentiality of anyone who reports a concern in good faith. Information will be shared only on a need-to-know basis and only to the extent necessary to conduct a proper investigation.

No Retaliation

Castoff Pet Rescue strictly prohibits retaliation of any kind against any individual who reports a concern in good faith under this policy. Retaliation includes but is not limited to termination, demotion, exclusion from volunteer activities, harassment, or any other adverse action. Any individual found to have retaliated against a reporter will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including removal from their role with CPR.

Investigation Process

Upon receiving a report, CPR leadership or the board will:

• Acknowledge receipt of the report within a reasonable timeframe

• Conduct a prompt, fair, and thorough investigation

• Take appropriate corrective action if a violation is confirmed

• Communicate the outcome to the reporting individual where appropriate and legally permissible

False Reports

This policy is not intended to be used for personal grievances or bad-faith accusations. Individuals who knowingly make false reports may be subject to disciplinary action.

Animal Welfare Standard

Because our mission is the protection and placement of animals, any report involving the mistreatment, neglect, or endangerment of an animal in CPR's care will be treated as a priority matter and investigated immediately.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the CPR board and updated as needed to reflect changes in law or organizational practice.