Zero Tolerance Abuse Policy

Mikey’s Dog Rescue is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all staff, volunteers, foster carers, and anyone acting on behalf of the organisation. We operate a zero tolerance policy towards any form of abuse.

1. Purpose

This policy exists to protect the wellbeing, dignity, and safety of everyone connected to Mikey’s Dog Rescue and to ensure that no one is subjected to threatening, abusive, or inappropriate behaviour while carrying out their role.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • Foster carers
  • Volunteers
  • Staff
  • Board members
  • Third party organisations working on behalf of Mikey's Dog Rescue
  • Anyone representing Mikey’s Dog Rescue
  • Members of the public interacting with our organisation

3. What We Class as Abuse

MDR will not tolerate any form of:

  • Verbal abuse (shouting, insults, swearing, intimidation)
  • Written or online abuse (emails, texts, comments, social media posts)
  • Physical aggression or threats of harm
  • Harassment or bullying
  • Discriminatory, hateful, or derogatory language
  • Intimidation, coercion, or unreasonable demands
  • Behaviour intended to cause distress, fear, or humiliation

4. Our Commitment

Mikey’s Dog Rescue will:

  • Protect staff, volunteers, and fosters from abusive behaviour
  • Remove individuals from premises or online spaces if behaviour becomes abusive
  • End communication with anyone behaving aggressively or inappropriately
  • Report serious incidents to the police if necessary
  • Withdraw services or support, including adoption or fostering applications, if abuse occurs

5. Reporting Abuse

Anyone who experiences or witnesses abusive behaviour must report it to a senior member of the team as soon as possible. All reports will be treated confidentially and taken seriously.

6. Actions We May Take

Depending on the severity of the incident, MDR may:

  • Issue a warning
  • End communication or contact
  • Block or remove individuals from social media or events
  • Decline or cancel adoption or foster applications
  • Withdraw access to support and services
  • Involve law enforcement

7. Support for Those Affected

We are committed to supporting any team member or foster affected by abuse and will take steps to ensure their safety and wellbeing.