Rules of the association

Article 1
The association is called “Samtök um dýravelferð á Íslandi,” abbreviated SDÍ (English “Animal Welfare Iceland,” abbreviated AWI), and its registration domicile is in Reykjavík.

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Article 2  
The purpose of the association is to work towards improved animal welfare and to safeguard their rights.  
The association has no commercial operations and is solely a voluntary organization.

 

Article 3
The aim of the association is to achieve through:  
• Providing education and information dissemination about animal welfare, both in Icelandic and English.  
• Actively participating in discussions about animal issues in the media and among public authorities.  
• Collaborating with international organizations dedicated to animal welfare.  
• Encouraging and establishing regular cooperation between organizations involved in animal welfare to strengthen their collective capacity on the issue.

 

Article 4
Membership is open to all individuals and registered organizations who wish to work for the welfare and rights of animals in accordance with the purpose of the association as defined in these statutes. Voting and proposal rights at meetings are granted to registered members who have paid the annual membership fee. Members gain voting rights after one year of membership. Each member has one vote and may not transfer it to another. It is permissible to exclude a person from the organization if they have committed a violation of animal welfare laws.

 

Article 5
The association's fiscal year is the calendar year. At the annual general meeting, the board shall present an overview of the year's activities.

 

Article 6
The agenda for the annual general meeting shall be as follows:  
• Election of chairperson and secretary.  
• The board’s report.  
• Presentation and approval of financial statements.  
• Amendments to the statutes.  
• Determination of membership fee.  
• Election of the board.  
• Other matters.

The annual general meeting shall be held no later than May 1st each year and must be announced at least four weeks in advance. The general meeting is considered valid if the notice has been properly given. A simple majority of valid members present at the meeting shall decide all matters unless otherwise stipulated in the statutes. Proposals for amendments to the statutes must be submitted to the board formally at least three weeks before the scheduled general meeting. Amendments require approval by a two-thirds majority of votes cast.

 

Article 7
The association’s board shall consist of five members: a chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary, treasurer, and one additional member. Board elections shall take place at the annual general meeting when the year is an even number. Five board members shall be elected, and their votes shall determine the top five in the board. It is permissible to present a list, which shall consist of five individuals. After the election, the board shall divide the roles among themselves, electing a chairperson, treasurer, vice-chairperson, and secretary. Two auditors shall be elected to review the finances. The chairperson calls meetings; the minutes are kept by the majority of the board. If one-third of the members express a wish for an extraordinary general meeting, the board is obliged to call such a meeting, and the board can also convene an extraordinary meeting if deemed necessary, under the same rules as for the annual general meeting. Elections via electronic means are permitted at meetings, with the board ensuring proper implementation. The procedures for remote participation must be specified in the meeting notice.

 

Article 8
Decisions regarding the amount of membership fees shall be made at the annual general meeting. The board shall keep a register of members containing the necessary information for calling members to meetings. Notices of meetings, including the annual and other event notices, shall be sent electronically to members.

 

Article 9
Membership fees and the association’s funds shall be used for projects that align with its purpose and goals. According to the rules regarding the annual general meeting, the board shall report on the main activities of the association and submit larger decisions for voting by the members present. The organization may also seek funds for specific projects.

 

Article 10
Decisions on the dissolution of the association shall be made at the annual general meeting by a two-thirds majority vote, and its assets shall be allocated to causes in support of animal welfare in Iceland.