Pets Haven rescue group banned from calling itself a registered charity amid misconduct probe

AN animal rescue group, accused of having “abused its position as a trusted charity”, is threatening to take action, referring “trolling” comments to lawyers.

AN animal welfare organisation stripped of its right to call itself a registered charity says it has contacted lawyers to take action about “defamation” in the wake of the scandal.

The Pets Haven Foundation in Woodend says it has been the subject of inaccurate comments and assumptions.

It comes following an independent probe into financial mismanagement found the organisation had “abused its position as a trusted charity”.

The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission announced on Wednesday it was revoking Pets Haven’s charity status, calling into question the future of the pet rescue and rehoming group.

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Pets Haven had been crying poor late last year, calling for donations, and one of its Melbourne community veterinary clinic and shelters was on the brink of collapse.

Pets Haven Foundation had its charity status revoked. Picture: Eugene Hyland

In a statement posted to its Facebook page on Thursday, Pets Haven stressed it would be appealing the ACNC’s decision and was referring “trolling” comments to lawyers.

“The last 24 hours have been a little overwhelming,” the organisation posted.

“People must remember that there are numerous dedicated human beings that operate and save thousands of lives at Pets Haven. These people are hurting terribly, not to mention their young families, and we ask that you reserve your opinions and judgments.

“The last thing that animals seeking rescue, veterinary care and rehoming need is for people at Pets Haven to fall apart. The Facebook defamation and trolling posts are certainly taking their toll.”

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Pets Haven continues to call for donations and is still advertising for pets which need new homes.

While it is no longer considered a registered charity, the organisation is still allowed to take donations and continue to operate its welfare and adoption services.

It cannot claim Commonwealth charity tax concessions, including Deductible Gift Recipient status and Income Tax Exemption, and must not display the ACNC’s Tick of Charity Registration.

The ACNC’s Commissioner ruled Pets Haven’s charity status was ineligible, back-dated to 2012.

As the national regulator for charities, the ACNC may revoke a charity registration on a number of grounds, including if an organisation is found to be diverting money for non-charitable purposes, if it has not disclosed conflicts of interest or if it is found to be grossly negligent with money.

Pets Haven has 60 days to challenge the revocation decision.

Commissioner Dr Gary Johns said: “Pets Haven Foundation has abused their position as a trusted charity in the community.”

“Revocation is the most serious action we can take when a charity has been mismanaged.

“In most cases, we are able to resolve issues with charities without reaching this stage.

“However, in this instance, we have been left with no choice.”

Pets Haven General Manager Keith Chua said the foundation believed the commission had a role to play “without overburdening any charity with record-keeping requirements”.

Pets Haven says the ACNC’s concerns relate to its “infancy stage” early days in 2012.

“Pets Haven Foundation respects and acknowledges the decision ...(we have) complied fully with financial record keeping requirement by ACNC and diligently submitted audited Annual Information Statement annually,” Mr Chua said.

He said the commission’s concerns related mostly to the charity’s “infancy stage” in 2012.

“We are confident that the current processes will satisfy the requirements of ACNC in regards to maintaining public trust and confidence,” he said.

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“We ask that you please continue to support us in good faith in animal rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming ... your support is critical.”

The ACNC said that due to privacy restrictions it was prevented from revealing the specific nature of the misconduct at the centre of its investigation.

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