A Mornington Peninsula based dog rescue has been left reeling after its now former treasurer allegedly embezzled a significant portion of the organisation’s funds — leaving the group almost bankrupt and unable to cover urgent medical costs for the dogs in its care.
Speaking to STPL News, founder and president of Mornington Peninsula Dog Rescue Incorporated (MPDRI), Erin Shaw described the devastating moment the financial discrepancies came to light.
“We were horrified… we found out we were $15,000 in debt to our vets and we had no knowledge about it. The vets refused to see us. We just felt sick.”
The volunteer-run rescue was reduced to just $20 in the bank, with more than 30 large-breed dogs care and some needing urgent veterinary attention, including several requiring surgery.
The individual in question had only served as treasurer for four months. Erin confirmed the woman has since been arrested and is now a matter for the courts, but said efforts to recover funds have been blocked due to the lack of assets and ineffective bank procedures.
“We clicked on the transactions and saw the same BSB and account number for what should’ve been two different recipients. We just knew something was wrong.”
Erin said Bendigo Bank’s handling of the situation only added to the trauma.
“They took three weeks to run a trace, then told us they couldn’t give us any names due to privacy. Their processes were appalling — they held everything up. We felt completely let down.”
Despite the betrayal, the rescue says the community’s response has been nothing short of extraordinary. After publicly revealing the alleged embezzlement, more than $12,000 in donations flowed in within 24 hours.
“We are simply blown away. People rang, messaged, donated, and just checked in to see if we were okay. We wouldn’t be here today without them.”
Because it’s now a legal matter, Shaw said she can’t share any more details about the case or the person involved but is thankful for the support of the community.
The group will hold an Adoption Day on 31 May at PetO Mornington (corner of Bungower and Point Nepean Roads), from 10am to 2pm. A number of family-friendly, large-breed dogs will be available to meet potential adopters and raise much needed funds to continue.
“We’re just a small rescue trying to help the ones others overlook. Someone came along and tried to destroy that — but the community is helping us rebuild.”
To donate or learn more, visit the MP Dog Rescue website.
It’s deeply disappointing that a thief chose a not for profit rescue group that works on a shoestring as their target.
The bulk of companion animal life saving in Australia is done by generous volunteers relying on donations to save the lives of animals in peril.
Best of luck to The Mornington Peninsula Dog Rescue. ???
My heart goes out to you all, humans & four legged furkids.
I look forward to donating and spreading this story so hopefully they’ll be a few more donations.
You guys are Angels ? ?
What a scumbag person to do this.