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The Swiss Certification Body for Non-Profit Organizations (Zewo) advises against donations to the Swiss Animal Protection Foundation (STS). “We have been noticing animal welfare negatively for some time now due to a lack of transparency,” Zewo director Martina Ziegerer told CH Media newspapers.
That is why the foundation is now on the blacklist of organizations that are not considered reliable according to Zewo. In the assessment that Zewo published on its website at the end of November, Zewo mainly criticized the lack of transparency. The foundation does not publish an annual report or revised annual accounts. There is also no current activity report. Only outdated documents were received upon request.
Chairman criticized
The Swiss animal protection agency has never had a Zewo quality seal. Organizations that adhere to certain standards and are regularly audited receive these. Because the foundation has been in the news in recent months due to excessive expenditure, questionable real estate transactions, embezzlement of donations and internal disputes, Zewo has now subjected the animal protection organization to an assessment on its own initiative.
According to Zewo boss Ziegerer, the STS lacked an internal control system, invoice control or approval processes in the real estate sector. She also criticized the expense reimbursement of board members and the accumulation of power by President Nicole Ruch. The STS initially declined to comment when asked.
At the center of the criticism of the STS is its chairman Nicole Ruch. Board members who have since been suspended have filed criminal charges against Ruch, including for disloyal management. According to media reports, the full-time CS banker claimed expenses of up to R4,500 per month and did not clearly indicate what she actually spent the money on. Other board members are said to have charged up to 14,500 francs per month in expenses. There were internal calls for her resignation. But Ruch refuses to go. She vigorously defends herself against all allegations. (lha/SDA)
Source:Blick
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