Because of the dispute about the president: the Swiss animal protection organization is in danger of no longer taking action

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Voluntary dismissal was never an option for Nicole Ruch (55). The chairman of the Swiss Animal Protection Agency (STS) has come under heavy criticism – including questionable real estate transactions, exorbitant spending and accusations of embezzled donations. Certification body Zewo therefore advises against donations to the STS.

Now Ruch could be forced to leave. A test of strength will take place on January 27 during the extraordinary delegation meeting in Olten SO. Several sections are calling for the president’s impeachment.

Blick has received an application from the Basel Animal Protection Agency (TBB). This not only requires Ruch’s resignation, but also a complete renewal of the board.

“Trust is broken”

In the application, Basel Animal Protection speaks of a “disastrous situation” in which the STS finds itself. “Confidence in animal protection has been destroyed. “Within a week, six people left the TBB and donations dropped by 15 to 20 percent,” says Beatrice Kirn (65), director of the Basel Animal Welfare Association. “The damage is enormous.” The only way to restore trust is to start all over again, according to the conditions they mentioned.

In concrete terms, a search committee will be set up to put together a new management committee and a new board by the summer. Their election will be decided at a new extraordinary meeting of deputies at the end of August. To lead the search committee, the Basel section brought in Lukas Berger (61), who until recently headed the animal protection legal department and defended himself internally against Ruch’s practices.

“Team Neubeginn” in the starting blocks

The Basel section nominates current STS vice president Piero Mazzoleni (72) as interim president. Former board member Lolita Morena (63), known to many as former Miss Switzerland, and the two suspended board members, agricultural engineer Michel Roux (67) and SP state councilor Martina Munz (68), are also scheduled for the ‘New Starting team”. The latter two filed criminal complaints against Ruch and other board members last year.

The foundation is under pressure to take action. Former animal protection in-house lawyer Berger points out in a letter to delegates that the foundation currently does not have the legal authority to make decisions. Since January 1, the terms of six of the ten remaining board members have expired. According to the articles of association, the board needs at least seven members.

Animal protection has to deal with legal consequences. Sections, but also the trade register, can submit a request to the court to appoint an administrator who will temporarily manage the foundation.

President Ruch stands on her hind legs

The STS under President Ruch is now defending itself against any criticism. Zewo accuses her of, among other things, a lack of transparency. In a press release, the Animal Protection Society now announces that from 2024 it will introduce “more modern and detailed annual accounts” that are “even better” in line with general standards. In addition, the management of STS’s real estate portfolio will be outsourced to a new company, it is said.

When asked by Blick on Thursday evening, Nicole Ruch said: “Martina Munz, Michel Roux and Lukas Berger have damaged the STS in recent months with their negative propaganda in the media.” On the other hand, the central board has taken major steps in recent months in the field of professionalism and transparency and has reorganized the board. From 2024, there will be more modern and detailed annual accounts, including a budget process and a complete internal control system ICS, which will be even more in line with the general standards for non-profit organizations.

Are the announced changes enough for the delegates? At least not for the animal protection in Basel.

Source:Blick