Birmingham Dogs Home boss arrested after £450k of donations ‘stolen’

The Chief Executive of Birmingham Dogs Home has been arrested after £450,000 of donations were allegedly stolen.

Simon Price, from Solihull, was arrested by West Midlands Police on Friday (11th November) on suspicion of theft. It’s understood the 52-year-old was arrested at Birmingham Airport on his return from Spain.

Trustees reportedly quizzed him in September after allegations that cash had gone missing, much of it left by dog lovers in their wills.

The charity said this morning that it was “bitterly disappointed” about the missing money and confirmed it had investigated a “financial irregularity” and called in police.

John Wheatley, Birmingham Dogs Home Chairman, said: “A suspect has been arrested and is on police bail. We are working closely with West Midlands Police in an attempt to recover the funds.

“Staff, patrons, trustees and other parties have been informed.

“I would like to assure everybody that the wellbeing of the dogs that our wonderful staff care for remains top priority and will not be affected.

“To our donors and benefactors, your generosity and support over the years has been vital and will remain so.

“No account information has been jeopardised and we are reviewing all of our systems with independent advisors to ensure something like this won’t happen again.

“I am also hopeful that we can recover the funds and return them to their original purpose of rescuing, caring for and rehoming abandoned dogs.”

Birmingham Dogs Home, founded in 1892, had £2.7million in donations and legacies last year – including one gift of £1million alone.

The charity helped re-home 3,356 dogs last year when Mr Price was hailed “the real hero” for overseeing a move to a new £5.5million site in Catherine-De-Barnes.

West Midlands Police has confirmed a man aged 52, from Solihull, had been arrested and bailed on suspicion of theft.

Read more: http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/birmingham-dogs-home-boss-arrested-12177618