By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A SECOND case of Geelong Animal Welfare Society “rehoming” a pet still subject to an ownership dispute has emerged.
The new case, involving a dog, has been referred to a City of Greater Geelong investigation.
Melbourne’s Brendan Andrew said he left Maltese terrier Bolte with family in Ocean Grove while recovering from a leg operation.
But Bolte was surrendered to GAWS after a family dispute.
Mr Andrew said he was told his dog would be euthanised within days, so he drove back to Geelong to claim Bolte from GAWS.
“But they refused to give him back,” Mr Andrew said.
“It turns out the microchip in the dog was changed without my knowledge or permission and GAWS claims that because the dog was surrendered they won’t give him back to me.
“I’ve explained the situation to them many times and provided veterinary proof of ownership but I just get blocked at every turn.”
Mr Andrew obtained legal representation, only to discover Bolte had been moved to Melbourne Animal Rescue (MAR).
But MAR refused to participate in court-ordered mediation, he said.
Mr Andrew’s legal representatives have issued a demand to MAR for all information on the rehoming of the dog.
The case followed an Independent report two weeks ago about GAWS refusing to return a Corio woman’s rare cat and giving it to new owners.
GAWS sold purebred ragdoll Sirus despite owner Lindall Gill producing photographic evidence of her ownership.
Ms Gill said that after he went missing she saw Sirus on a GAWS Facebook post offering him for adoption and went to the Pt Henry Rd facility to claim her cat.
Ms Gill visually identified Sirus but GAWS staff claimed they had information the cat had been stolen and refused to release him, she said.
Both disputes emerged as the latest GAWS financial reports show the society faces a $486,000 black hole.
The deficit follows a $261,000 GAWS loss in 2013.
GAWS blamed increasing administration expenses and payments to suppliers and employees, along with falling receipts from customers, for the latest loss.
The 2014 GAWS financial report also showed that spending on legal fees jumped from $9598 in 2013 to $68,354 last year.
