Swiss Animal Protection sends controversial president into the desert
Published: Saturday, Jan 27th 2024, 22:02
Updated At: Saturday, Jan 27th 2024, 22:02
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The delegates of Swiss Animal Protection (STS) voted President Nicole Ruch out of office at their meeting in Olten on Saturday. Ruch regrets the decision of the sections, as she announced in the evening. This was preceded by serious internal disputes.
After two years as president, she accepts the delegates' decision, according to a statement from Ruch, who works as a banker. She continues to support the organization. The values and commitment to animal welfare should once again be at the forefront. She has already denied the accusations against her several times.
The deselection was preceded by a long power struggle and internal squabbles. A month ago, the certification body for non-profit organizations (Zewo) put the icing on the cake for the time being: it placed the STS on its blacklist and advised against donations. Zewo criticized a lack of transparency, a lack of internal controls and other points. This is a serious blow for the STS, which is financed by donations.
Following a criminal complaint by two Board members who were later suspended by the Board of Directors due to a lack of loyalty, the public prosecutor's office is investigating. The charges include mismanagement, questionable real estate transactions, misappropriated funds and excessive expense allowances.
Animal Protection Switzerland had not made a statement by the evening. The media were excluded from the delegates' meeting. At the request of the Keystone-SDA news agency, STS media office manager Simon Hubacher said that he would not provide any information and referred to a communiqué.
©Keystone/SDA
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