Birmingham Dogs' Home Employee Arrested On Suspicion Of Theft

15 November 2016, 18:42 | Updated: 16 November 2016, 19:59

An employee at Birmingham Dogs' Home has been questioned on suspicion of stealing from the charity.

Chief Executive Simon Price was arrested and has since been bailed by police after Birmingham Dogs' Home discovered "a financial irregularity'' in its accounts.

The charity confirmed an undisclosed amount of cash had been stolen but the figure is believed to run to thousands of pounds.

John Wheatley, the charity's chairman, said the home's staff and volunteers were in shock at the news but that "no account information has been jeopardised''.

He said:"I would like to assure everybody that the well-being of the dogs that our wonderful staff care for remains top priority and will not be affected by this awful crime.

"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 advisers to ensure something like this won't happen again.

Mr Wheatley added: "I am also hopeful that we can recover the stolen funds and return them to their original purpose of rescuing, caring for and rehoming abandoned dogs.''

West Midlands Police confirmed a 52-year-old man from Solihull, West Midlands, was arrested and later bailed on suspicion of theft.

A spokesman for the Charity Commission spokesman said it was aware that a person linked to Birmingham Dogs' Home had been arrested.

He added: "The Commission is liaising with the police and assessing the information provided before deciding the appropriate regulatory action to take.''

The dogs home, which was founded in 1892, operates at sites in Birmingham and Wolverhampton, in the West Midlands.

The charity is funded through donations from the public, and handles hundreds of strays each year.

*Clarification and Apology - On 15th November Capital wrongly stated on air that John Wheatley had been arrested.  We would like to apologise for distress caused.