New chapter for Animal Shelter as lifeline £500k Government loan paid off

Friday 09 April 2021

Jersey’s Animal Shelter has paid off a lifeline loan of £500,000 from Government, which was awarded as the charity fought to emerge from the financial ruin wrought by its now-jailed former CEO.

In December 2018, the JSPCA requested an 18-month loan of £500,000 to stabilise its financial position.

As first revealed by an Express investigation, by the beginning of 2018, the charity had racked up debts of nearly £1m, and was selling off assets and laying off staff to keep afloat.

Following this, in 2020, its former CEO, Major Stephen John Coleman, was jailed for seven years after embezzling over £405,000 from the charity to fund “extravagances” which included firearms and sports cars. 

Pictured: Financial reports seen by Express in 2018 showed immense financial difficulties for the charity.

Discussing the prosecution at the time, JSPCA President Charles Gruchy said Coleman’s actions had almost “destroyed” the charity. 

However, despite the challenges of covid-19, the charity met all of its interest payments on the Government's lifeline half-a-million loan last year and, by June 2020, had repaid 50% of it, with Treasury and Resources Minister Deputy Susie Pinel agreeing to extend the loan term until 20 June 2021. 

That remaining £250,000 has now been paid three months ahead of schedule.

Pictured: Last year, former JSPCA CEO Stephen John Coleman was jailed after embezzling over £405,000 from the charity.

“I was delighted to be able to assist the JSPCA when they approached me in 2018. Im pleased to have been able to play a part in stabilising the Society’s finances," Deputy Pinel said.

“Over the last two-and-a-half years, the new executive has demonstrated sound financial management, and continued to provide a vital service throughout the pandemic.” 

Debra D’Orleans, the JSPCA’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “The Society is very grateful for the support provided by the States at what was a very difficult time, and also for the Minister’s understanding in extending the loan term at the height of the uncertainty caused by the pandemic. 

“With the aid of the loan we’ve been able to continue to achieve our key priorities of preventing cruelty, educating islanders and providing shelter for abandoned animals.”