Summary
The Charity Commission for England and Wales reported an animal charity, Drone to Home, to the police due to concerns about possible criminal activity. Allegations include exaggerating the number of dogs it found to increase donations, along with intimidation claims against its founder, Phil James. The charity announced plans to close following these allegations.
Key Facts
- Drone to Home is an animal charity founded by Phil James, a former police officer, in 2022.
- The Charity Commission reported the charity to the police, suspecting potential criminal activity.
- Volunteers accused the charity of overstating the number of dogs it reunited with owners.
- Phil James allegedly intimidated women by filming them, and some volunteers felt misled by the charity's Facebook posts.
- The charity announced it would close after the BBC contacted them about the allegations.
- The Charity Commission started an initial investigation but will not pursue the case further.
- The charity received over £157,000 in grants and donations in its third year.
- Phil James disputes the claims and threatened legal action against the BBC.
