AN ANIMAL rescue charity boss who pocketed nearly £55,000 of his organisation’s funds has been warned he could face jail.

Former chairman Roderick Schmidt, of Ringstead Bay near Weymouth, plundered Vigil German Shepherd Dog (GSD) Rescue’s accounts for months, a court heard.

The thousands he took would have paid for pricey veterinary and kennel bills for abandoned and ill-treated German Shepherds.

Other trustees were forced to fork out for debts out of their own money to keep the charity afloat.

Schmidt, 41, was told custody was a real possibility after admitting 18 charges of defrauding the organisation.

Shocked animal charity leaders in Dorset have condemned his actions – labelling them ‘disgusting’.

Prosecutor Alexia Durran told Guildford Crown Court Schmidt had held various roles with Vigil GSD Rescue before becoming chairman.

He used his position of responsibility to help himself to £54,746 between May and November 2008, she said.

A charity spokesman said Schmidt was caught after discrepancies emerged in the accounts.

He said: “Nobody knew where the money had gone, and he wasn’t talking to us.

“As trustees we felt we had no option, we had to call the police. They were very helpful and took quick, decisive action.”

The Vigil GSD Rescue spokesman said Schmidt’s withdrawals left the charity struggling with bills.

“We had cheques bouncing,” he said.

“Trustees had to pay for balances out of their own accounts.

“He did return the money after we involved the police.

“It’s pretty much business as usual for the charity now.”

Charity bosses believe Schmidt, who is married with children, took the money to support his wife’s business.

“We don’t believe he intended to keep the money permanently,” the spokesman added.

“I’d be disappointed if he did get a jail sentence.”

Schmidt was remanded on bail until April 30 for pre-sentence reports to be prepared.

Judge Christopher Critchlow, presiding at Guildford Crown Court, warned him: “All sentencing options are to be considered.”

Myra Moyse, chairman at Weymouth and Portland Animal Welfare Society, expressed her dismay at the case.

“It’s very sad that anybody can do such a thing, whether it’s an animal charity or any other charity,” she said.

“As a chairman people are putting their trust in you. It’s a very big responsibility, and one I take very seriously.

“It’s such a shame that someone in that position can abuse that trust in that way.”

Cindi McNeil, from Rushton Dog Rescue in Weymouth, said: “I think it’s absolutely disgusting. He’s obviously not a real animal lover.

“Chairman is a position of trust and to go and do what he has done is as bad as robbing from children.

“Every penny counts for organisations like us. All those dogs are obviously really in need.”