The foundation has issued a statement in relation to the decision it respects the ACNC and its role in supporting the charity sector.

“Pets Haven has complied fully with financial record keeping requirement by ACNC and diligently submitted audited Annual Information Statement annually,” the statement reads.

“Pets Haven is appealing the decision by ACNC and we are willing to submit ourselves to any reasonable voluntary undertaking with ACNC to address any concerns raised by ACNC.

“Given that the issues highlighted related mostly to the infancy stages of our establishment dated back to 2012, we are confident that the current processes will satisfy the requirements of ACNC in regards to maintaining public trust and confidence.”

The statement said Pets Haven will continue to operate as a not-for-profit organisation.

“We will continue our efforts in animal rescue and rehoming,” the statement reads.

“We are confident that our current governance processes will put us in a positive light with ACNC and our charity status will be reinstated on that merit.”

EARLIER: The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission has revoked the charity status of Pets Haven Foundation Limited.

ACNC commissioner said the Woodend-based foundation – also known as Pets Haven Animal Shelter – has been involved in serious misconduct.

“Pets Haven Foundation has abused their position as a trusted charity in the community," Dr Johns said.

“Revocation is the most serious action we can take when a charity has been mismanaged.

“In most cases we are able to resolve issues with charities without reaching this stage. However, in this instance, we have been left with no choice but to revoke Pets Haven Foundation’s charity status.”

The misconduct is in relation to the governance of the foundation and not the welfare of animals.

“The ACNC’s jurisdiction covers the governance of a charity and obligations outlined in the ACNC Act. Any decision made by the ACNC to revoke an organisation’s charity registration is based on issues with its governance or management, as per the parameters in the ACNC Act,” an ACNC spokesperson said.

“Secrecy provisions in the ACNC Act do not allow for any further detail about the findings of the investigation to be released.

“Depending on the nature of a complaint, issues specifically about the treatment of animals may be addressed by local government, the RSPCA or Victoria Police.”

Organisations that have their charity status revoked by the ACNC cannot access Commonwealth charity tax concessions, including Deductible Gift Recipient status and Income Tax Exemption. Organisations that have been revoked also must not display the ACNC’s Tick of Charity Registration.

All registered charities must meet the ACNC Governance Standards, which are a set of minimum standards that require charities to operate lawfully and be run responsibly.

Dr Johns said the ACNC’s approach to regulating charities begins with education and support to help charities to comply with their obligations.

“When we take regulatory action, we carefully consider both the necessity of the action and the risks to involved parties, and ensure the action that we take is proportionate,” Dr Johns said.

Pets Haven Foundation Limited has 60 days to object to the ACNC’s revocation decision.