Catherine Laurent Accused of Fleecing Animal Lovers

PRESS RELEASE

PHOTOGRAPHER FLEECES ANIMAL LOVERS

During the last two weeks, a number of irregularities concerning the photographer, Catherine Laurent, have come to light. Many people who attended the recent Wet Nose Open Day, celebrating the opening of its new premises situated at Plot 75, Vaalbank, Kungwini on Saturday, 30 August 2008 have sent irate e-mails to the Wet Nose Animal Rescue Centre.

These e-mails have a universal theme and just keep on coming! Guests at the function paid Laurent to have photographs taken with their ‘adopted’ pet for the day. Wet Nose didn’t receive any money from her and the staff was unaware that she was charging people. No permission was granted by the Board of Directors for Laurent to take photographs of people walking their dogs nor to be charged for same.

Only when angry e-mails were received by Wet Nose staff, did it come to their attention that people had paid for photographs that they’d never received. A Wet Nose supporter alleges that the right to life organization was to receive a R10 donation from the R25 each photograph generated on the day, according to Laurent’s form.

A lady who won a raffle prize offered by Laurent at cat show is in an even worse position. Apparently she waited two months for the photographer to find the time to photograph the cats at her home. One of her cats is terminally ill and she is so desperate to receive her photographs that she has even offered to pay for them, without success. When a staff member called Catherine Laurent to try to assist Mrs. Breedt, he was met with foul invective.

Wet Nose management is appalled that its generous supporters have been fleeced and regret any association with Catherine Laurent. The board of directors extends a sincere apology to all those who paid Laurent in good faith and haven’t received their photos. Wet Nose lawyers have sent a letter to Laurent via the Sheriff of the Court instructing her to return all property immediately, as it is alleged she is using the Wet Nose name for her own personal gain. Fraud charges and damages are being sought.

ENDS

Wetnose Animal Rescue
WET NOSE ANIMAL RESCUE CENTRE
Postnet# 141, Private Bag X844, Silverton
0127
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Phone: 013 932 3941/2
Cell: 082 742 2522