In October 2014, the Board of Directors for Better Days Animal League (BDAL) notified the public that, as of August 2014, they had taken control over the daily operations of the shelter, which had previously been the responsibility of Dennis Bumbaugh, the CEO/owner of BDAL. This management change was initiated after financial irregularities were discovered during a review of shelter finances by the Board of Directors. After further investigation, it was discovered that Dennis Bumbaugh and several co-conspirators had been misappropriating shelter funds. Upon this discovery, the Board of Directors removed Dennis Bumbaugh from his position, and all aspects of shelter administration and operations, including all financial responsibilities, were assumed by the Board of Directors. Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, the reasons for the management change could not be made public at that time.
On February 20, 2015, the Pennsylvania State Police filed charges of theft by unlawful taking, theft by deception, theft by failure to make required disposition of funds received, corrupt organization, records to be kept by charitable organizations, limitation on activities of charitable organizations, solicitation of funds for charitable purposes, and conspiracy, against Dennis Bumbaugh, Rashel Bumbaugh, and Daniel McCormick for the crimes they committed against BDAL.
Immediately upon discovery of the misappropriated funds, BDAL made prompt reports to the Pennsylvania State Police and Pennsylvania Department of State and has continued to cooperate fully with this investigation.
When Dennis Bumbaugh established BDAL, he structured the organization in such a manner that enabled him to have total control over all aspects of shelter operations, including shelter finances. The investigation, which included a forensic audit conducted by the Pennsylvania Department of State, revealed that the trio stole in excess of $25,000 of shelter funds for their personal use, to include supporting their drug habits.
Although these digressions have resulted in the closure of multiple thrift stores, which had been BDAL’s primary source of income, and the foreclosure of the Shippensburg BDAL property, which had previously served as the headquarters of BDAL operations, BDAL has continued to operate our Chambersburg shelter and our Chambersburg and Fort Loudon thrift stores. We continue our mission to be the voice of the voiceless. We continue to be in need of homes for our animals and reliable volunteers to assist at the shelter, thrift stores, and with fundraising efforts.
We ask for the public’s continued support, which is needed to continue the mission of caring for the homeless, neglected, and abused animals. Visit our website, www.betterdaysanimalleague.org, to learn about our organization and upcoming fundraisers, make a donation, and view our adoptable cats and dogs. Our mailing address is PO Box 57, Shippensburg, PA 17257 and telephone number is 717-217-9819.