CEO of eastern Ontario cat rescue facing fraud charges

The chief executive officer of a well-known eastern Ontario cat rescue is facing fraud charges.

Ontario Provincial Police said an investigation was launched in October 2024 after receiving complaints about the wellbeing of cats under the care of Eastern Ontario Cats.

Police said there were also complaints about “irregularities related to donations and expenses.”

CTV News Ottawa reported in October that former volunteers had raised concerns about the care of animals, financial irregularities and the misuse of donations by Eastern Ontario Cats.

On Wednesday, Johanna Cake, 33, of Rideau Lakes Township was charged with two counts of fraud over $5,000, and one count each of fraud over $5,000, possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime, and obtaining by false pretense-over.

Cake is the CEO of Eastern Ontario Cats.

She is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Brockville on May 30.

• ‘I regret leaving my cat there’: Eastern Ontario cat rescue under investigation, allegations of abuse, neglect

Animal Welfare Services also conducted an investigation into Eastern Ontario Cats.

“Animal Welfare Services can confirm that the investigation into this matter was recently closed and there is no further action planned at this time,” the Ministry of the Solicitor General said in a statement to CTV News Ottawa’s Katelyn Wilson.