Warning to donors: doubts about Save the Dogs BiH and Bruno Jelović

The original reference to Save the Dogs BiH and Bruno Jelović was deleted by the group’s admin on the grounds that it was alleged “defamation”. Before you say such a heavy word, you should first check the facts.

Because this is obviously not something that is desired everywhere, here is a detailed compilation of publicly available information so that everyone can form their own opinion.

All sources at the end

This text is not a condemnation, but a collection of information, contradictions and open questions that are important for donors.

1. Self-representation vs. official registration – a clear contradiction

Since around 2018/2019, Save the Dogs BiH has appeared externally as an already established project/association that: • actively collects donations, • presents itself as a structured organization, • gives the impression that it is a established, non-profit animal protection organization.

At the same time, a look at the Swiss commercial register shows: • The “SAVE THE DOGS” association based in Buchs (AG) • UID: CHE-333.506.087 • was only officially entered in the commercial register on June 13, 2025.

This means that there are several years between the time when donations were solicited under the name “Save the Dogs” and the association’s formal registration. During this time, donations were already being collected without it being clear to outsiders: • who is legally responsible, • exactly what legal form the organization takes, • how the funds are recorded and controlled in the accounts.

1. Appearing as a “non-profit organization” on donation platforms

On fundraising platforms such as GoFundMe, SaveTheDogsBiH is explicitly described as a “non-profit organization in Bosnia”. This is literally in the campaign description.

This creates a clear impression for donors: • It is a non-profit, • somehow officially recognized organization, • which is subject to certain standards and controls.

At the same time: • no publicly visible evidence of a state-recognized non-profit organization can be found (neither in Switzerland nor in Bosnia), • several donors report that, despite asking, they have not received any donation receipts that could be used, for example, for tax returns.

This is at least unusual for an organization that publicly presents itself as a “non-profit” and should set alarm bells ringing for donors.

1. Lack of transparency regarding finances and use of funds

Anyone who turns to the public and asks for donations bears responsibility. This usually includes: • publication of annual reports or at least basic financial overviews, • documented project reports, • ideally independent audits or at least comprehensible accountability reports.

In the case of Save the Dogs BiH / SAVE THE DOGS (Switzerland) there are so far: • no public financial reports, • no audited annual financial statements, • no independent audit reports

easily accessible or clearly referenced.

The lack of such transparency instruments is a massive problem, especially when large sums of money are repeatedly collected for construction projects, ranches, feed costs or veterinary costs.

1. Dealing with criticism: deleting instead of replying

Particularly worrying is the way in which critical inquiries and information are handled: • Posts that refer to commercial register data, donation platforms, or media reports • are deleted, • and summarily dismissed with the keyword “defamation”.

The fact is: • A reference to publicly viewable register entries, • a quote from a GoFundMe page, • or a reference to the date of a club entry

is not defamation per se, but rather the reproduction of facts or verifiable statements.

Anyone who deletes criticism simply because it is uncomfortable and prefers to use the term “slander” instead of answering objectively shows one thing above all: a lack of willingness to be transparent.

A serious, clean-working organization would: • Take questions seriously, • Present documents, • Explain processes – instead of silencing criticism.

1. Why this is so important for donors

Many people donate out of compassion – especially when it comes to animals in need. This is exactly why it is so important that: • Structures are clear, • Finances are understandable and • Responsibilities are clear.

Otherwise, exactly what is visible here will happen: • beautiful pictures and emotional stories, • but hardly any reliable, verifiable facts in the background.

If over the years: • donations are collected, • a quasi-“non-profit” external image is maintained, • but neither formal structures nor verified reports are openly on the table,

then extreme caution is required.

Saying this is not “hatred”, not “envy” and not “slander” – it is simply responsible skepticism.

1. Concrete recommendations for donors

If you still want to donate or get your own opinion, you should at least do the following: 1. Request official documents • Statutes of the association • If necessary, audit reports / audited annual financial statements • Evidence of a recognized non-profit organization 2. Ask targeted questions • How many donations have been collected in the last few years? • How exactly were they used (projects, amounts, time course)? • Is there external control (trustees, auditors, authorities)? 3. Pay attention to reactions • Are questions answered objectively? • Are numbers disclosed? • Or are you portrayed as a “hater”, “envious person” or “slanderer”? 4. Don’t donate if transparency is denied An organization that operates reputably has no problem with accountability.

1. Summary / Conclusion • Save the Dogs BiH and the Swiss association SAVE THE DOGS have been acting like an established, non-profit organization for years. • However, the Swiss club was not officially registered until 2025. • There are no easily accessible, detailed financial or audit reports to understand how donations are handled. • GoFundMe explicitly refers to a “non-profit organization,” while a clear, state-recognized non-profit status is not publicly documented. • Criticism and questions are sometimes deleted and dismissed as “slander” instead of being answered transparently.

As long as these points are not clarified, donors should look very carefully and rather ask too much than donate too quickly.

Sources • Commercial register extract from the Canton of Aargau (CHE-333.506.087)
https://ag.chregister.ch/cr-portal/auszug/auszug.xhtml?uid=CHE-333.506.087
• Northdata-Eintrag SAVE THE DOGS
https://www.northdata.com/SAVE%20THE%20DOGS,%20Buchs/CHE-333.506.087
• Moneyhouse-Eintrag SAVE THE DOGS
https://www.moneyhouse.ch/de/company/save-the-dogs-5679064571
• GoFundMe campaign “Construction for a new ranch”
https://www.gofundme.com/f/bau-fur-neue-ranch
• Blick articles
https://www.blick.ch/schweiz/tierischer-aerger-bodybuilder-veraergert-hundefans-id20285195.html
• SonntagsBlick / PressReader
https://www.pressreader.com/switzerland/sonntags-blick/20241103/281681145384570
• Freiburger Nachrichten
https://freiburger-nachrichten.ch/story/233752/vom-bodybuilder-zum-hundepaten
• Reddit discussion
https://www.reddit.com/r/bih/comments/1br40rm/save_the_dogs_organizacija/