A former SPCA worker has been awarded $29,000 in compensation and back pay

Jasmine De Groot worked at the animal welfare charity from 2017 to 2023, when she was dismissed for alleged serious misconduct.

Open Justice reports she took home a dog in a fostering arrangement, but it hadn't put on weight.

She says she left the dog in a neighbours' care while on leave and other dogs may have taken its food.

A restructuring also resulted in her being unable to access her computer, meaning she wasn't able to record flea and worm treatments, one of which prolonged a dog's recovery and pain.

The Employment Relations Authority ruled the SPCA didn't fully and fairly investigate the allegations, nor properly raise concerns before dismissing her.