Vegas Pet Rescue Project Founder Launches Countersuit Over “Mistaken” Spending

The embattled founder of one of Las Vegas’s best-known animal rescues has filed a dramatic countersuit, claiming the board that ousted her has no authority and that disputed charges were either legitimate expenses or honest mistakes.

Jamie Gregory, founder of the Vegas Pet Rescue Project (VPRP), launched her legal counterattack on November 4, 2025, less than a week after the board accused her of theft and embezzlement in a scathing October 29 filing. Gregory insists the charges stem from confusion rather than misconduct — a claim the board flatly denies — and that she remains the organization’s rightful leader.

Gregory Pushes Back

In her countersuit, Gregory challenges the legitimacy of the board itself, calling it “illegally constituted” and asserting that she alone holds control over VPRP’s finances and direction. However, that argument suffered a swift blow in court.

During an emergency hearing on November 7, a Clark County judge rejected Gregory’s claims — at least temporarily — affirming the board’s authority and granting it control over the rescue’s funds. The ruling effectively locked Gregory out of VPRP’s bank accounts while the case proceeds. The courtroom clash marks a stunning turn for an organization once celebrated as a cornerstone of Southern Nevada’s no-kill rescue movement.

Defense of Questioned Expenses

At the heart of the case are thousands of dollars in credit card charges the board alleges Gregory misused. Gregory categorizes the transactions into two types: legitimate work expenses and accidental personal charges she says she will repay.

She defends costs for gas, travel, her cell phone, and even her Ring doorbell subscription as business-related — the latter, she says, was used to monitor “VPRP items stored at her residence.” Gregory argues her travel expenses were incurred while transporting animals or meeting with fosters, not for personal leisure.

As for the other charges, Gregory admits she “may have accidentally used the wrong card” for personal purchases. She claims her mother, who struggles with mental health issues, also made unauthorized Amazon and Prime Video purchases under her name. Gregory says she plans to reimburse all such costs.

The Disney Trips Under Scrutiny

The most controversial expenses center on Disney trips that have now become key evidence in the board’s case.

Text messages show that in July 2023, a donor gave Disneyland tickets to VPRP for a charity raffle. When the donor later asked for proof of the raffle, Gregory said it had occurred — only for photos to later emerge of her at Disneyland.

In a message obtained by investigators, Gregory admitted she wasn’t sure what happened to the raffle item, writing, “I thought it was used. I am not perfect and we do have a lot going on at all times.” She added that she “goes to Disneyland often.”

The board’s filing also cites a separate April 2025 Disney World trip in Florida, claiming VPRP’s account was used for personal meals and gas. Gregory concedes she mistakenly used the organization’s card to buy $741.64 in park tickets but insists she intended to reimburse the expense during tax season.

Board Response and Legal Fallout

The VPRP board sharply rejected Gregory’s explanations in a statement, saying: “The fact is, she is only now agreeing to repay the amounts because she got caught. These are not mistakes. This is a pattern of intentional behavior.”

The board has also filed a complaint with the Nevada Secretary of State seeking referral to the Attorney General’s office for criminal investigation. In the meantime, it has frozen the organization’s bank account — holding more than $200,000 — pending court instructions to ensure Gregory cannot access the funds.

Ripple Effects on Animal Care

As the courtroom drama unfolds, animal welfare advocates say the dispute is beginning to affect VPRP’s operations. Court filings suggest veterinary appointments have been canceled and that some dogs remain in limbo with fosters unsure who to report to.

Bryce Henderson, president of No Kill Las Vegas, voiced concern that the public feud is damaging trust within the rescue community. “A lot of people do have trouble understanding why this is happening,” he said. “They want their donations to go toward helping animals, not legal battles.”

Henderson acknowledged Gregory’s years of unpaid work and dedication but said any repeated misuse of funds would warrant “serious reconsideration.”

A Once-Respected Rescue in Turmoil

Founded eight years ago, Vegas Pet Rescue Project rose to prominence for its high-profile rescue cases, including Susie Q and Reba the bulldog — whose 2024 death from heatstroke led to the passage of Reba’s Law, strengthening Nevada’s animal cruelty penalties.

According to IRS records, VPRP raised nearly $500,000 in both 2022 and 2023 and currently oversees about 80 animals across foster homes and boarding facilities. Now, that legacy stands at risk as two sides — one founder, one board — battle for control of a rescue built to save lives but now mired in a bitter legal fight.

As of November 9, 2025, both cases remain pending, and no court findings have yet been made on the substantive financial allegations.