A St. John’s woman is accused of stealing thousands of dollars while working for a local pet supply store.

Sandra Sharpe faces three charges, including two counts of fraud over $5,000 and one count of fraud under $5,000.

It’s alleged she stole more than $50,000 in total while working for Pet Planet in St. John’s between 2016 and 2019, including money earmarked for donation to local animal rescue groups.

The former owner of the Pet Planet outlet tells VOCM News she was forced to close up shop, re-mortgage her home and take out bank loans to pay off the debt incurred by the loss of funds.

The case was called In provincial court Thursday morning but was delayed until April because Sharpe is out of the province on a family matter.

The matter is due back in court on April 5.