Despite the words “humane society” on its letterhead, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is not affiliated with your local animal shelter. Despite the omnipresent dogs and cats in its fundraising materials, it’s not an organization that runs spay/neuter programs or takes in stray, neglected, and abused pets. And despite the common image of animal protection agencies as cash-strapped organizations dedicated to animal welfare, HSUS has become the wealthiest animal rights organization on earth.
HSUS is big, rich, and powerful, a “humane society” in name only. And while most local animal shelters are under-funded and unsung, HSUS has accumulated $113 million in assets and built a recognizable brand by capitalizing on the confusion its very name provokes. This misdirection results in an irony of which most animal lovers are unaware: HSUS raises enough money to finance animal shelters in every single state, with money to spare, yet it doesn’t operate a single one anywhere.
Instead, HSUS spends millions on programs that seek to economically cripple meat and dairy producers; eliminate the use of animals in biomedical research labs; phase out pet breeding, zoos, and circus animal acts; and demonize hunters as crazed lunatics. HSUS spends $2 million each year on travel expenses alone, just keeping its multi-national agenda going.
HSUS president Wayne Pacelle described some of his goals in 2004 for The Washington Post: “We will see the end of wild animals in circus acts … [and we’re] phasing out animals used in research. Hunting? I think you will see a steady decline in numbers.” More recently, in a June 2005 interview, Pacelle told Satya magazine that HSUS is working on “a guide to vegetarian eating, to really make the case for it.” A strict vegan himself, Pacelle added: “Reducing meat consumption can be a tremendous benefit to animals.”
Read the rest. It sounds like PETA with a better rep.
5 comments:
Just like the NRA doesn't run local gun clubs, the HSUS doesn't run local shelters. But that doesn't mean they don't help them. The HSUS pushes for stronger animal protection laws, for all animals, not just dogs and cats but farm animals as well.
Our staff and supporters are vegetarians and meat eaters alike, because most people would prefer all animals be treated humanely.
These article is simply rephrasing the accusations of the Center for Consumer Freedom, a front group for big industry groups that has attacked groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the CDC. If you have questions about the HSUS, follow Wayne's blog, he posts 5 days a week, and then you can see what the HSUS is really about. Stopping Cruelty.
http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/opposition/facts
Sarah,
The NRA does not pretend to run local gun clubs, whatever they are. So your analogy does not hold water. You comments simply reinforce what the post said, you’re a lobbying group. Period. End of sentence.
The attempt to smear people who expose you is reminiscent of the despicable actions of the Global Warming hoaxers. Whenever I see someone accuse “big XXX” I know I’m dealing with an ideology that argues by intimidation and vilification.
You have confirmed that your group is a bunch of fat cats who are living high off the hog by pretending to be something you are not. If you are one of the lower level volunteers think about what you are doing and get away. If you are one of the ones getting fat off the contributions of the uninformed, I despise you.
Of course we lobby, I said that in my post - we lobby for stronger animal protection laws. Pushing for better laws is not a bad thing!
We don't claim to be anything we're not. We state on our website, that by long-standing tradition, local humane societies are independent entities. Each shelter has its own policies, governance, and priorities.
We also show our campaigns, so that those donating know where their money is going.
I'm writing this because I actually care about the organization - everyone has a right to their own opinion, and I'm just stating mine.
One of the problems is that people like Sarah seem to feel that they have the right to state their opinion, but anyone that disagrees with them is wrong and should be quiet. Well guess what Sarah, we are tired of being quiet and hoping that you and Wayne really are just trying to help little homeless animals. How many people would donate to the HSUS if they know that only half of 1 percent of donations were actually being funded to shelters and rescues?
Pacelle makes over $250,000/year in salary & benefits. The IRS needs to review the tax status of the HSUS.
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