Now this is a controversy I can get into. I have argued back and forth for and against the HSUS many times with many of you who read this blog.
I am re-posting this from the Care2 site. (Thank you Care2 but I just couldn’t have written it better.)
***Let me know what you think about the CCF (total bull**it group if you ask me), the HSUS, and the investigation.
The Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF) launched a watchdog project called HumaneWatch.org. Their one goal is “to analyze the activities of the Humane Society of the United States,” an organization they say has “run off the rails.”
CCF thinks HSUS has gotten too big for their britches (do they still use that saying) and plans to bring them to their knees. Through a blog by their Director of Research, David Martosko, a library and database they plan to scrutinize the group they refer to as “the animal rights industry’s most powerful player.”
HumaneWatch thinks the American public is being tricked by HSUS into believing their donations go primarily to local animal shelters to help individual cats and dogs, when most of the money actually goes toward legislative issues.
Martosko said, “Someone has to ask the hard questions about the Humane Society of the United States, and HumaneWatch will be a relentless source of useful information. Nearly 1 million Americans donate money to HSUS every year. And most are completely unaware that they’re bankrolling PETA-style propaganda, far-reaching anti-meat campaigns, a huge staff of lawyers, and bloated pension plans for HSUS executives.”
As a co-founder of a local animal welfare organization and someone who has worked in animal rescue for more than a decade, I wish HSUS spent more money and time helping individual shelters, rescue groups and animals. But I also see the necessity for groups like HSUS that are powerful, national organizations with the financial capability to initiate laws to protect animals and go after industries that abuse them.
The HSUS website doesn’t look like they are trying to hide anything from the public. It states their main goal is to create a “humane and sustainable world for animals” and it talks at great length about their advocacy programs. It doesn’t promise to give funds to “humane societies that deal with the thankless task of sheltering unwanted pets” – as stated by HumaneWatch.
People visiting the website can easily access information about the organization’s latest financial statements and tax returns, which clearly explain how donations are used. The website also lists the accomplishments made by HSUS from years past through the present.
In 2010 their influence has already been felt in these areas:
- They worked with Ohioans for Humane Farming on a ballot question in the state.
- They rebuilt an animal shelter in Louisiana with a $250,000 grant.
- They are working with Missourians for the Protection of Dogs to end puppy mills through measure on the November 2010 ballot.
- HSUS took a large department store to court for mislabeling clothing with fur.
- They raided cockfighting operations in Texas and Mississippi, along with local law enforcement agencies.
- HSUS sent a team of veterinarians to Haiti to help animals that were victimized in the earthquake.
It appears the HSUS is being targeted by HumaneWatch because their success has touched a nerve with the members of CCF. This is especially true in the realm of humane legislation. According to Wayne Pacelle, CEO of HSUS the Center for Consumer Freedom represents factory farmers, the cattle industry, puppy mill operators and other corporations “working against public health.”
In Pacelle’s blog he quotes a statement from Rick Berman of CCF the states the real reason behind the attack. “With the passage of California’s Proposition 2, more people have come to realize the evolving threat of the power, influence, and growing wealth of the Humane Society of the United States. Ballot initiatives and legislation similar to Prop. 2 will soon be introduced in more states. HSUS’s massive budget, unwarranted positive public reputation, and deep-pocketed Hollywood friends will only become a greater threat to industry in a post –Proposition 2 business environment. It is crucial that a key broad cross section of agriculture leaders start managing this nationwide threat now, before it is too late or too expensive to match HSUS dollar for dollar.”
HSUS has been attacked before and come out the winner. They will surely survive this bully tactic, as well.
However CCF has launched a massive PR campaign with Humane Watch and their press release made its way to hundreds of local newspapers, blogs and websites today. If people only hear their point of view – innocent animals will be the ones to suffer.
Please help by setting the story straight. Research the background of CCF and speak out on behalf of animals.
*Graphic courtesy Care2 site as well. Thank you Care2.
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