HSUS Isn't What You Might Think

One of my friends questioned me last week about my reference to the HSUS (Humane Society of the United States) in an article about stolen dogs. He said, "I'm surprised you referred to them. Don't you know what kind of a group they really are?"

Yes, I've known for a long time. I have nothing good to say about the Humane Society of the United States. They were merely mentioned in an article about the dog thefts that I'd lifted from the Missoulian.

So here it is, in black and white: The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is a bad group. Please do not confuse HSUS with the Humane Society of Central Washington or other local sound-alike groups. They are different.

HSUS has an agenda. It includes the abolition of virtually all forms of hunting, with little or no regard for the important role that hunting plays in conservation and wildlife management. HSUS also opposes ANY form of "cruelty" or disrespect to animals...which sounds good, until you realize that includes farm killing, fur trading, and even the keeping of chickens. When you think HSUS, you should also think PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), because their agendas are so similar.

In HSUS' own website, they admit their only connection to your local Humane Society is as a "strong advocate" of such groups. Well, how nice. And how unfortunate that our local Humane Societies must mistakenly be connected with such a radical group as HSUS.

Next time you get a fund-raising letter from HSUS, with the pre-printed address labels that you didn't ask for, stuff it all back into the envelope and return it (without a donation) at HSUS' expense. If you want to make a meaningful contribution to animal welfare, visit your local animal shelter and ask them how you can help with their most immediate needs.

Here are some other facts about the HSUS, taken from The Maine Professional Guide's website:

HSUS raises $65 million each year, and has total assets of over $100 million. This huge pot of money goes toward a continual barrage of political campaigns and lobbying to stop hunting and trapping – with almost zero being contributed toward caring for lost or abandoned pets.
In addition, HSUS partners with many other radical animal rights groups to share the financing for their anti-hunting campaigns. Their partners include the Fund for Animals, the International Fund for Animal Welfare, and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

As a charity, HSUS has often been criticized by watchdog groups for its wastefully high fundraising expenses, and for misrepresenting who and what they are. HSUS has also been criticized for the huge salaries of its very well paid campaign managers and organizers – the top managers receive over $200,000 in annual salary!

Even Merritt Clifton, publisher of "Animal People", a newsletter written by animal rightists for animal rightists, singled out HSUS for appearing to be something it is not. In December’s 11th annual report on fundraising, under the heading "How they fool the world", he writes:

"The most misleading appeals that Animal People sees on a regular basis are those which misrepresent the sender. Over time, such appeals can create an image for an organization which is sharply at odds with what it actually does."

"The Humane Society of the U.S., for instance, is not and never has been a collective voice for all, most, or any other humane societies. Neither does it shelter animals, adopt out animals, neuter animals, or share funding with local humane societies. In fact, HSUS is an advocacy organization representing just itself."

Many of HSUS’ leaders have been radical anti-hunting activists all their life. A large portion of the current HSUS leaders came from extreme groups like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the Fund for Animals, Animal Liberation Front, and other organizations.

Want to read more? Here's another good site to read about the HSUS radical animal rights agenda. Oh, by the way, their actions, programs and proposed legislation are not "pet-friendly" either:

http://www.spanieljournal.com/29lbaughan.html