The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) claims to be the largest animal protection organization in this country. Their website proudly proclaims that 11 million Americans or one in every 28, send off a financial contribution to support their mission.
We can all support humane animal care because it is the right thing to do. Abuse or neglect of animals in homes, or on the farm, must not be tolerated. Animal cruelty laws must be vigorously enforced. There is no place in our society for improper animal treatment.
Farmers and ranchers care about their animals, the environment and feeding a hungry world.
The Minnesota Beef Council (http://mnbeef.org or http://bqa.org) and other livestock groups conduct educational workshops and certification programs that focus on humane and responsible animal care.
Many confuse HSUS with legitimate animal welfare groups which really do care about animals. HSUS is a humane society in name only – it operates no pet shelters or adoption facilities. HSUS funds no research on farm animal care, despite the fact that they claim that it is a problem.
A closer look at HSUS tells us that in 2008, the group collected over $86 million in contributions. The report from the Center for Consumer Freedom (http://www.consumerfreedom.com/) shows that of those funds, $24 million went to raise more money. Put another way, 28 cents of every dollar HSUS collects goes to raising more funds. Another $30.9 million went to employee salaries with 41 of HSUS employees making over $100,000. Based on Center for Consumer Freedom research, only $450,000 – just half of 1 per-cent of its total budget – went to organizations that provide hands-on care to dogs and cats.
The true agenda of HSUS is to eliminate animal agriculture, end all meat and milk consumption and create a vegan society. A vegan by the way is someone who avoids consuming meat, eggs and dairy products or using animal products of any kind.
Hang onto your wallets and credit cards. Make sure that you know what your contribution will be used for. Check to see if the group has animal shelters to house unwanted dogs and cats. Find out if the staff is volunteers or paid a salary. If the group has a paid staff, you have a right to know how much of the budget goes to pay salaries. Make sure you know how your contribution will be spent and what percent of it will be used to raise additional funds. Don’t provide support to activist groups and their overpaid executives whose goal is to destroy our farms and ranches and dictate what you’re going to have for dinner.
And finally a suggestion to animal welfare groups that really do care about animals:
• Make sure the public understands that your primary goal is animal welfare and not fundraising.
• Invite the public to your animal shelter to learn more about the goals and objectives of your group.
• Distance your group from fringe groups with radical agendas. The public is confused about various organizations with similar names.
