Setting the record straight

Earlier this week, a full page ad appeared in the Washington Post picturing several dogs and suggesting that you should be surprised that the Humane Society of the United States (“the HSUS”) is not your local animal shelter and that they “share” less than 1% of money donated to them with “local pet shelters.”  The ad appeared to be placed by an organization called “Humanewatch.org.” In reality, it was placed by an organization that calls itself by the misnomer “the Center for Consumer Freedom.”

CCF and its related entities have been on a very well funded and extremely aggressive campaign against both the HSUS and Mothers Against Drunk Driving, among other highly credible non-profits.  The organization is funded by large corporate interests in the food and beverage industries who want to halt the legislative efforts of both of those organizations to protect animals from cruelty and people from drunk drivers, respectively.  The reason that they wish to halt these efforts is because the efforts threaten their profit-making interests.  While my personal views are supportive of both of those organizations and their work, I have no problem with people or organizations who oppose those causes, or any cause for that matter, so long as they do so honestly and without pretense.  CCF masquerades as a non-profit concerned with looking out for shelters and for animal welfare when it is anything but. It is an organization that is paid, and paid a great deal, in order to lobby for and promote concepts that are contrary to the best interests of animals and that impede our progress toward relieving the suffering and saving the lives of animals.

The HSUS does not engage in sheltering (although it does operate some sanctuaries) but it provides other programs and other services that are crucial to advancing the well being of animals in this country.  Nowhere, that I am aware of, is there a rule that all humane organizations must operate shelters.  The HSUS engages in both federal and state legislative campaigns to seek laws that will protect farm animals, companion animals and endangered animals from suffering and death.  I was deeply grateful for the resources that the HSUS put into helping us to get the Omnibus Animal Fighting Bill passed in Virginia a couple of years ago.  Their help ensured that we got one of the strongest animal fighting bills in the country adopted in Virginia.  They also do great work, which we often partner with them in doing, breaking up horrifically abusive puppy mills on the mid-Atlantic in accordance with court orders.  They provide massive rescue efforts for animals threatened by natural disasters.  They recently stopped at our Robins-Starr Humane Center with their new mobile crime lab for animal cruelty related crimes which they have offered to our and thousands of other communities to assist in the effective prosecution of animal abusers.  These are only a few of their valuable programs for animals.

The work of the HSUS and the work of the Richmond SPCA and the work of thousands of other national and local humane organizations all over this country are all essential to achieving success at ending the abuse and needless loss of life of innocent animals.  The work of each of these organizations is unique and, together, we all weave a whole coordinated effort to do all we can to protect the animals who need our protection so much.  The HSUS has done generous things to support the Richmond SPCA for which I am very grateful but I certainly do not expect the HSUS to regularly “share” its contributed income with us because I understand that their donors have intentionally given the HSUS their money to help to support the programs and services that the HSUS provides.  Many of those folks also support us or other humane organizations in their own communities and want us to use that money to continue our own valuable work.  Of one thing I am sure, CCF never has and never will do anything to help us.

Robin Robertson Starr is the chief executive officer of the Richmond SPCA. To read her complete biography or that of our other bloggers, please click here.

Comments

[Mike Haley]

Robin,

Thanks for spelling the information out nicely. I am a family farmer and feel that the Humane Society of the United States muddies the water when it comes to several issues involved in agriculture. I see several neighbors working very hard to take care of their livestock just as I do. In several situations we use modern efficiencies
to make sure that we can adequately do so with minimum stress on the animal and the environment. When it comes to good animal husbandry a good manager takes care of his livestock no matter how small or large they are. The ones that don’t will not be in business for long, and should be prosecuted if he/she has abused any animals.

When I see an advertisement for HSUS it seems to play completely on emotion as its great for fundraising. Problem is it takes a lot more than emotion to care for pets and livestock; it takes more than a lot of love to make sure that they are well cared for. The other problem I have with their advertisements is all the puppies and kittens in the commercials. As you noted they do have some sanctuaries that cares mostly for wild animals, but the bulk of their budget goes towards legislation to restrict farmers, pension plans, and advertising.

For these reasons I am a strong supporter of my local humane society and will continue to donate to them and volunteer when needed as they are in much need of both.

Thanks,
Mike Haley

[Karen Gammon]

ROBIN has proven once again that she "walks the talk" and has given us the straight scoop on a complicated subject. The HSUS works diligently along with others mentioned including the Richmond SPCA to help the plight of our animal companions in crisis. If we did not have these organizations to help out I cannot imagine how deplorable conditions would be. Yes, we have responsible humans that care for animals, but we also have wretched ones that make the lives of animals horrible. Those of us that spend our lives trying to improve conditions for our companions would agree that we have enough obstacles without worrying about an organization like CCF. How sad that the lives of animals will be affected because of this ad CCF placed. This whole issue will hopefully reinforce our beliefs and support of the Richmond SPCA, who in turn supports the HSUS and has a valuable partnership with them. I am personally relieved to have been made aware of CCF by Robin and will try to educate as many people as I can about this.

[Maya Erhardt]

Thank you, Robin, for bringing attention to the truth behind the CCF campaigns.

I was shocked to receive my last Virginia Farm Bureau newsletter (I am a member and insurance customer) and read an attack on HSUS that was clearly drafted by the "Center for Consumer Freedom."

I am appalled by the actions and non-transparency of CCF and support efforts by HSUS to help enact legislation that improves the treatment of farm animals. Not only is this humane and the right thing to do, it also results in healthier food sources.

Agribusiness must be held accountable and I think that Virginia Farm Bureau, and other organizations that claim to speak for the interests of farmers, would do well to realize that its customer base is diverse and perhaps not 100% on board with the agenda of the CCF and big factory farming.

[Allison Drezek]

The HSUS has done, and continues to do many great things when it comes to animal welfare in the US and right here in VA.

I think that everyone needs to take a look at the actions and positions of the HSUS and make their own decision to support (or not) them based on that information, not based in on information from provided by a company that poses as a nonprofit and makes its business causing problems for organizations that are doing good things in the community.

I personally support the HSUS and the Richmond SPCA knowing that they care for, and want what is best for all creatures great and small.

[Hillary, HSUS]

Many thanks to Robin for, as one commenter put it, providing "the straight scoop on a complicated subject." The work of local animal shelters is obviously critical. It's also near and dear to the hearts of many HSUS staffers like myself who have worked at shelters.

As Robin notes, supporting national organizations and local shelters are not mutually exclusive. Homeless pets and stray dogs and cats need a champion, as do the animals affected by puppy mills or factory farming or wildlife poaching. For many people, both types of work are a priority.

At the end of the day, we're all stronger when we can partner together, whether it's a large-scale cruelty case or a public policy issue affecting animals.

Robin, thanks again for adding your voice to this debate.

[Kate Washington]

The problem is that the HSUS is not any more transparent than CCF. In fact, they don't operate any animal shelters, but you sure can't tell that from their national advertising - which does, indeed, drain funds from both local municipal and non-profit shelters, and from grassroots rescue groups.

We are the ones who have to pick up the pieces (meaning the dogs) when puppy mills are busted. HSUS comes in very high profile at the start, but they are NOT there for the vet bills, the resocialization, the care or the placement - and neither are their funds. Yet potential donors say "I can't give, I already gave to the HSUS", as if somehow those funds filter down to care of the dogs at the local level.

As for the legislative efforts, unfortunately some of them are misguided. It would help if they actually worked with people who have some knowledge of animal husbandry, or who actually have experience with breeding and care of dogs and cats, but they don't - so their legislation often includes provisions that are actually harmful. For example, a recent HSUS bill included language that would bar puppies under the age of 12 weeks from interacting with adult dogs other than the dam or foster dam - a particularly bad idea if you want the puppy to actually develop any dog sense, learn bite inhibition, and learn appropriate dog-on-dog manners that will make them a good companion life-long.

[alice in LALA land]

No lobbying is not free or cheap as was stated above.. it is also not tax deductible..if the HSUS said "Hi we are the HSUS.. we are a lobbying organization for animal rights" then they would be honest and forthright and LOSE their tax exempt status...think that will happen?? sure... as soon as pigs fly...

[Linda H]

I agree that it is not necessary for an animal protection organization to fund shelters. However, I do have a big problem with HSUS which raises funds with emotional appeals that may not out and out say they run shelters but certainly promotes that misunderstanding. How much money would they raise if they made a real effort to be sure the people donating understood how the funds were being used? Isn't it obvious that HSUS's agenda is not up front? I have more respect for the crazies at PETA than HSUS. At least they are fairly honest about their agenda.

I have seen real dishonesty from HSUS. When the Michael Vick dog fighting scandal broke their website immediately started soliciting for funds to help care for Vick's dogs (I saw this myself). But they never had the dogs, never contributed for their care, and, in fact, recommended that they all be euthanized.

I don't care who is funding HumaneWatch (I have known all along) so long as they are telling the truth, and it looks to me like they are. I am involved in dog rescue and HSUS is no friend of ours. Animals would be better off if people gave their money to their local shelters and rescues instead of to HSUS (where most of it goes to more fundraising).

[Jack VanHook]

HSUS has worked miracles for the world's animals! Let someone, anyone stand up and prove they have done more than HSUS, PETA or ASPCA. All these people that oppose compassion for animals shout the same mantra: "GET YOUR HAND OUTTA MY POCKET".
What a greedy, self-serving lot they are.

[Jenn]

I am delighted that the honest information about CCF is getting out and grateful for the courage it has taken to say it. Whatever comlaints some people may have about HSUS's advertising, the claims that they do not sincerely care about animals are ridiculous. What angers me is the dishonesty of CCF and its related entities in pretending that they are concerned about shelters when in reality they are shills for the business interests that cause massive suffering and death of animals. And, by the way, no organization is being forced to take those animals from puppy mills that you claim cost you so much - you are choosing to do so.

[Tom K]

Has any claim made by the CCF been proven false?

[Mary Fleming]

HSUS conveys that they care for animlas as a non profit. A non profit is prohibited from lobbying. In fact, churches here in my home town are bieng told if the minister as an agent of the church states his support for a candidate, then the church will loose its tax exempt status. So how can HSUS continue to claim tax exempt status and that one of their main, and costly activities is lobbying? Check the video by the top administrator of HSUS in Georgia.
Then, keep on researching. Animals in the largest dairy farms are catered to for everything they want. The amount of ventilation and light are even calculated to be their ideal. I can assure you I can't do that on my small family dairy farm.

[Tom K]

And very nearly every breeder who is being "regulated" to death does more good for the animals than all of your animal rights and animal protection organizations.

[Tom K]

Also, if the harm that your people and the HSUS are doing to dog breeders, horse owners, and other owners of animals is inspired by an alleged love of animals, I have to question that love. Loving animals by hating humans is twisted.

[Lauren]

"The HSUS does not engage in sheltering (although it does operate some sanctuaries) but it provides other programs and other services that are crucial to advancing the well being of animals in this country." This is true, but it must be noted that HSUS *charges* for its "services" to local humane societies and the company, HSUS, has mentioned that it charges between $3,000 and $20,000 for "consultations." http://www.humanesociety.org/animal_community/resources/facts/HSUS_shelter_evaluation_program.html

[Megan]

Friends don't let friends support HSUS or PETA!

[Robin Starr]

In answer to Thomas Kirby (screen name Tom K) yes, in fact, many claims made by CCF have been proven false. Please see this letter at the link provided below from an Atlanta TV station which details just a few of CCF's misrepresentations and demands that they take offending information down from their website. http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/about/wsb_letter_re_berman.pdf

[Jenn]

Some of these comments are truly insane. Others are obviously the product of the economic self interest of the writer who is either a farmer or a breeder. The one that says that breeders have done more for the well being of animals than animal welfare organizations like the Richmond SPCA is really the most seriously irresponsible and irrational of all. You may take positions that are in your economic self interest but please do not pretend that breeders have done more to care for and protect innocent animals than organizations whose mission is to stand up for their protection. Tom K, no one with a grain of sense or who is free of bias is buying it.

[Anne]

I lost a lot of respect for HSUS after the Michael Vick case and Hurricane Katrina. In both cases they raised a lot of money but none (in the Vick case) and very little (Katrina) was ever actually used to directly help the animals involved. I have no problem with HSUS raising money for political action but they should be honest about where it it going.

[Tamsen Kingry]

Nonprofit organizations do have the right to lobby legislators; however, the amount of their budgets used for lobbying is limited based upon federal IRS rules and regulations. An organization can elect to abide by a sliding scale amount as its limit. If the organization continually exceeds this limit, then it risks losing its 501c3 status.

Most of these comments miss the point anyway; the blog piece was about the deception of CCF and not a general commentary about HSUS.

[Hillary, HSUS]

@Lauren - When the HSUS conducts a shelter evaluation, the fee covers only our hard costs (travel, consultants, printing, etc). Without these expenses being covered, this program would not be sustainable. In addition, HSUS staff invests a significant amount of time and expertise in preparing for and conducting the site visit, drafting and editing the final report, and following up on the shelter’s progress.

There are lots of other ways the HSUS supports animal shelters, from AnimalSheltering.org to the SpayDay online pet photo contest, which provides an effective fundraising platform for participating shelters. The HSUS has also partnered with the Ad Council, Maddie’s Fund, and the entire sheltering community on The Shelter Pet Project, a national public service advertising campaign to promote the adoption of shelter animals (check out www.theshelterpetproject.org).
These are just a few examples.

The HSUS isn’t affiliated with local shelters, and since we tackle a wide range of issues affecting many different species, we can’t put all our resources into one program or campaign. But we’ve been a long-time promoter of animal shelters and will continue to partner with them whenever possible.