Jul 06 2010
Just How Big Is HSUS?
In the very first HumaneWatch article, we wrote that the Humane Society of the United States needed a dedicated watchdog because (among other reasons) it "has an annual budget around the size of an NFL payroll. It has become too big and too unaccountable. Someone has to pay closer attention."
That's just as true today as it was in February when this project had its launch. But sometimes amid the noise of tax returns and fundraising scandals, it's hard to grasp just how enormous the biggest American animal rights group really is. Here's one useful measure.
Last week the White House released its official accounting of salaries for the hundreds of employees who make the federal government run at the highest level. The bottom line is that the White House is paying 487 employees a total of $38,796,307.
Compare this to HSUS, which—as of December 31, 2008—reported paying 555 employees $37,792,786. That's barely $1 million shy of what it takes to run the whole White House!
And that was 18 months ago. Since then, according to HSUS head honcho Wayne Pacelle, the organization's payroll has ballooned to encompass "a staff of nearly 700."
If HSUS has a payroll of, say 695 people, and the average HSUS salary compared with December 2008 levels were adjusted at just 3.9% (the same as federal government workers between 2008 and 2009), HSUS would be spending $49.17 million on salaries. That's 30 percent more than President Obama's entire staff.
The phrase "too big to fail" comes to mind. Maybe it shouldn't.
Posted on 07/06/2010 at 12:01 PM by the HumaneWatch Team
Document Analysis • Fundraising & Money • (6) CommentsComments
And they STILL are looking for “donations”. Perhaps the IRS should try the same thing.
The Humane Society is not an “animal rights” organization.
It’s an animal welfare organization. Big difference.
sorry Dee.. you are incorrect.. even the leader of the cult of the HSUS call the HSUS an animal rights group .. of course that was a while ago.. now they are an “animal protection ” group.. when will people learn.. it is NOT about animals.. it is about POWER and MONEY..
they care nothing for the “welfare’ of animals.. they would very much like to see NO domestic animals at all.. easy to find their agenda if you just look..
Dee you know you have that backwards!!!!!
I have always been interested in supporting organizations which work to prevent animal cruelty. However, I`m no fool and will not donate financial support to any organization which over compensates their CEO and organized staff. People should be made aware of management compensation before donating. Then perhaps more of the organizations funding would be used to perform truly needed services. I do not seem to find data which can be used to review the financial compensation given to staff members. I would love some information on this subject.
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And also please note that every year you and I, the regular Joe’s have until April 15th to file our taxes or be penalized big time. But every year the HSUS is granted an extention of time so they can get all their little ducks in a row and make sure they can hide, errr account for the millions they take in every year.