I’m all for decent pay and pensions but I’m sick of people who reward themselves so grossly disproportionately to their contribution to their job, work, cause; more so when the money goes to someone like Wayne Pacelle for doing the exact opposite of what he claims to do!  Someone please tell me how that is NOT outright fraud???!!!

I read many peoples individual names on the HSUS IRS sheet….......does anyone know who these people are?
In light of all the scandals in NYS with Governors and their ‘playmates’ is it possible that some of the ladies on the sheet are members of the oldest profession??????

I have supported HSUS for many years but as of today, I’ve decided to donate to local shelters and rescue organizations.  I have sent letters to Wayne Pacelle requesting discontinuance of constant mailings of items that I would rather the money be used to help the animals.  Needless to say, I still get something each month even though I donate on a monthly basis.  Once again, the big wheels have forgotten what they were hired for!

I haven’t been able to send a big donation every month but as of today I will be sending it to my local dog shelter. I will not pay for these people’s retirements. I read the full-page ad in the USA Today and was SHOCKED!!!!!!!!

Regarding being inundated with HSUS mailings, I simply put the blank donation form in the mail.  I stopped receiving mail.

My post on Facebook—I’m thinking using something like this against Wayno’s pitiful infomercials might be a slap in the face.
~~
Keep in mind, HSUS will have to turn in their taxes to the IRS soon because as we all know, they, unlike us simple folks, get extentions so their high paid accountants can find every legal loophole to hide their pension funds errr donations they get. So instead of falling for the “Just send us only $19.00 a month and get a free t-shirt BS, how about listening to what Pedigree has to say. Don’t pity a shelter dog. ADOPT ONE!

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=299459964573

I think it is really sorry that instead of doing what they’re supposed to be doing, which is helping these poor animals, they line their own pockets. Apparently all they care about is themselves, and yes I do think this is fraud.
I know people are important—so do they think they are better than dogs and cats? Well, considering the actions of these jerks, I don’t think so.

I certainly want to be educated on where my money is going and if I am being ripped off. I love animals (sometimes more than people) and with any charity I don’t like to see people or animals deprived. I wouldn’t want to be a victim of a scam. I do have some legitimate questions however to the one(s) collecting this information on the HSUS ~ how are you getting such detailed information about their dirty deeds? Do you work for HSUS? Are you doing undercover work? Does anyone in the public have access to the total numbers of the IRS returns and how money is being distributed and used? Mud slinging has its place if it is legitimate. This organization has been around for a very long time. If they are guilty then fine, they deserve the harshest of punishments. At the same time I don’t like to see people/companies falsely accused; that in itself is a crime. I am just curious on how the information is being gathered

How do we stop them? Why do big name celebs keep endorsing them? I wonder if the celebs have this information. Maybe they need it, too.

Please keep in mind, the HSUS is “behind” some local animal shelters and are using said shelters to lobby in state to change laws.  It is frightening what is happening in some of the states and the laws that are being put into place that punish dog and cat owners and even some shelters within the state.

I find this absolutely offensive on so many levels.  My husband tells me I want to save every animal in the world, but we can only work on our corner of the world.  We have adopted six greyhounds right off the track and fostered one extra along with the six.  We have fostered upwards of 20 greyhounds and all went to good homes.  But as two people we can only dodo much.  How dare they not use every penny or most of it toward the rescue the these animals.  All I can say is that with people like that karma always catches up with them, and they will get what is coming to them for such reprehensible behavior.  I hope one day this becomes a big enough issue, because I can’t save the world, much as I want to.  I have donated… now I don’t know.

@clg - they are a registered non-profit; their tax returns are public record and available on the net. This is true of all non-profits, though some are easier to find than others.

@Bonnie - they are not so much ‘behind’ any shelters as some shelters are behind them. That is, they do NOT support shelters, but some of them, both public and private, buy (at carriage trade rates) HSUS policy and management materials, and therefore could be said to support them. Perhaps this is what you meant, and I’ve just rephrased your thought?  People who donate locally might want to find out if their local shelters are doing this, and letting them know they don’t support that. HSUS policies are toxic for both animals and animal owners.

@ all posters outraged because the money isn’t going to help animals - though they exploit animals unmercifully to get people to send them money, they have no interest in helping them. HSUS is a vegan animal rights organization, and is not in any way friendly to animals. The vegan goal is to eliminate all animal products and animals from human lives. All ... food, clothing, companionship, exhibition, working anímals. All. They are using your love and sympathy for the animals to help them pass legislation (and local ordinances and statutes) which make it harder for people to own and use animals, whether pets and service animals or agricultural animals. They have a whole platoon of attorneys writing boilerplate law to accomplish this.

Wayne Pacelle: “We are going to use the ballot box and the democratic process to stop all hunting in the United States ... We will take it species by species until all hunting is stopped in California. Then we will take it state by state.”
— Full Cry magazine, Oct 1990

He hasn’t accomplished that goal yet, though he has done a lot of damage to hunting, but this is exactly what he is doing for pets and agricultural (that is, yours and my food supply) animals.

For those of you who don’t know, Wayne Pacelle is HSUS’ CEO, a marketing graduate who is a purist vegan with no interest in animals. In the last couple of years, since people have begun to criticize him and his organization, he has a acquired a cat, apparently. I think cats deserve better, but cats do seem to get the short end of the stick. In any case, he is no animal lover.

What I don’t understand is why Humane Watch can’t go on TV just like Way-no does but inform the public of what goes on with the HSUS and where all those $19.00 precious saved lives donations really go. A full page ad has already been taken out. That could not have been cheap. Why not reach a lot of people all at once, during prime time like Way-no does, on TV? Imagine how many people who would sit up and listen and suddenly be informed.
Come on Humane Watch, do it! Start really informing the public and putting a dent in his wallet.

I have always heard this but thank you so very much for verifying it.  I have always refused to donate to them because of this.  I am a HUGE animal lover and donate and support to MANY animal organizations such as ASPCA (is that ok)?? Stray Rescue of St. Louis and a few others.  It makes me sick that they ask for these donations and people who really care give up their hard earned money - I know people with little disposable income who will give their last $20.00 due to their love of animals, just to line these guys pockets!!  Thanks for the “heads-up” please do whatever you can to make this publicly known to as many people as possible.

@Cindy - As nearly as I can tell, all the national animal welfare organizations have been hijacked by AR poison. I don’t know why this is; the vast majority of people want animals well treated and looked after; they are not interested in the animal rights position which says that ownership of animals is tantamount to slavery, is abusive, and needs to go.

But people do seem very confused in general about all this, so I suppose it doesn’t take much to make those ‘small’ changes. The whole business IS confusing, as the AR organizations do spend all their time screaming about animal abuse, and the fact that they consider your ownership of your pets to be abusive somehow doesn’t get mentioned. Sadly, that’s the way it is, though.

The ASPCA has a web page for children which is an indoctrination vehicle for AR policies - that was the thing which convinced me.

When I have something to contribute to a shelter, I give it to animal control, though I suspect them of using AR policy materials. In my state it’s unlikely that any rescue or shelter anywhere is not using these materials; the whole state is rabidly pro AR, in spite of the fact that all are pet lovers and mostly eat dairy and fish, if not meat.

People are very confused about these issues.

Cindy, there is ASPCA and SPCA. I’ve read some place the ASPCA is connected with the HSUS, and SPCA is not. I think I read the SPCA is against the HSUS for the way they operate. Check both of them out for us, HW I think knows.about it, Maybe David can clear this up for us? On Animal Planet the ASPCA in some cities has the HSUS people helping take animals from people and they make sure the HSUS is their hero for helping them. They really give the HSUS a lot of praise for their involvement too.

Thanks so much for your comments - you know I’m really not very educated on the different organizations - I just donate to those that “appear” to do the most good.  I donate a considerable amount of money to the ASPCA so if someone who is really knowledgeable about these organizations can give me the real “scoop” I would appreciate it so I can give my money to the organizations that most directly affect the animals.  There is a local organizations “Stray Rescue of St. Louis” that I donate to that I’m certain is completely altruistic,  I know a lot about them but the bigger National organizations I am totally in the dark.  Can someone please guide me as to the best place to donate?

The best way to insure your donation is going to animals is to donate directly to a local shelter. If an organization is big enough to advertise nationally, well, it’s pretty clear that a HUGE chunk of their income is NOT going to animal welfare.

Sounds like this would be a great show for Oprah to get into.

@ doris hilton - maybe, but sadly, people in Oprah’s position are much more likely to support the AR position than the animal owners. For the most part, media stars are a big part of the problem.

It’s my understanding that often they don’t themselves pay a lot of attention to the issues they support; their PR agents do the choosing. Those who are active supporters ought to know better, but few of them are knowledgeable about animals, any more than are the legal eagles who support the AR position. It sounds good, and for some reason, even attorneys believe what they say, not what they do.

Illinois is now fielding a law which would define ‘hoarders’ to mean anyone with more than 7 pets, total, regardless of species. At the moment I am under that limit, but in the past I haven’t been. Many of those who rescue animals will fall into this category.

Check it out: http://tiny.cc/ncq07

The last ten years or so, all pet law has focused on ownership limitation. What this does is funnel pets into kill shelters. It’s hard to see how anyone can perceive these laws as being ‘protective’ of animals. What they ‘protect’ is the AR position that animal owners hip = animal abuse.

We recently had a terrible hoarding situation in Ohio - nearly 500 dogs.  Both the HSUS and ASPCA were called on for help.  ASPCA showed up with their trucks and cages and personnel.  HSUS called back FOUR DAYS LATER!  By then the dogs had been moved.
Kudos, ASPCA. 
When you donate, make sure it counts.

Sending my money somewhere else. I want it all to go to the animals not some wealthy person to become more so. HSUS is a disgrace to this country.

@ Diane - Since this thread started, I have discovered that the ASPCA has one (1) shelter in NYC, but otherwise they are following HSUS lead.

These confiscations do not reflect neglect on most occasions, they are purely opportunistic. That is, they confiscate, because they can.

A true abuser - Micharl Vick, or Noelle Stanford, are true gifts to them. Why, if abuse were so rampant, would they bother to manufacture almost all the abuse they ‘showcase’? That’s exactly what they do; they shoot hundreds of video to make short clips which make it appear abuse is happening, and if they can’t find abuse, they create it themselves.

How many pet owners, breeders or not, could withstand them filming constantly for three months, to produce a 5 minute clip? Are you able to pick up *every* dump the instant your dog produces it? Can you refill every crock the instant some leaves fall into it? Do you replace the litter in your cat’s box every single time he uses it?

Believe us, your pets are in their sights too.

@Lynn.  The ASPCA did not confiscate the animals in question.  They came in with their transport vehicle, cages and personnel and moved the dogs (364 I believe) to the Fayette County Ohio fairgrounds.  The dogs are still in custody of Clark County.  At this time I believe all but 50+ have been adopted or gone to rescues.
I am not saying you are wrong about ASPCA I’m saying they came in and did what needed doing.

Knowing nothing about the case, all I can say is: without seeing the dogs I have no way to know whether this ‘needed doing’ or not. I have now seen too many perfectly sound, healthy animals taken this way, not because they were being abused or neglected, but because they *could* be taken under color of law. I no longer believe these accusations to be true,  unless I see the animals themselves, or at least am told by someone I *personally* trust. In most cases, such dogs are offered for sale - sorry, ‘adoption’  within a couple of weeks, and the reality is, dogs described as being abused/neglected take a much longer time than that to be rehabbed.

And btw - who was financing their care at the fairgrounds? ASPCA? The county ..? On the taxpayer’s nickel?

@Lynn.  I don’t know who is financing their care at the fairgrounds.  I believe they were boarded for free for a specific period of time.  That time is now over and the remaining 30 dogs will have to find other placement.  The Humane Soc. of Clark Co. vaccinated all the dogs right away.
I DO know the animals needed rescuing.  I’m sorry you didn’t see any of the pictures and films that were posted.  I personally know the hoarder and he started out with a really good idea.  I don’t know where he went wrong but he did start breeding “accidental” litters to have puppies to sell.
After the dogs were moved the work was all done by Clark county humane and volunteers.

@ Diane - It does sound like this case may be an exception to the general rule. But the fact that they occasionally do stumble over a case of neglect or abuse doesn’t excuse the rest of the time.

To support either of them (HSUS, ASPCA) on the grounds that occasionally they do discover an actual abuse/neglect case is to support their whole position.

But how grateful do we need to be even in this case? It sounds like they provided one time transport - and someone else has done the heavy lifting.

Sorry, but I can’t get all grateful over it.

Whether it needed doing or not, it sounds like they didn’t finance it.

Up to a few years ago, I, too, would assume that if they did it, it was because it ‘needed’ doing. But now, unless I see the animals with my own eyes, I don’t believe what they say, and before I assumed they were in any way contributing to their care, I’d call the fairground and ask how much support they were getting.

I wouldn’t trust the ASPCA any more than I’d trust HSUS.

Everyone who loves animals needs to learn the difference between Animals Rights (AR) and Animal Welfare. Most people who love animals are eager to help with Animal Welfare: shelters, spay-neuter programs, fostering, etc. But because Animal Welfare is a far more popular agenda than Animal RIGHTS, the Animal RIGHTS organizations like HSUS have begun talking the Animal Welfare talk, while using virtually none of their donated millions for pet shelters. Less than 1/2 of 1% goes to shelters, spay-neuter programs, fostering, etc. So be an informed consumer of where your donation dollars go, and always consider your local shelter for your time and money. You work hard for your money, and it will do far more to help alleviate pet homelessness and suffering locally than it will in these big fat wealthy national outfits.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is a money machine for the boys at the top, the target of a racketeering lawsuit, and a focus of the IRS scrutinizing their tax exempt status. Why? Because they collect money from people like us with the implication it will help animals, and then they use it for lobbying, influencing anti-agriculture ballots in numerous states, promoting a vegan agenda, and a big fat pension fund to go with their big fat salaries.

I sent them an email to stop sending me requests some time ago. When an organization as large as them can not even get an anti-tethering law passed to protect dogs across America, I have no time for them. UNCHAIN man’s best friend. The abuse must stop.

Another example of crooks/scam artists hiding behind what you think is a good and upstanding charity. You think you’re paying to save and house animals,but then, find out they’re pretty much “dumped” so people can line their pockets. NOTHING MORE THAN A FRONT USING ANIMALS TO GET PEOPLE TO HAND OVER THEIR MONEY TO THEM. SHAME,SHAME,SHAME!!

If you want to help take food, blankets, carriers, meds. To your local center.

I have read plenty about the HSUS but what I want to know is what organizations are affiliated with them?  I give money on a monthly basis to a VERY reputable local animal shelter but also to the ASPCA.  What is your opinion of the ASPCA??  Are they affiliated with the HSUS?  I will continue to donate to Stray Rescue in St. Louis but where would my money be utilized for the animals on a national level?

Thanks

CIndy

My husband and I contribute several hundred dollars annually to our local ASPCA.  It is our intention these donations go directly to and benefit the upkeep of the local shelters and defray the medical costs of the animals there.  Is ASPCA directly associated with HSUS and is this money being taken from my local shelter? This may seem an insignificant amount but we give what we can afford in this economy. I would prefer to just stop the cash donation and take bags of food and cleaning supplies if the money is not going where intended.

I have been involved in the ASPCA for the last few years. I don’t know what to think or believe. I don’t want to continue supporting them if this is true. I am very disappointed and shocked with what I have read on this page. We have two dogs and four cats and would have more if there was room. So, needless to say, we are huge animal lovers. We took bags of food to the fairground here in Ohio and the volunteers were very grateful. So, I will consider just donating to local shelters. I would like to contact this Wayne Pacelle and give him a peace of my mind!!!
Thanks everyone for your input, I really appreciate it.

Treva

Ohio resident

I have been donating to ASPCA every month for years now, along with a few other reputable shelters and sanctuaries that I know personally. I have always been against HSUS, but now I am a little confused from some of the comments. Is ASPCA affiliated with HSUS for sure? If that’s the case, I will stop my donation and redirect it to sponsor a dog in a sanctuary, Smiling Dog Farms. I know their owners personally. I also donate to them but still not enough for work they do. Can someone please confirm based on fact that ASPCA is affiliated to HSUS? I will be heart-broken, but I want my money to feed a homeless animal. How can you take money away from these poor babies who depend on us. No wonder some of us here love animals more than humans. I will be posting this question on ASPCA Facebook page too.

The simple solution to this horrific atrocity is stop donating to the Humane Society. I did.  Instead give your money to the individual shelters of your choice, or take your donated money and buy food, treats, dog beds, carrier kennels, blankets and so on for the shelter or rescue of your choice.  You can still deduct it on your taxes as a contribution and shelters and rescues are more than happy to give you a receipt for the donated food and so on.

@ Diane - What were they doing there with their ‘transport vehicle’ then? And why is Clark County taking responsibility for the animals? Who is paying the tariff? Are you saying that ASPCA is financially supporting the effort?

I’ll eat my dog leashes if they are.

For those of you still wondering whether ASPCA has embraced the AR agenda, you might consider it interesting that ASPCA recently hired someone straight from HSUS’ staff.

And, of course, neither supports no-kill sheltering. Seems like that’s a pretty clear indication of their position.

Another real irony is that hunters, fishermen and shooters contribute far, far more towards the actual welfare of animals then HSUS does.  The vast majority of money spent on wildlife comes from license fees and taxes on equipment and ammunition.  (Even though the vast majority of ammunition is shot at targets, not animals.)  These taxes were instituted at the request of, and continued to be supported by the very people who pay the taxes. These funds are used to benefit not just game species, but ALL species.

Yet, if HSUS had their way, there would be no hunting and fishing - and therefore virtualy no funding for wildlife conservation.

As long as 10% of every dollar ( 10¢ )taken in goes to help the couse! their has been no fraud and that organensation can pay their salaries out of that money leaving very little to help whoever it was intened to help ! It’s done every day with the red cross , united blood services they collect your blood sell the services they render to hospitals actual cost for blood about $35.00 after all test are done per pint cost to hospital $170.00 patient cost $350 to $500.00 per pint and the blood bank president comes out a winner !

@ Cregg - I’d say there is a huge difference. Nowhere near 10% of their budget goes to sheltering or other hands on animal care, and worse, a HUGE percentage goes to lobbying for laws which limit animal ownership and cripple livestock agriculture. They are under investigation by the IRS over their lobbying activities. They pay full time lobbyists in most states.

They have a platoon of attorneys (30+) *on staff* writing boilerplate laws aimed at achieving their animal free lifestyle goals, and also finding targets for their seizures in the interest of creating pro AR precedents for those laws.

The problem is not really about overheads, which all large NPOs have. The problem is in the way they spend their budget.

They are taking the animal loving public’s money with the goal of depriving them of their animals, not to mention a healthy diet. Very few people can live on the vegan diet long term. The vegan percentage of the population has been steady aroun 2% of the population for decades, because young people enthusiastically take up the diet (often without realizing the agenda behind the hype), only to discover they can’t maintain their health on it. They abandon it to be replaced by other young enthusiasts.

Only the hard core purists at the top of the AR management chain are consistently able to live a pure vegan lifestyle. They are anti animal. They have never bred an animal. Never raised an animal. Few of them even OWN animals. They know little about animals; their expertise lies in manipulating human emotions.

They are scamming the public.