May 12 2011
Washing “Humane” Confusion Out to Sea
UPDATE (5-13-11): Atlantic Publishing has confirmed that it does not currently contribute to HSUS, but it does give generously to community-based animal shelters, rescue groups, and animal parks. Atlantic has also created a new donation page emphasizing that its donations go to local animal shelters. The publisher says this new page will appear in all new books and reprints. Thanks to Atlantic, and to all you HumaneWatchers who took action.
One of the themes that keeps coming back to HumaneWatch is that the Humane Society of the United States isn’t what most Americans think it is. According to national opinion polling we commissioned, most Americans think HSUS is a pet shelter umbrella group, that it gives most of its money to groups that care for dogs and cats, and that HSUS is affiliated with their local humane society pet shelter. None of these things is true.
In short, a lot of educating needs to be done so that all Americans are caught up to speed on America’s richest, and perhaps most deceptive, animal rights group. Here’s a new opportunity for HumaneWatch readers (that’s you) to do just that.
A recent message on the “petlaw” listserv (hosted by Yahoo!) from Carlotta Cooper, author of the upcoming book The Complete Guide to Raising Pigs, caught our eye. Cooper writes:
I’ve been working on a book about pigs for a few months. I sent the last revised version of the manuscript to the editor a couple of months ago and all was well … So, today I get a box of books delivered to my door and I'm completely delighted with them … until I open the book up and right among the front pages is a full-page ad for HSUS! Not only that, but the publisher and his wife are pledging a percentage of the proceeds from the sale of the book to HSUS. This is just terrible but I really don't have any control over it, except to tell people don't buy the book.
It’s ironic that a book about raising pigs would feature an advertisement for an animal rights group that wants to completely eliminate the raising of animals for food.
Maybe it’s time to clue in Atlantic Publishing.
You can find a copy of the publisher’s ad on Google Books in a different work.
We noticed that the HSUS logo on the ad is old—from at least four years ago. So it’s possible that Atlantic has simply been running the same ad for years. We wonder if the publisher realizes how radicalized the group has become since Wayne Pacelle took over in 2004.
Atlantic Publishing can be reached by phone at (800) 814-1132, or by email at sales@atlantic-pub.com.
You’ll probably recall that passionate supporters of HumaneWatch and pro-agriculture groups were able to educate Pilot Travel Centers, Jordan Winery, Yellow Tail Wines, Precious Cat kitty litter, Hill’s Science Diet dog food, and Mary Kay cosmetics.
There’s no reason we can’t help Atlantic Publishing learn about HSUS too. Just be sure to do so politely and let the facts speak for themselves.
Comments
I have sent a respectful message as well. Thanks for giving us this very specific action item which can be completely quickly and easily. We must continue to educate others about the HSUS and their deception.
Hello, I am the office manager at Atlantic Publishing. To clear up any confusion here is the email I have been sending out.
Over the past few weeks, we have received several emails concerning our donations to the Humane Society of the United States. Although the ads in our books mention we donate a portion of our proceeds to them, we do not currently donate to HSUS. The mention in the books was added to demonstrate our compassion for animals as a whole, not any allegiance to a specific organization. In fact we donate to no-kill animal shelters, local animal parks, conservation organizations, local rescue shelters, and nonprofit organizations in need of assistance — 100% of the funds go directly to animals, people, or causes. Due to the overwhelming response we received, we have decided to change the page to better reflect how we donate the funds. I understand your concern and care, and I hope this will address all of your concerns without the need to contact us about this subject again.
I’ve had dogs all of my life, have been involved in Rescue which is when I found out about the HSUS. Thanks for bringing this to the attention of so many people.
H$U$ is bad!
Crystal,
That would be believable if Carlotta didn’t receive her box of books strewn with HSUS propaganda.
While you may not directly contribute to them, don’t you think putting their ” save this sickly puppy by sending us money” ad in each book is in fact endorsing them and soliciting the public for donations?
Ron
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Here was my letter:
I would like to take this opportunity to tell you that while I am touched by the story of the dog you adopted, Bear, and your desire to memorialize him, donating proceeds from book sales to the Humane Society of the United States is NOT a good way to do so. Did you now that only 1/2 of a percent of their over $90 million a year intake is spent on REAL animals? The rest is spent on making MORE money, pensions, salaries, perks, and lobbying? And did you know the main goal of that lobbying is to ELIMINATE all animal/human relationships, including your pets? Ask anyone who runs a shelter, as I have done. They are NOT there to help little shelters and rescues like the one you adopted Bear from. They are there to line their pockets at your expense. They do not run a single, solitary shelter. They do not house even one animal. Your desire to honor Bear would be much more fitting if you would choose a local organization to receive the funding. The best way might be to start a veterinary fund for low income people to save their pets lives in emergency situations, or a spay/neuter fund, or any one of a number of REAL charities. HSUS is a sham. Look up their federal tax records. They are public information due to the non-profit status of the organization.
Jennifer Tomlinson