Top Vet: National “Humane Society” Shortchanges Local Pet Shelters
With the recent release of our 50-state report “Not Your Local Humane Society,” we saw pet shelters speaking out to confirm what we’ve been saying for years: The national “Humane Society” of the United States (HSUS) animal rights group largely snubs them while banking on public confusion about the words “Humane Society” in its name. In fact, 71 percent of Americans think HSUS is an umbrella group for pet shelters, but this is untrue. If these unsuspecting donors send money to HSUS, it’s unlikely to end up where they intend it to go.
Dr. Jim Humphries, head of the Veterinary News Network, has taken notice. Writing today about the clash between HSUS and our project HumaneWatch, Humphries observes the struggles that local shelters face with HSUS:
Some small shelters have been overwhelmed with animals after well-publicized “raids” by the HSUS and feel that the Humane Society should offer more financial support.
After an amazing bust of an eight state dog fighting ring, the Humane Society of Missouri (HSMO), along with many other local groups, ended up caring for the 450 dogs rescued that day. But, in spite of receiving extensive media attention and using images of one of the dogs as a fund-raising initiative, the HSUS did not initially contribute any monies to the dogs’ care. Finally, after an outcry on many pet blogs, $5,000 was given to one of the rescue groups….
Many who donate to HSUS see their local shelter struggle financially to care for the homeless and stray pets in their community. They believe their donation to HSUS is going to help those animals. Instead, it appears that the bulk of American’s donations fund efforts to make laws based on emotion rather than fact and, of course, for more fundraising.
If you wish to help your local shelter give to them directly where you know your money and your time will be used to help pets in your community.
We encourage you to read all of Dr. Humphries’ thoughts. His “give local” advice is important, especially with one Nebraska shelter director’s recent reminder that “We don’t see a dime [from HSUS].”
