HSUS is the enemy of all pet keepers

HSUS is the Enemy!
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is the Enemy of the Reptile Nation! They prey on the uneducated. They use their money to gain favor in Washington, DC. They pluck at the heartstrings of the animal loving American public. Their message is misleading. They count on their name creating confusion and implying that they have something to do with local Humane Societies. They do not take care of puppies and kittens. They have nothing to do with your local Humane Society. They are the most powerful Animal Rights (AR) group on the planet. Their agenda is to end ALL animal ownership and use. They oppose hunting, fishing, livestock farming, bio-medical research and pets... including traditional pets. They raise money by targeting students and senior citizens with photographs of abused animals and implying that the money they raise goes to the care of these animals. HSUS DOES NOT TAKE CARE OF ANIMALS! 90% of the funds they raise go toward salaries, administration and lobbying for the AR agenda of ending ALL animal ownership and use. HSUS is extremely well funded and is dedicated to destroying the Reptile Nation. They hope to use the current interest in invasive species and the Burmese Python as a tool to destroy our community. They do not operate using facts or science. They are spreading misinformation, wild exaggerations and emotionally charged rhetoric in an effort to use current legislative proposals to end the trade in reptiles. Do not let them succeed. Help USARK to expose them for what they are... AR EXTREMISTS! HSUS is the Mortal Enemy of the Reptile Nation!

Cool story bro.

I think that's what they call 'Preaching to the Choir'

I hear ya reverend .... but the heathen is that a way ----->


:P :P :P :P

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Originally Posted by dr del

I hear ya reverend .... but the heathen is that a way ----->


:P :P :P :P

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LOL! So true.

and this is a canadian telling us this!

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Originally Posted by snakemastercanada

HSUS is the Enemy!
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is the Enemy of the Reptile Nation! They prey on the uneducated. They use their money to gain favor in Washington, DC. They pluck at the heartstrings of the animal loving American public. Their message is misleading. They count on their name creating confusion and implying that they have something to do with local Humane Societies. They do not take care of puppies and kittens. They have nothing to do with your local Humane Society. They are the most powerful Animal Rights (AR) group on the planet. Their agenda is to end ALL animal ownership and use. They oppose hunting, fishing, livestock farming, bio-medical research and pets... including traditional pets. They raise money by targeting students and senior citizens with photographs of abused animals and implying that the money they raise goes to the care of these animals. HSUS DOES NOT TAKE CARE OF ANIMALS! 90% of the funds they raise go toward salaries, administration and lobbying for the AR agenda of ending ALL animal ownership and use. HSUS is extremely well funded and is dedicated to destroying the Reptile Nation. They hope to use the current interest in invasive species and the Burmese Python as a tool to destroy our community. They do not operate using facts or science. They are spreading misinformation, wild exaggerations and emotionally charged rhetoric in an effort to use current legislative proposals to end the trade in reptiles. Do not let them succeed. Help USARK to expose them for what they are... AR EXTREMISTS! HSUS is the Mortal Enemy of the Reptile Nation!

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A little Googling will also uncover a whole list of celebrities who not only support HSUS, but who fund raise and serve as useful idiots for them.

Any celeb who supports HSUS is not supported by my family and I. If every pet owner boycotted these jackasses.............

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Originally Posted by redpython

and this is a canadian telling us this!

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And this is the complete text of the USARK e-mail:

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HSUS is the Enemy!


The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is the Enemy of the Reptile Nation! They prey on the uneducated. They use their money to gain favor in Washington, DC. They pluck at the heartstrings of the animal loving American public. Their message is misleading. They count on their name creating confusion and implying that they have something to do with local Humane Societies. They do not take care of puppies and kittens. They have nothing to do with your local Humane Society. They are the most powerful Animal Rights (AR) group on the planet. Their agenda is to end ALL animal ownership and use. They oppose hunting, fishing, livestock farming, bio-medical research and pets... including traditional pets. They raise money by targeting students and senior citizens with photographs of abused animals and implying that the money they raise goes to the care of these animals. HSUS DOES NOT TAKE CARE OF ANIMALS! 90% of the funds they raise go toward salaries, administration and lobbying for the AR agenda of ending ALL animal ownership and use. HSUS is extremely well funded and is dedicated to destroying the Reptile Nation. They hope to use the current interest in invasive species and the Burmese Python as a tool to destroy our community. They do not operate using facts or science. They are spreading misinformation, wild exaggerations and emotionally charged rhetoric in an effort to use current legislative proposals to end the trade in reptiles. Do not let them succeed. Help USARK to expose them for what they are... AR EXTREMISTS! HSUS is the Mortal Enemy of the Reptile Nation!

Click here to donate $10 with dollar for dollar matching from Zoo Med

http://usark.org/donate.php

Click here to Join The Reptile Nation with dollar for dollar matching from Zoo Med

http://www.usark.org/join.php



HSUS is the Number 1 Enemy of the Reptile Nation. They are DANGEROUS EXTREMISTS that will stop at nothing to destroy us. The Following is HSUS Propaganda:



http://www.hsus.org/web-files/PDF/wi...ons_081009.pdf

http://www.hsus.org/press_and_public...rs_081009.html

The HSUS Calls for Comprehensive State and Federal Action on Large Constrictor Snakes

August 10, 2009

Today, The Humane Society of the United States, the nation's largest animal protection organization, applauded the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for considering a prohibition on possession and sales of all reptiles of concern as pets. This regulatory action would complement pending federal legislation, also supported by The HSUS, to prohibit importation and interstate trade in certain constrictor snakes for the pet trade.

In a letter to the FWC, The HSUS highlighted the recent tragic death of a Florida toddler and proliferation of Burmese pythons in the Everglades as reasons to take swift action to stop the influx of large constrictor snakes, prevent the spread of Burmese pythons and prevent the introduction of other species. The HSUS also urged the FWC to take a proactive and comprehensive approach and not just focus on a limited number of species, so that the problem is not simply shifted to other dangerous reptiles, such as anacondas. Once they become established, removing invasive species is expensive and sometimes impossible.

"We urge the FWC to look to take broader, proactive measures this year to stop the importation into the state, breeding, sale and acquisition of all reptiles of concern, including all anacondas, before another child is injured or killed, and another invasive species becomes established in the wild," wrote Jennifer Hobgood, Florida state director for The HSUS. "If we do not address these problems now, we will have failed just as policy makers failed in not banning the trade in Burmese pythons a decade or two decades ago."

States generally regulate which animals can be possessed and sold within their borders, while the federal government oversees international and interstate trade, making both state and federal action necessary. The HSUS supports legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate (S. 373) by Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., and in the U.S. House of Representatives (H.R. 2811) by Rep. Kendrick Meek, D-Fla., to prohibit importation and interstate commerce in certain constrictor snakes. In addition, The HSUS supports legislation expected to be introduced in the Florida legislature to ban the import, sales and acquisitions of all reptiles of concern.

The HSUS emphasizes that these measures must address all large constrictor snakes. If restrictions are placed only on a few species, the trade will shift to other species. This trend is already evident. The number of Burmese pythons imported into the United States dropped from about 14,000 in 2002 to 1,500 in 2006. The trade moved to captive bred animals and imports of other species. Imports of reticulated pythons increased from about 5,000 to 13,000 and anacondas increased from about 1,200 to 11,000 over this period.

Facts

•Florida lists Burmese/Indian pythons, African rock pythons, amethystine pythons, reticulated pythons, green anacondas and Nile monitor lizards as "reptiles of concern," which currently require a permit and microchip to keep as pets.
•Including all reptiles of concern is essential, and any action should include all anacondas, not just green anacondas, which are currently the only anaconda species listed as a reptile of concern. Yellow anacondas can also grow beyond 10 feet long and threaten people and wildlife.
•The U.S. House Judiciary Committee amended and approved H.R. 2811 on July 29. As introduced, the bill would have covered a range of python species. The committee amended the bill to cover only the subspecies Burmese pythons and species African rock pythons. The bill now moves to the full House for consideration.
•A hunt for Burmese pythons in Florida is unlikely to make a dent in the problem because of the snakes' remarkable reproductive capacity and ability to blend into the environment.

-30-

Follow The HSUS on Twitter.
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.

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I knew my worlds would collide one day....

First off, I do understand where you are coming from. HSUS has a lot of power and backing and are not looking very nicely upon Reptile Nation.
BUT, please don't be ignorant.
To say HSUS, "do not take care of puppies and kittens. They have nothing to do with your local Humane Society," is wrong.
When I worked at the local animal shelter we were supported by HSUS. When Katrina and Rita happened we took in HUNDREDS of animals from the south and cared for them, re-connected them with their owners, and adopted out the ones that we couldn't find the owners to.
HSUS organized the animals coming to, not only us, but MANY other shelters. They funded all flights and funded care as well.
HSUS while perhaps is doing some things that not everyone agrees with, so are a lot of organizations.
No one can deny that there is a large python issue in Florida. And HSUS may be standing up to help that.
No, a lot of reptile organization and rescues do not receive anything from HSUS, but that's because reptiles are not in the same situation with population as dogs and cats, YET. At this point this is HSUS's main focus.
Perhaps HSUS is getting incorrect information as well.
MAYBE Reptile Nation should focus on trying to (and, yes, it will be hard) education HSUS and band WITH them for all animals great and small. If we could be under HSUS's wing think of the places we could go....

I am not a fighter, I do not want to get involved in a HUGE debate, but I wanted to share another side of the coin with you....

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Originally Posted by Corvid

I knew my worlds would collide one day....

First off, I do understand where you are coming from. HSUS has a lot of power and backing and are not looking very nicely upon Reptile Nation.
BUT, please don't be ignorant.
To say HSUS, "do not take care of puppies and kittens. They have nothing to do with your local Humane Society," is wrong.
When I worked at the local animal shelter we were supported by HSUS. When Katrina and Rita happened we took in HUNDREDS of animals from the south and cared for them, re-connected them with their owners, and adopted out the ones that we couldn't find the owners to.
HSUS organized the animals coming to, not only us, but MANY other shelters. They funded all flights and funded care as well.
HSUS while perhaps is doing some things that not everyone agrees with, so are a lot of organizations.
No one can deny that there is a large python issue in Florida. And HSUS may be standing up to help that.
No, a lot of reptile organization and rescues do not receive anything from HSUS, but that's because reptiles are not in the same situation with population as dogs and cats, YET. At this point this is HSUS's main focus.
Perhaps HSUS is getting incorrect information as well.
MAYBE Reptile Nation should focus on trying to (and, yes, it will be hard) education HSUS and band WITH them for all animals great and small. If we could be under HSUS's wing think of the places we could go....

I am not a fighter, I do not want to get involved in a HUGE debate, but I wanted to share another side of the coin with you....

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There are two ways political entities look really good.

One is kissing cute little babies. Yech, germ factories everyone of them.

The second is saving cute little puppies and kitties from big bad mother nature.

Of course, while people are watching your left hand pet them and stroke them and make them all warm and happy, they don't see your right hand strangling them and tossing the carcasses aside.

hsus is NOT friendly to anyone keeping any animal. They, as with peta, want all pets of all sorts outlawed. Dig deep enough and you'll find out it's true, they don't want you to have Fido or Nibbles or any other living creature.

Period.

It is said that beauty is only skin deep. It is said that most never look past the skin.

I'm a flesh and bones man myself, I like to see what something is made of before I condone it, not just have a pretty wrapper that makes me all gooshy inside as my guiding light.

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Originally Posted by Corvid

I knew my worlds would collide one day....

First off, I do understand where you are coming from. HSUS has a lot of power and backing and are not looking very nicely upon Reptile Nation.

... WAH, WAH, WAH, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH, WAH, WAH ...

I am not a fighter, I do not want to get involved in a HUGE debate, but I wanted to share another side of the coin with you....

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The Devil often masquerades as an Angel. It is a powerful technique that appears to have worked on you...

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Originally Posted by Corvid

I knew my worlds would collide one day....

First off, I do understand where you are coming from. HSUS has a lot of power and backing and are not looking very nicely upon Reptile Nation.
BUT, please don't be ignorant.
To say HSUS, "do not take care of puppies and kittens. They have nothing to do with your local Humane Society," is wrong.
When I worked at the local animal shelter we were supported by HSUS. When Katrina and Rita happened we took in HUNDREDS of animals from the south and cared for them, re-connected them with their owners, and adopted out the ones that we couldn't find the owners to.
HSUS organized the animals coming to, not only us, but MANY other shelters. They funded all flights and funded care as well.
HSUS while perhaps is doing some things that not everyone agrees with, so are a lot of organizations.
No one can deny that there is a large python issue in Florida. And HSUS may be standing up to help that.
No, a lot of reptile organization and rescues do not receive anything from HSUS, but that's because reptiles are not in the same situation with population as dogs and cats, YET. At this point this is HSUS's main focus.
Perhaps HSUS is getting incorrect information as well.
MAYBE Reptile Nation should focus on trying to (and, yes, it will be hard) education HSUS and band WITH them for all animals great and small. If we could be under HSUS's wing think of the places we could go....

I am not a fighter, I do not want to get involved in a HUGE debate, but I wanted to share another side of the coin with you....

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Ahh, one of the democrat/hsus loving sheeple I see. Take your blinders off :colbert:

I am hardly Democratic and do not Love HSUS.
I am not a member of HSUS, I don't even donate money to them.

Like said I don't want to start a huge fight, and I will not participate.

I was simply sharing my FIRST-HAND experience with HSUS.

I was trying to bring a different prespective to this matter, I thought that's what forums were for. I now regret sharing because of narrow-minded people making personal attacks towards me.

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Originally Posted by Corvid

I am hardly Democratic and do not Love HSUS.
I am not a member of HSUS, I don't even donate money to them.

Like said I don't want to start a huge fight, and I will not participate.

I was simply sharing my FIRST-HAND experience with HSUS.

I was trying to bring a different prespective to this matter, I thought that's what forums were for. I now regret sharing because of narrow-minded people making personal attacks towards me.

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Surely you're tougher than this?

One guy disagreeing in an unpleasant manner and you're done?

Really?

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Originally Posted by Corvid

I was simply sharing my FIRST-HAND experience with HSUS.

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Since we're in a sharing kind of mood, I'll share my first hand experience with HSUS.

The Humane Society of the United States insists that people should not in any circumstance keep reptiles or amphibians as pets. It is their goal to end the hobby/business of the majority of the members and visitors of this site for no other reason than because they feel that they know better then you what is best for animals.

From their website in a Q&A ...

QUESTION: "Should Individuals Keep Wild or Exotic Animals as Pets?"

HSUS ANSWER: "No. Wild and exotic (non-native) animals are unsuitable for home rearing and handling."

QUESTION: "When Is Captivity Justified?"

HSUS ANSWER: "Wild animals should only be kept in captivity by professional zoological facilities."

You can find the full Q&A here ... http://www.hsus.org/wildlife/issues_...otic_pets.html

Oh, so you're one of those people that doesn't believe that the HSUS really means ball pythons or small lizards when they refer to "wild animals"? Think again ....

FROM THE HSUS WEBSITE: "What are they? Agoutis, chameleons, coatimundis, hedgehogs, iguanas, marmosets, monkeys (or even chimpanzees), prairie dogs, pythons, servals, sugar gliders ... they all share one critical trait: They're wild." (full text at this link - http://www.hsus.org/archive/about_us...rent_wild.html)

Wait, maybe you're now going to say that the HSUS isn't talking about captive bred animals ... oh no? hmmm

FROM THE HSUS WEBSITE: "But wild or exotic animals—even those who were captive-born or hand-raised by people—have not been adjusted to life with humans. Doing so takes generation after generation. So keeping them as pets is usually inhumane" (full text at this link - http://www.hsus.org/archive/about_us...rent_wild.html)

Well, you must be thinking now that maybe they have a point ... maybe the HSUS knows what they're talking about after all ... heaven knows that they wouldn't make stuff up ... they certainly wouldn't LIE for any reason. oh no?

LIE FROM THE HSUS WEBSITE: "All reptiles and amphibians carry salmonella" (full text at this link - http://www.hsus.org/archive/about_us...rent_wild.html)

LIE FROM THE HSUS WEBSITE: "Most pet reptiles are wild-caught or born to wild-caught parents. And perhaps 90 percent of wild-caught reptiles die in their first year of captivity from trauma during capture and shipment and their often unmet dietary and habitat needs." (full text at this link - http://www.hsus.org/archive/about_us...rent_wild.html)

So excuse me for being a little bent that you're on this website advocating working with an organization that believes that I shouldn't have the right to own animals that I have passionately and meticulously cared for for almost 30 years. How exactly are we supposed to work with that?

And for whatever it's worth, if you review the Humane Society of the United States' IRS form 990's or Annual Reports for the last 5 years (all of which are freely available on their website) you'd find that less than 5% of their entire charitable income is spent on puppies and kittens. For every dollar donated to the HSUS, 5 cents goes to shelters, spay & neuter programs, and direct animal care. On the other hand 22 cents of every dollar goes to political campaigns and lobbying, just like the lobbying they are doing against the Reptile Nation and ALL exotic pet owners. Heck, the HSUS spends more money overseas than they do helping puppies and kittens right here in the United States.

It's great that you have had a positive experience with the HSUS and believe that they are directly helping animals ... and to a small degree they are ... but as the largest and most powerful animal welfare organization in the world with 180 million a year in donations and all the problems we have here in the United States, they could be doing a whole lot more ... and they're not. Shame on them.

-adam

Adam Thanks for taking the time to post that. Alot of people say"don't support the HSUS because they are bad?:weirdface"
You said hey this is why,and listed multiple sources From the HSUS site and for that :salute::gj:

Wow I knew HSUS was not on our side, but those are ridiculously blatant lies. Lies directed not only toward the uninformed public but toward the uninformed Representatives that make up our legislative system. This just shows the real need for us to step up, contact our reps, and give them the TRUTH. Thanks Adam. :salute:

Jesus, why are they so vehemontly against herps? I hate those mammal obsessed jerks.

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Originally Posted by omnibus2

Jesus, why are they so vehemontly against herps? I hate those mammal obsessed jerks.

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they are against all pet keeping! its just easier to start the first laws against pets that are not kept by everyone and most ppl have been taught to fear snakes

In my biology class (human and animal interactions) yesterday we had a lady from the vet school talking about ethics and welfare. She asked us "How many of you believe in HSUS?" and 5 people raised their hands.... All of which have pets. It made me sad that people don't educate themselves more. (thankfully the other three people in there that own herps didnt, phew!)

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Originally Posted by MsPrada

In my biology class (human and animal interactions) yesterday we had a lady from the vet school talking about ethics and welfare. She asked us "How many of you believe in HSUS?" and 5 people raised their hands.... All of which have pets. It made me sad that people don't educate themselves more. (thankfully the other three people in there that own herps didnt, phew!)

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what did she have to say about the hsus?

Thank you very much for sharing the clear facts.

Similar to you, I,"passionately and meticulously” worked in an animal shelter where we saved and euthanized many animals. I poured my heart and soul into that place and gave up A LOT to do so. The bottom line is that HSUS DID help us. So when I heard someone saying, "They have nothing to do with your local Humane Society" I know that is a lie. As we have seen with the bills trying to be passed, it is imperative that everyone needs to keep ALL of the facts straight, Including politicians, Reptile Nation, and HSUS.

You have laid out the facts very clearly, with that I see that my thought of working with them is too far-fetched.

I have never been completely blind to the fact of what HSUS would like to do to not only Reptile Nation, but all exotic areas. I just didn't realize it was to the extent that HSUS would stoop to such ridiculous lies.

Adam, Thank you for posting.

She didnt share her opinions with us, but Ive heard from some people that know her that is most likely believes in them herself...

the problem is that when they do give a small donation they just made a few hundred thousand in revenue, yet they claim to be not for profit.
then again at the same time how much was the usgs paid off.
just like 2 days ago the usgs was on tv saying how most costal states will be under water.
oh yea and noaa said we are going to have non stop hurricanes

Eh? What do hurricanes and global warming have to do with HSUS? (I'm glad I live far inland, anyhow, lol).

Thank you for your help in your local shelter. I too volunteer my time every week at my local humane society and do everything I possibly can to stop the killing of healthy, adoptable cats and dogs where I live.

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Originally Posted by Corvid

So when I heard someone saying, "They have nothing to do with your local Humane Society" I know that is a lie.

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There is a common misconception about the relationship between local humane societies and the Humane Society of the United States. Many people think that they are one in the same, but the reality is that they are very different and separate entities.

As always, we can look directly to the HSUS website to find out exactly what they do for local humane societies.

1. They provide national shelter standards, guidelines and recommendations for care and operations.

2. They offer a Animal Services Consultation (ASC) program, which provides in-depth animal shelter evaluations (unfortunately, this is a program that the HSUS charges several thousand dollars for and many shelters cannot afford it).

3. They provide training programs. (again, these are not free and most of the time local shelters cannot afford them)

4. They offer shelters a bi-monthly magazine.

5. They provide outreach through their website to "help citizens find, understand and support their local shelters, plus classroom support for humane education programs".

6. They offer a cooperative buying service to provide discounts to shelters on a wide variety of products and services. (kind of like CostCo or BJ's for shelters ... btw, according to their tax filings HSUS makes money off of products purchased through this buyers program)

7. "Inspiration and direction in the establishment of a new federation of humane societies." (I'm not even sure what this means?)

8. Disaster assistance, including on-the-scene leadership in the collection and care of animals during crises. Plus, The HSUS assists in the rebuilding of animal shelters damaged in disasters, and supplements local budgets for unexpected disaster expenses.

9. Direct and indirect support for spay and neuter programs.

10. Standby assistance for a variety of other needs including legislation, operational guidance and more.

11. Fundraising events for local shelters and rescue groups, such as Walk for the Animals and Spay Day USA.

12. Financial assistance in the form of scholarships, periodic grants and other opportunities.

13. National and global advocacy for the core mission and values of America's animal shelters.

This line from the HSUS website is very important ...

"By long-standing tradition, local humane societies remain independent entities, each with its own policies, governance, and priorities".

You can find all of the information above on the HSUS website at this link - http://www.hsus.org/pets/animal_shel..._for_shelters/

AmericanHumane.org estimates that there are 3,500 shelters operating within the United States although the exact number is unknown ... if you take the $6,774,268.00 from the HSUS 2008 annual report that they say they spent on animal care facilities and assume that they divided that money equally between the 3,500 shelters ... what you get is $1,935.50 ... $1,935.50 is what the HSUS financially contributes to each US shelter. 180 million dollars a year in donations and they give each shelter that they are helping $1,935.50. That pays for one minimum wage employee to work at a shelter for about 6 weeks.

Shame on them.

The even sadder part is that the HSUS operates 5 of it's own animal care facilities Nationwide ... so that $6,774,268.00 from their annual report that was spent on animal care facilities also includes the money that directly went to the 5 facilities that they run ... including a 1,300 acre ranch in Texas ... leaving less money for local shelters.

So to be clear, the Humane Society of the United States doesn't run, fund, own, or directly participate in the day to day operations of local humane societies and shelters. They are more like a trade organization that provides standards, publishes a magazine, charges money for some services, and gives a little money here and there to help out with local shelters. This isn't opinion, it's fact based on information freely available on the HSUS website.

$180,000,000.00 a year in charitable donations, and that's how they're supporting your local shelter ... Shame on them.

The confusion comes from the fact that many people actually believe that the HSUS is directly running local humane societies and the Humane Society of the United States is happy to let them believe that. Why you ask?

$180,000,000.00 a year in charitable donations.

I'll say it one more time ... Shame on them.

Blessings,

-adam

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Originally Posted by Adam_Wysocki

Thank you for your help in your local shelter. I too volunteer my time every week at my local humane society and do everything I possibly can to stop the killing of healthy, adoptable cats and dogs where I live.



There is a common misconception about the relationship between local humane societies and the Humane Society of the United States. Many people think that they are one in the same, but the reality is that they are very different and separate entities.

As always, we can look directly to the HSUS website to find out exactly what they do for local humane societies.

1. They provide national shelter standards, guidelines and recommendations for care and operations.

2. They offer a Animal Services Consultation (ASC) program, which provides in-depth animal shelter evaluations (unfortunately, this is a program that the HSUS charges several thousand dollars for and many shelters cannot afford it).

3. They provide training programs. (again, these are not free and most of the time local shelters cannot afford them)

4. They offer shelters a bi-monthly magazine.

5. They provide outreach through their website to "help citizens find, understand and support their local shelters, plus classroom support for humane education programs".

6. They offer a cooperative buying service to provide discounts to shelters on a wide variety of products and services. (kind of like CostCo or BJ's for shelters ... btw, according to their tax filings HSUS makes money off of products purchased through this buyers program)

7. "Inspiration and direction in the establishment of a new federation of humane societies." (I'm not even sure what this means?)

8. Disaster assistance, including on-the-scene leadership in the collection and care of animals during crises. Plus, The HSUS assists in the rebuilding of animal shelters damaged in disasters, and supplements local budgets for unexpected disaster expenses.

9. Direct and indirect support for spay and neuter programs.

10. Standby assistance for a variety of other needs including legislation, operational guidance and more.

11. Fundraising events for local shelters and rescue groups, such as Walk for the Animals and Spay Day USA.

12. Financial assistance in the form of scholarships, periodic grants and other opportunities.

13. National and global advocacy for the core mission and values of America's animal shelters.

This line from the HSUS website is very important ...

"By long-standing tradition, local humane societies remain independent entities, each with its own policies, governance, and priorities".

You can find all of the information above on the HSUS website at this link - http://www.hsus.org/pets/animal_shel..._for_shelters/

AmericanHumane.org estimates that there are 3,500 shelters operating within the United States although the exact number is unknown ... if you take the $6,774,268.00 from the HSUS 2008 annual report that they say they spent on animal care facilities and assume that they divided that money equally between the 3,500 shelters ... what you get is $1,935.50 ... $1,935.50 is what the HSUS financially contributes to each US shelter. 180 million dollars a year in donations and they give each shelter that they are helping $1,935.50. That pays for one minimum wage employee to work at a shelter for about 6 weeks.

Shame on them.

The even sadder part is that the HSUS operates 5 of it's own animal care facilities Nationwide ... so that $6,774,268.00 from their annual report that was spent on animal care facilities also includes the money that directly went to the 5 facilities that they run ... including a 1,300 acre ranch in Texas ... leaving less money for local shelters.

So to be clear, the Humane Society of the United States doesn't run, fund, own, or directly participate in the day to day operations of local humane societies and shelters. They are more like a trade organization that provides standards, publishes a magazine, charges money for some services, and gives a little money here and there to help out with local shelters. This isn't opinion, it's fact based on information freely available on the HSUS website.

$180,000,000.00 a year in charitable donations, and that's how they're supporting your local shelter ... Shame on them.

The confusion comes from the fact that many people actually believe that the HSUS is directly running local humane societies and the Humane Society of the United States is happy to let them believe that. Why you ask?

$180,000,000.00 a year in charitable donations.

I'll say it one more time ... Shame on them.

Blessings,

-adam

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id also like to add that this does not qualify as a not-for-profit model, what that means is they are also evading taxes by doing what they are doing

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Originally Posted by nixer

id also like to add that this does not qualify as a not-for-profit model, what that means is they are also evading taxes by doing what they are doing

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Actually, nothing stated in what I wrote above violates their 501(c)(3) status in any way.

Non-profits are allowed to accept donations and sell items ... they are just not allowed to accumulate profits that are paid out as dividends. As long as all of the money that they take in eventually goes back out in the form of charitable donations & operating costs, they are fine. Also, 501(c)(3)'s are allowed to spend up to 20% of their gross revenue on lobbying according to the IRS's 80/20 rule for lobbying.

Hope this helps.

-adam

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Adam_Wysocki

Actually, nothing stated in what I wrote above violates their 501(c)(3) status in any way.

Non-profits are allowed to accept donations and sell items ... they are just not allowed to accumulate profits that are paid out as dividends. As long as all of the money that they take in eventually goes back out in the form of charitable donations & operating costs, they are fine. Also, 501(c)(3)'s are allowed to spend up to 20% of their gross revenue on lobbying according to the IRS's 80/20 rule for lobbying.

Hope this helps.

-adam

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yes and their "charitable donations " dont amount to much and never have.
this is also a big debate because there is technically no minimum donation but there was a ruling at one time that dictated a model for how much an npo should be holding vs donations

also here is just one of the many petitions floating around to remove their "NPO" status
http://www.petitiononline.com/4377qba1/petition.html

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nixer

yes and their "charitable donations " dont amount to much and never have.

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I'd disagree. A quick review of the 990's for the last five years shows a lot of money going to a lot of organizations that really need it ... including Alley Cat Allies, Bad Rap, and Best Friends to name a few with national name recognition.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nixer

this is also a big debate because there is technically no minimum donation but there was a ruling at one time that dictated a model for how much an npo should be holding vs donations

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There is nothing in the IRS regulations that dictates how much money an NPO can carry over. The general rule is two years worth of operating expenses (which is what the HSUS holds), but more is perfectly acceptable and legal.

I've never been a fan of the attacks on the HSUS's tax status ... they just seem petty to me. It's obvious that the HSUS does do a lot of good things to help animals every year ... their anti-animal fighting programs are very good, the work they are currently doing with the Ad Council and Maddies Fund is excellent, and many of their other programs are really needed. But, I am extremely disappointed with their attacks on responsible pet owners and the centuries old tradition of pet ownership ... the idea that a special interest group can dictate to the United States Congress what animals are and aren't acceptable for responsible Americans to keep as pets, dictating to state legislatures how many pets Americans can own in their own home, and lobbying for legal definitions of what constitutes "acceptable care" of pets is absolutely appalling to me and in my opinion goes against the ideas and values that the Humane Society of the United States was founded on.

-adam

Here are some organizations that oppose the extremist ideolgies of PETA and HSUS.

http://www.exposeanimalrights.com/

Helping animals is comendable and something I definately support but these guys want to stop pet ownership, zoos and animal research altogether!


Way over the top!

Is this the same humane society that has the Animal Cops?

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Originally Posted by omnibus2

Is this the same humane society that has the Animal Cops?

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Yeah, they have pretty much taken over a lot of the programming on Animal Planet. Intent on showing the WORST of animal ownership.

I looked over NAIA, and what I see is an organization that talks middle-ground, but practices more right-wing extremism. *sighs*

I like wolves more than I like NAIA. :P

Still waiting for an ACTUAL sane organization that promotes both animal welfare and pet-owner rights.