How to feel about the HSUS..

[Bluebonnet Herp]

That is very interesting. So as a case in point, if there is a donation bin for the local "humane soceity" adoption facility at a grocery store of something and one were to donate to it, would that be funding the HSUS or assisting the animals in that specific shelter?

Ive had to volunteer at a hsus to get hours for school etc.

Local shelters and humane societies have absolutely no affiliation with the "Humane Society" of the United States. HSUS has zero animals under their care. Their name is, in essence, a full blown lie. They are not a shelter; they are the equivalent of what PETA is only the general public doesn't know because of how deceptive their name and campaign is.

[kiiarah]

All of that is just infuriating. Are there really places they have banned snakes over 3 feet?? I am so fed up with them b.s.ing everything into thinking their false agenda is honorable. Is there anything we can do as individuals to expose them or make things more difficult for them at all? They seem almost untouchable, especially given the confusion over who exactly they even are and what they control. If I wanted to pursue some kind of activism, what could I pursue that would make any impact?

[Jabberwocky Dragons]

All of that is just infuriating. Are there really places they have banned snakes over 3 feet?? I am so fed up with them b.s.ing everything into thinking their false agenda is honorable. Is there anything we can do as individuals to expose them or make things more difficult for them at all? They seem almost untouchable, especially given the confusion over who exactly they even are and what they control. If I wanted to pursue some kind of activism, what could I pursue that would make any impact?

I think this was a town in Kansas but am not positive on the location.

Someone mentioned HumaneWatch.org earlier... this a great site that does their best to expose HSUS. I think someone also mentioned the lawsuits or charges being leveled at them now for misleading the public so they are not untouchable.

Seriously though, read through HumaneWatch if this is something that interests you. Besides the HSUS organization itself, the ties that many of the top executives have are eye-opening. Everyone has their own thoughts on activism. Personally, I think the best way to get involved is through education, even just sharing with friends and family in a non-nuisance kind of way. Years ago my sister wanted to work for HSUS because she didn't really understand their true mission... that got squashed very quickly.

[artgecko]

They've been found guilty of paying witnesses etc. before in court cases too.. just sleazy people.

There are many cities that already have laws on the books to ban certain species of exotics, snakes, etc. you just have to check your local laws. These laws can be pushed by organizations such as HSUS and ASPCA, but are also spear-headed by fear-crazed locals that don't know anything and politicians eager to be seen as "saving' their constituents from the evil snakes.

Joining USARK is a good idea if you are interested in supporting your rights as a reptile keeper... Even if you don't want to join, follow their FB page. They do regular updates on laws that are up for vote in various states that might threaten reptile ownership.

[lorrainesmom]

Some jurisdictions do have county shelter employees trained and sworn with police powers to investigate animal cruelty cases. They also coordinate with the county humane society to evaluate and document the condition of the animals in hoarder, abuse and dog fighting cases. The privately run shelters primarily run on either donations or grants from places like the Morris Foundation and other charity foundation. The Humane Society of the United States is a lobbying organization, which has been pointed out already.

I used to work as a tech at a no-kill animal shelter. We had grant writers who would apply for spay/neuter grants, grants to upgrade our facility, ect. We also worked with breed specific rescues to place purebreds that we would find at the county kill shelter, if our own shelter was full. Thankfully we had open access to the kill shelter to pull animals right before kill time; and let me tell you, many days I left the shelter in tears, because there were only so many open slots at our shelter, and adoptable animals were going to be killed right after we left.

I guess what I am trying to say, just because you have issues with the Humane Society of the United States, please dont let that stop you from donating either your time, or funds to the local no-kill shelters. That money goes into your local community, and helps the local animals find homes. i know that the reason that you are on boards like this mean that you care, and that you want the best for all pets, not just the ones with scales, but the ones with fur, as well.

So do the people at your local shelter. They are the ones that deserve your time, and your funds.

[anicatgirl]

I think this was a town in Kansas but am not positive on the location.

I know at least that Andover, KS a suburb of Wichita has that ban in effect. It is ridiculous.

[kiiarah]

Joining USARK is a good idea if you are interested in supporting your rights as a reptile keeper... Even if you don't want to join, follow their FB page. They do regular updates on laws that are up for vote in various states that might threaten reptile ownership.

I completely agree, joined up a couple of days ago. Been meaning to for a while so I am very relieved to be able to call myself a member at long last. Hopefully I can budget a higher monthly donation soon.

[kiiarah]

I guess what I am trying to say, just because you have issues with the Humane Society of the United States, please dont let that stop you from donating either your time, or funds to the local no-kill shelters. That money goes into your local community, and helps the local animals find homes. i know that the reason that you are on boards like this mean that you care, and that you want the best for all pets, not just the ones with scales, but the ones with fur, as well.

I absolutely will. That was my main concern, that I don't think I could bear to refuse the local shelters help but would hate to help the HSUS in any way, so I am thrilled that is not a concern. Both of my cats were adopted from local human society shelters. I could never have walked away from them. I would love to volunteer in the future but between work and two young children being homeschooled, time is really limited right now. Maybe soon the boys will be old enough that we could all volunteer together, make it part of their curriculum.