Humane Society of the United States

  
This is an example of mis-direction in its vilest hour. Pictures of abused animals, dogs, cats, bunnies, cows, and others are presented in ads nightly on our local Fox News Channel with appeals to donate to save these poor creatures and provide a home. It is an extremely aggressive campaign with full minute spots appearing several times a night—every night. The ads strongly suggest that your donation will provide a safe, loving home for these unfortunate creatures in some unidentified shelter.

Since I do not, and am unwilling to, watch any network TV news or cable cast other than Fox, I confess that I can’t verify these ads are showing elsewhere. Given the popularity of Fox, it would make sense to use them primarily as they are the most watched outlet and the most likely to generate revenue.

With some urging from Jan Granny with a Pitchfork, I did some research and found a huge dossier of interesting and damning information on this subject—Humane Society of the United States. The first serious problem which came to the fore was the absolute absence of evidence of any facility under the direct or associated connection with the HSUS which could provide a shelter or even adoption for the abused animals.. No such facility is known to exist in their name in any state in the United States or abroad. Their payroll reflects no veterinarians, keepers, consultants, dieticians, trainers or managers to man these phantom homes for animals. These shelters are a total fiction and any donations would never help so much as one lonesome injured kitty.

This passionate plea came from an outfit with an estimated wealth of around $115,000,000. That amount, if allocated to each individual state would provide $2.3 million each to provide rescue services for animals. The animals used in the filming of the appeal depict creatures who are obviously victims of rank cruelty and neglect. They are shown in dilapidated confinement and bearing the fresh damage of recent lack of kindness or care. Their appearance makes an extremely strong appeal to the casual viewer for financial support. It is a sham!

So, where does the money go? After an investigation the activistcash.com web site made this observation:
“Instead, HSUS spends millions on programs that seek to economically cripple meat and dairy producers; eliminate the use of animals in biomedical research labs; phase out pet breeding, zoos, and circus animal acts; and demonize hunters as crazed lunatics.. HSUS spends $2 million each year on travel expenses alone, just keeping its multi-national agenda going.”

How about a peek at the guy running the show, Wayne Pacelli? He started with the organization as a vp back in 1994 and took the top spot in 2004. He was a dream come true for the organization—a true vegan. From his new lofty perch with no dependency on animals for food, he could press the full “Peta-esque” agenda at no personal loss.

The comparison to PETA is valid across the board. I see no serious disagreement between the organizations in their press for granting animals equal rights with humans. While the thought of Woodsy the Owl in the court room repeating his traditional, “Who? Who? Who?” might be amusing if not for the serious implications on a citizenry already under attack from every quarter over existing rights of their own? All too often the battle over individual rights turns into a zero sum game as one man’s gain is another man’s loss. The average guy doesn’t need to lose to a pig, a cow, or a bird.

One way or another or on one issue or another we are all under attack from this organization. Among the things we would lose if HSUS had their way would be bacon, beef, bratwurst , baloney, chicken, milk, eggs, leather shoes, vests, belts, coats, and hats, circuses, medical research using animals, hunting, fishing, polo, horse racing, pet ownership, wool in its many applications, insecticides, dog food, fly swatters, football, fur lined gloves, McDonald’s anything, WD-40, and coon skin caps. All HSUS seeks is a total reorganization of life as we know it.

They have mounted an all-out attack on American choice and individualism in the guise of protecting animals. Their ranks have recently been filled with personnel who have former PETA experience and also the discredited and indicted ALF (Animal Liberation Front.) For those with short memories, ALF has frequently violated the law through arson and willful destruction of biology labs with animal subjects and assaults on various breeding facilities. Their goal is not the protection of animals but bans on the use of any animal product in any way.

The solicitation arm of HSUS has been a consistent customer of the Share Group, a fund raising outfit. They manage the money seeking for a profit and through agreements with charities. This in itself is a legitimate enterprise and highly profitable for the Share Group. Here is an excerpt from activistcash.com on part of this effort on the behalf of HSUS:

“In the fundraising business, returning 30 to 35 percent of funds raised to a given charity is considered acceptable. But according to reports from New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, Share Group kept $2.18 million between 1999 and 2000, and passed on only $273,560 to HSUS -- a return rate of only 11 percent.”

Obviously it costs money to raise money but in the above example if you gave $100 the end charity comes up with a mere $11.

We, and no doubt you, have cash-starved local organizations with sincere, dedicated people who are devoted to animal rescue. On a recent visit to one in Cassville, MO while “cat-shopping,” we learned some amazing things. We met no paid employees. We saw no equipment or facilities which exceeded the bare-bones requirements to maintain their operation. They had a huge choice of happy, well cared for animals. The biggest surprise came when we asked about the daily demand for an immense amount of food. The volunteer opened a store room door and revealed shelves groaning under the weight of canned and bagged animal foods of every brand, size, and end-user designation. When I questioned the presence of such a large back stock of food on an obviously scant budget, he said the magic words: “It is an ongoing gift from Wal-Mart.” As products near their expiration dates the stock is purged and sent to the shelter. What was missing was any hint of a self-aggrandizing claim on behalf of the retail giant for their generosity. We left with two sisters, Liberty and Prudence, whose furry feline bodies you will currently find occupying our sofa.

For a far more comprehensive view of this organization (HSUS) click on either of the links: read it and weep. To usurp a noble goal, mis-manage funds, and utilize such mis-direction is criminal at worst and shameless misbehavior at the best. If you are reading this on the net you have research facilities at your finger tips which exceed the capacity of the greatest libraries the world has ever known. Please use them and avoid those who would ride the tides of sympathy to achieve ill gotten gains.


In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon