HSUS Under Investigation...

[JC]

Atlanta TV Report Puts HSUS Donations in the Spotlight
Questions Surround Fundraising Practices
5/21/09


The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has recently become the subject of scrutiny after an Atlanta based news station’s investigative report raised questions over millions in donations to the HSUS.

The report, done by WSB-TV channel 2, focused on concerns that the HSUS may engage in fundraising tactics in which donors believe their contributions predominately go to help local animal shelters.

The report highlighted certain controversies surrounding the HSUS such as the public disclosure of only $7 million in expenditures for reuniting pets displaced during Hurricane Katrina with their owners, despite having raised $34 million to accomplish the task.   At that time, the Louisiana Attorney General’s office launched an investigation into the matter.

A Channel 2 reporter also attended a local HSUS meeting, where the discussions were reportedly focused on activism, not animal care. It was also stated in the report that the Georgia Director for HSUS admitted that she spends most of her time working on lobbying rather than working to coordinate the care of animals.

“We have long believed that many HSUS donors think they are helping local dog and cat shelters,” said Bud Pidgeon, president and CEO of the US Sportsmen’s Alliance. “We think this confusion actually diverts funds away from that purpose and actually funds campaigns to restrict hunting rights and common farming and livestock practices.”

Those confused are not just locals. USSA and other sportsmen and agriculture organizations believe that conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh mistakenly believes that HSUS is primarily involved in caring for dogs and cats. Limbaugh recently produced two advertisements for HSUS endorsing a couple of its programs. Sportsmen fear that the conservative icon’s collaboration with the animal rights organization will help whitewash its agenda in the eyes of other conservatives.  

The USSA recently had the opportunity to discuss the ongoing controversy surrounding Rush Limbaugh’s support of the HSUS with Greg and Dan on 1470 WMBD in Peoria, Illinois on May 19.

Rob Sexton, the USSA’s vice president of government affairs, spent over ten minutes outlining the steps taken by the USSA to try and convince Rush to sever his ties to HSUS.    Click Here  to listen to the interview.

[Traxx]

Its about time,somebody started investigateing HSUS.I have been Educateing People to HSUS and its False Advertiseing for years.HSUS is NOT an animal welfare group,they are in fact an animal rights group.Big difference.All that needs to be done to take their power,is to take away their Tax free Status.How they have that tax free status,is beyond me.It has been proven,that they financialy support eco terrorist,and their organization.

[Brian Krebs]

The loss of revenue for local shelters - by people that donate to the HSUS - should be made more available to the public.

 HSUS tax free status should be lost !

[dragon rider]

Is there any publicly available report from the Louisana AG's office?  If there is it might make fine reading for the IRS Exempt Organizations branch.   HSUS members have the right to advocate whatever they believe in, but not with our tax money - they can and should use their own given their activities.