The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has worked since 1954 to promote the protection of all animals. With nearly ten million members and constituents, and over $120 million in annual revenue, the HSUS is the nation’s largest and most powerful animal protection organization, working in the United States and abroad to defend the interests of animals. HSUS celebrates the human-animal bond, and it fights animal cruelty and abuse in all of its forms. HSUS president Wayne Pacelle described some of his goals in 2004 for The Washington Post: “We will see the end of wild animals in circus acts … [and we’re] phasing out animals used in research. Hunting? I think you will see a steady decline in numbers.”[1]
There is some controversy over whether the Humane Society of the United States has an interest in animal protection, or in animal rights. One analysis of their operations concludes that "HSUS raises enough money to finance animal shelters in every single state, with money to spare, yet it doesn’t operate a single one anywhere. 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."[2] Shortly after Pacelle joined HSUS in 1994, he told Animal People that his goal was to build “a National Rifle Association of the animal rights movement.”[3] Pacelle's Statement of Beliefs notes his opposition to animal "exploitation" in addition to opposition to cruelty and abuse of animals.[4]
A close perusal of the HSUS Statements of Policy on their website reveals that they oppose the use of animals in research and testing that is harmful to the animals, the use of apes in research, greyhound racing, rodeos, performing circus animals, commercial breeding and sale of dogs and cats for pets, and the hunting of any living creature for fun, trophy, or sport.[5].
The HSUS publishes Animal Sheltering, a bimonthly magazine for animal care and control professionals and others who care about community animal protection, sheltering, and control.
The HSUS includes nine regional offices, four affiliates, an international arm, and 400 staff members—including veterinarians, wildlife biologists, lawyers, animal behaviorists, and other professionals. The Humane Society of the United States is not affiliated with, nor is it a parent organization for, local humane societies, animal shelters, or animal care and control agencies. These are independent organizations. HSUS does not operate or have direct control over any animal shelter.[6]
In addition to providing free veterinary services to impoverished communities through its RAVS program (Rural Area Veterinary Services), The HSUS also operates a program called DART: Disaster Animal Response Teams. These teams provide response and relief to the animal and human victims of natural and man-made disasters.
The HSUS's four major campaigns include factory farming, animal cruelty and fighting, egregious hunting practices, and the fur trade.
The HSUS sponsors an awards show, The Genesis Awards, given to media programming that raises awareness of animal cruelty and other animal concerns. It is broadcast yearly on Animal Planet.
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Contents
- 1 Abbreviation
- 2 Notes
- 3 See also
- 4 External links
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Abbreviation
The Humane Society of the United States is commonly abbreviated HSUS.
Notes
- ^ "Humane Society Animal Rights activities"
- ^ "Humane Society Animal Rights activities"
- ^ [1]
- ^ "Wayne Pacelle's Statement of Beliefs"
- ^ "HSUS Policy Statements
- ^ "HSUS Member FAQ"
See also
External links
- HSUS website
- HSUS Factory Farming Campaign site
- HSUS Fur-Free Campaign site
Categories: Animal welfare | 1954 establishments
