Please read nokillblog by advocate Nathan Winograd
Posted by jturboaz  |  November 12, 2009 10:37:22 AM

jolvey, Yes,in most cases that is true.I am sad to say that isn't the case here.I am a full supporter to stop all abuse of every single kind of animal on this earth and I still do not support the HSUS.They are,my friend,not in it all the way for certain animals like they want animal lovers to believe.I was in denial about this at first when I first learned about it too.It broke my heart!Yes,they do alot of good to protect animals BUT when it comes to certain killing they have shown,they have proven they do not really care to stop this killing.But you can't understand what all this means unless you do a search of nokillblog by Nathan Winograd and briefly read it.Again,I didn't want to believe one of the largest national animal protection organizations I had been financially supporting would be OK with certain things regarding certain animals.Again,nobody can understand what all this means(including myself at one point)unless they read that blog.Then people can make their own decision.

HSUS
Posted by jolvey  |  November 11, 2009 5:04:26 AM

It would appear that the only reason people post negative comments is because they are profiting from the exploitation or death of all species other than man... full stop!!!

Not A Humane Animal Charity
Posted by jturboaz  |  November 11, 2009 5:04:09 AM

I have always been a donor of the HSUS but recently after reading the truth about them in the book Redemption (2009) by Nathan Winograd I am not.No freakin'way.

For those who care to see more about what is really going on with the poor animals that big groups like the ASPCA and HSUS are suppose to be protecting(and they do have more money to protect animals with than they will ever let on)please check out Nathan Winograd's nokillblog.com Really eye opening.I was shocked.Amazed.I'm curious to know what others think about this.Let me know,if you can,by commenting here or emailing me at jturboaz@gmail.com.Thanks.

Give Locally
Posted by OK Big Dawg  |  November 10, 2009 5:54:57 AM

I'm like many of you who have had it with the HSUS. As a former not-for-profit Exec, I am disgusted by the behavior of the HSUS. First they endorsed the euthanasia of the Michael Vick dogs then they make him a spokesperson - I think they got that one backwards. Then the for profit company they pay millions to each year to make their phone solicitation calls, called my cell phone 17 times in one month without leaving a message. The final straw was the rash of "gifts" - more like cheap trash they sent me to guilt me into giving more money. Then I took one of their animal rescue courses and volunteered to assist and I've never heard back from them. So it is clear, all they want is my money to get bigger and bigger, yet the unwanted and abused pet populaion continues to grow. HSUS, you have received the last dime from me. I would advise everyone to give to local rescue groups that actually take animals off the street and find them new homes.

fund raising and "free gifts"
Posted by dgscanlan  |  November 9, 2009 5:54:36 AM

THAT'S IT!!! I pledge that from today forward I will no longer send a dime to any organization that sends me a "gift". I mean, how many address labels do these organizations think people need? I've got enough for about five lifetimes right now. So, a call to all of the nonprofits: ENOUGH ALREADY! I don't need any more address labels, calendars, wrapping paper, photo albums, daily planners...well, hopefully you get the picture. You will no longer get my financial support if this is how it is being spent.

Wasted donor money!
Posted by TruthSeeker  |  November 2, 2009 5:50:33 AM

I volunteered and worked for HSUS for years. Your money is being wasted in phenomenal sums. I have seen it first hand and I know the truth. Forget the gifts and mailings, take a good hard look inside and you, like me, will never give them another dime. Your money is better spent locally.

Fundraising expenses are over 22%
Posted by timtim  |  October 14, 2009 8:46:08 AM

Despite what Charity Navigator says, the HSUS annual report for 2008 says they spend $27,533,910 (yes, over 27 million dollars) on fundraising alone from total Expenses of $125,118,158. That is over 22%, and they keep my mailbox stuffed with unwanted materials. Perhaps someday they will realize this is not good public relations or effective practice!

They are effective!
Posted by JT  |  September 11, 2009 6:00:37 AM

I don't like free "gifts" from charities either, but HSUS is the big boy that has clout enough to make a difference for billions of animals. People pay attention to them, and that's why breeders, hunters, ranchers, furriers, etc. are so afraid of HSUS. Afraid enough to start ridiculous lies about the group wanting to get rid of all pets. Come on, folks, use your critical thinking skills. It's nonsense. Start asking about the motives of the HSUS haters. Are they making money off of using animals? There's your answer.

HSUS is intent on elminating the animal human bond
Posted by Dr. Rosset  |  September 8, 2009 6:46:15 AM

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is not a humane shelter nor does it runs spay/neuter programs or take in stray, neglected, abused pets nor does it investigate puppy mills. What it does do is ride in on the coattails of community investigations and then fund raise off the backs of local shelters by claiming the publicity for these raids. HSUS has accumulated $113 million in assets by misleading the public into believing they are saving homeless pets. This results in an irony of which most animal lovers are unaware: 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 cripple meat and dairy producers; eliminate the use of animals in biomedical research labs; end pet ownership, zoos, and circus animal acts; and demonize hunters as crazed lunatics. These people want to take over your community and they have no interest in your animals other than preventing you over time from owning them. There is an enormous difference between animal “welfare” organizations, which work for the humane treatment of animals, and animal “rights” organizations, which aim to end the use and ownership of animals. After making pet ownership a crime HSUS has started its focus on demonizing farmers. Look at the recent article in TIME in which the author admitted that what he wrote was biased and unfair. Most of what he wrote comes from the play book of the HSUS blogs. HSUS hired COK's co-founder, Paul Shapiro, as manager of its derogatorily named “Factory Farming Campaign.” HSUS is giving anti-meat campaigns a prominent place. Through a campaign of fear mongering they intend to keep living high and force this country to become vegan. They want livestock farmers to go out of business. Your donations are helping to starve people in this country.

No friend of animals
Posted by tjbv  |  August 14, 2009 8:11:47 AM

Please refer to the NEWS tab, above, regarding "The HSUS wants to rescue Vick." To make a convicted felon animal torturer one's spokesman in order to give Vick credibility in the NHL demonstrates a confusion of motives and unwise leadership. The HSUS has no business rehabilitating criminals and using our donations to do so. I hereby end my support of the HSUS.

HSUS Membership
Posted by Thais  |  July 17, 2009 7:14:19 AM

I have been a member of HSUS for a few years but have decided not to donate any more money to them. They need to seriously tighten up their membership appeals and revisit the way they approach individual donors before I consider ever contributing to them again. This year, I paid my membership renewal in January and never got an acknowledgement. In fact, I have been plagued with renewal appeals for months, not to mention periodic "gifts" of greeting cards, mailing labels, etc. that I never asked for and I'll never use. What a waste! And I know that they accomplish good things legislatively and in rescue situations for animals. I just feel that the diminishing funds I can spend on charity would be better used and appreciated elsewhere.

HSUS
Posted by 326 Rocky  |  July 7, 2009 5:48:17 AM

How could anyone get the impression that HSUS is an organization that supports local shelters? I have never seen one word in their announcements indicating they do such work. They are an organization that fights for animals (any kind) rights through the legal systems all over the world. They have stopped the killings of thousands, if not millions of animals by fighting laws or making new laws to protect our animals. American horses being slaughtered for meat for the French, the killing of thousands of baby seals every year in Canada, stopping puppy mills, having farm animals suffer when they die and are used for food. This is an outstanding organization and because some newspaper bends the truth to make a story for itself is disgusting.

Must See Atlanta News Video
Posted by AmourMaltese  |  June 22, 2009 6:33:25 AM

This before you donate to the H$U$! Your Local Shelters do not see 1 penny!

Puppy mill work
Posted by JLG  |  May 29, 2009 5:52:37 AM

Like many posting here, I also objected to the "enticements" to donate that I would constantly get in the mail (and am glad to hear about the opt-out available). But I have to give HSUS BIG kudos for what they helped coordinate in our local community (Kennewick, WA). Recently a puppy mill with nearly 400 (!) American Eskimo dogs was busted, and HSUS was instrumental in helping coordinate the rescue effort. Here's a quote from our local news channel website: "All the food, supplies, and cages have been donated by PetSmart. All other transportation costs of over $100,000, have been covered by the US Humane Society and not by the county." So a huge THANK YOU to HSUS and PetSmart Charities. I believe they have a special fund for just this sort of thing. It's pretty amazing that 2 weeks from the time this kennel was busted this HUGE exercise is working like a well-oiled machine, incorporating other regional/local shelters and rescues to deliver these poor dogs from their hell.

HSUS is it a Charity
Posted by jr3glenn  |  May 29, 2009 5:52:08 AM

HSUS is mostly a political oriented organization, based on research of the organizations major activities. HSUS hopes you think they support animal shelters, etc., but they do so at such a low level that it's in name only. They often support political agendas. I do not consider this a "charity".

hsus
Posted by smith  |  May 28, 2009 10:47:01 AM

You need to refer to a news story by WSB-TV in Atlanta, done in mid-May, 2009, regarding the shady practices of the HSUS. If you want to give your dollars to help animals, you would be much better off giving to your local shelter. HSUS run no shelters, give less than 4% of its budget to those who do. Their agenda is more akin to PETA's agenda.

HSUS = Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
Posted by ManxJack  |  May 19, 2009 11:02:09 AM

I'm a dog lover. Like most dog lovers, I respect and support the rescue work done by my local Humane Society and local animal shelters. But, if you think that HSUS is like some national booster for those dedicated local organizations, think again. But, in fact, HSUS does almost nothing for such causes. Instead, HSUS behaves almost like PETA - but cloaked by a seemingly more acceptable title. This point has been made in prior comments from "Charles", "Robinsong", "Angeleyes" and many others. Read them. If you like the way PETA behaves toward animals, you'll like the HSUS agenda too. If, like me, you think PETA is a disgrace, you'd better know that HSUS is PETA's respectable clone.

Wasted Donations
Posted by Paul Wyo  |  May 6, 2009 12:26:23 PM

HSUS is like several charities that I NO LONGER SUPPORT and now urge others to stop supporting as well. This came after my own research, visiting with local vets, and visiting their own site. I am actively involved in multiple charities, both as a board member and a volunteer. This organization spends far too much on administration, and specifically it's CEO and CFO. It is more a political organization, than committed to actually doing something for the animals it CLAIMS to be helping. And of cours anyone who points this out must be some kind of nut or animal hater, because they are not "committed to the cause" - BUFFALO CHIPS! There are better places to put your money. You can make a definate difference with other organizations.

Too much free junk.
Posted by ahimsajack  |  April 16, 2009 6:06:15 AM

I love animals, and realize that charities have to "fish with bait", but the HSUS has gone overboard with sending out useless junk, far too frequently. When I send money I expect the animals to benefit, not to get bribes of nonsensical junk. Goodbye HSUS.

Free Junk
Posted by pjsportdiver  |  March 30, 2009 6:47:34 AM

I once donated to almost any charity that came along, but times have changed and while I love animals, people must come first! I have also become very aware of how charities spend our donations and have narrowed my favorites down to a few! Cheap junk, or dollars, nickles, dimes and pennies in the mail! Wow, I love that, if they have money to give it away to me, then thank you! I will keep it, because you certainly do not need mine! You must have too much already! I also hate that these organizations give your name(aka patsy)to all of the others, can't they figure out that if I give to more charities they will get less from me! The well is not bottomless!

I've stopped supporting HSUS
Posted by vickyann  |  March 16, 2009 5:56:11 AM

I wish the people who post here saying things like "don't listen to the detractors, their real agenda is XYZ" would be a bit more humble about their ability to know the minds and motivations of others and not encourage others to be similarly close-minded.

I've stopped supporting HSUS because I'm sick of the "free gifts" and the constant pestering to renew. I absolutely don't question the valuable work that the HSUS does. And I care about *all* animals (and even insects, not just the warm and fuzzy types). I'm just annoyed that HSUS doesn't offer me an option not to get these "gifts", and they've ignored my request to stop sending me mail. So... if that's what works best for them for fundraising, fine! All the best to them. Just leave me out of it. There are other worthy causes (and I personally put causes that help animals above all others) that won't ignore my wishes and annoy me so much.

Opting out
Posted by vickyann  |  March 16, 2009 5:55:49 AM

I had missed that FX posted "You can opt out of all of that stuff easily. If you choose not to do so and act like a helpless victim, then yes, you will get "stuff". I disagree with their policy of sending it, but since they allow me to easily opt out..." If there is an easy way to opt out of gifts from the HSUS, than obviously I and many others who've posted here would like details about what that is. I haven't found it. I've written to the HSUS several times about this issue and have received no response, just more requests for money. Hence, my decision to not contribute.

There are some really judgmental types posting here. This is why I usually stay away from forums touching on animal issues. I'm speaking of those of you who righteously assume that I and others don't do anything for animals other than donate money, as well as those who insist I should support particular organizations (and particular organizations are not equivalent with "the cause") whether or not I like the way they do things.

Stop the Fundraising Gifts & Mailers
Posted by faire  |  March 9, 2009 6:28:06 AM

I have to add my voice to those who object to all the free "gifts" the HSUS sends donors. Even if you are one of the few who enjoys them, think of the landfill issues caused by all the folks who toss them in the trash. And, I must agree that must small donations must be offset by the cost of these items and the mailings. Using the mail isn't cheap these days (even if they do get a non-profit rate). And the monthly mailings that my dues are due start the month after I renew my membership. This is not only irritating, but another landfill issue. At least in my city you can recycle paper. There ought to be an opt-out section on the renewal form where you can request no gifts and only e-mail reminders that your membership is due to expire. I'd rather see my $ go to the animals.

Don't take the haters' word as gospel
Posted by Dashbastrd  |  March 4, 2009 6:43:29 AM

Don't listen to many of these detractors, they have thinly veiled agendas against advocacy groups such as PETA and the HSUS. There is a distinct difference between what local animal shelters do and what the HSUS does. Local shelters are there to help abandoned or abused pets. The HSUS is there to stand up for atrocities to animals worldwide that occur in factory farming, the fur industry, and animal exploitation for entertainment such as circuses. Animal shelters do nothing like that...again, it's like comparing apples to oranges.

my favorite organization
Posted by Bull of Glory  |  March 1, 2009 10:52:41 PM

I, too, adore animals but had doubts about the HSUS's practice about sending numerous unwanted "gifts" to my door. In an act of vigilante justice, my mom even called their headquarters. She was connected to someone high up in their development office who was able to break down for her that the gifts have been proven to greatly increase the amount of donations. My mom is tough, and she was satisfied by the detailed information they provided (they even sent her some reports). More recently, I clerked there for three months in the legal department. It was the most energized, committed work environment I have ever seen. Being there, I really felt like part of a movement. I can report confidently that the HSUS is doing remarkable things for animals and their welfare, and I will support them for the rest of my life. To my own disbelief, I even treasure the vinyl kittens-on-swings- bag they just sent me!

Wonderful Organization
Posted by Adriana P  |  January 27, 2009 6:55:21 AM

It seems like most of the negative posts are from people who want 100% of their donation to go to dogs and cats, not animals in general. The HSUS has an extensive program to help animal shelters run better (see Rural Veterinary Services and Animal Sheltering on website if you want to read more), but they also help whales, elephants, rats, birds, and just about every other animal you can imagine. They are the most influencial animal advocacy group, and that's why I donate to them.

Politics
Posted by Ma Kramer  |  December 22, 2008 6:43:49 AM

The president, Wayne Pacelle, made sure to use his charity to promote his political agenda this year. I will never donate to this charity again. There are many others charities that are focused on helping animals. Wayne Pacelle makes too much money. If he cut his salary, more animals would be saved!

Donations
Posted by Scalderwoo  |  December 11, 2008 6:50:13 AM

If you want your money to help animals, donate to your local animal shelters.

Say No to HSUS
Posted by angeleyes  |  December 10, 2008 1:15:12 PM

Here are a few facts taken from HSUS' 2006 tax returns available on the

HSUS Web site ( www.hsus.org/web-files/PDF/hsus-2006-form-990.pdf):

2006 Tax Return: Return of organization exempt from income tax

$91.5 million Amount HSUS received from direct public support

$85.8 million Amount HSUS spent in Functional Expenses such as:

$28 million spent on HSUS Salaries and Benefits

$17.8 million spent on mailing costs

$8.9 million spent on publications and campaigns

$3.7 million spent on travel costs

$127 million Amount HSUS has in stocks, and publicly traded

securities. None allocated to any support programs.

Charity? Are you Kidding Me?
Posted by StMagnus  |  December 10, 2008 12:36:02 PM

With over $250,000,000.00 in the bank, HSUS could easily make a huge difference in the lives of every homeless animal in America. The truth is they devote very little of their resources to helping animals, and a great deal toward lobying for ani-breeder legislation working toward their true goal of no animals eaten, used, or owned.

HSUS
Posted by patofthedead87  |  December 8, 2008 11:15:16 AM

The HSUS is without question the most powerful and effective animal rights/welfare organization in the U.S. They have never claimed to be affiliated with your local animal shelters, they are an advacocy group. If the only animals you care about are dogs and cats, you may want to donate to your local SPCA. If you think ALL animals should be treated humanely (including those raised for food), than the HSUS is right for you. They fight for animal welfare reform through legislation, education, undercover investigations exposing animal cruelty, and other means. They have done more to improve the lives of ALL animals than any other organization in the country, including PETA and the ASPCA(which is also a good organization). The HSUS was the principal financial backer and organized CA's proposition 2 in the 2008 election, which was arguably one of the most important victories for animal welfare in the past few decades. This proposition outlawed some of the more inhumane confinment practices in the factory farming industry. To me, "getting too much free crap" is not a good enough reason to not donate to the organization that does the most for all animals. If you want to support the organization that is the most effective in helping animals, support the HSUS.

Comment posted on 10/23
Posted by Maris Edgar  |  October 28, 2008 5:52:33 AM

You are right to be concerned with this. The acknowledgement of money received is not merely to build the self-esteem of the giver. It is formal documentation for tax purposes, as most charitable donations are fully deductable up to half of your income.

Humane Society of the United States
Posted by bunny922a  |  October 23, 2008 7:18:55 AM

A friend died and I asked her daughter if her mother had a favorite charity and it was the subject.Weeks after sending a check I still had not received an acknowledgment and called since it does not take that long for me to hear after a contribtion. Woman I spoke with was surprised that I requested it. She an acknowledgment and I was horrified. She addressed it to the dead woman in memory of her daughter. Besides that they acknowledge a donation that was less than I had send. Such incompetence. I called again and left a message for someone to please correct this. I am so embarrassed and hope they have made the correction. The woman did not have a good attitude. They will never hear from me again.

aspca or local vet and shelter?
Posted by del  |  October 17, 2008 8:12:47 AM

Hi, i want to donate monthly to an organization that helps rescue, feed, take care of abused animals. I receive junk mail and Ive seen a commercial on ASPCA on tv. Ive tried to research how much they spend on freebies per year and such but they dont seem to have a public statement. If anyone has experience in this, is it wise to send money to ASPCA? Or should i just send it to my hometown shelters and vets? Im a student in college with 2 jobs, so volunteering is not poss at this point-please help me out! email me at silvervenustear@yahoo.com!!. Thank you

It's your money ... spend it wisely
Posted by John Z  |  September 29, 2008 6:20:19 AM

If you want to spend your money on specific political activism, then the HSUS is the right place. They spend considerable funds on anti-hunting and gun control, picking what appears to be a very personal fight with the NRA.

Certainly, if fighting against the NRA is important to you, then support the HSUS. But since the NRA promotes responsible pet ownership and denounces dog fighting (and other animal cruelty), I don't see how battling them does much of anything ... other than inflate the egos of both the HSUS and NRA leadership.

My dollars go to a local shelter that provides temporary housing for neglected/abused animals, while trying to find them safe, permanent homes. And, yes, I donate my time there as well. At least that way I can see the results.

It's your call.

Are you kidding me?
Posted by ALK  |  September 15, 2008 12:24:05 PM

I read most of these blogs and I can't believe what I'm reading. You people are whining about cheap little gifts sent to you...are you serious? What exactly are you doing for animal welfare? Do you really think that sending in your little payment every month is all you need to do? Good grief, people, get off your butt and do something proactive if you really love animals and want to do help. Go volunteer somewhere! Make a difference! God didn't put you on this planet to take up space and complain about how unfair the world is.

Do Your Homework
Posted by CharityB  |  August 11, 2008 6:25:25 AM

People who do not do their homework & blindly give to any charity are just IGNORANT. How many of you know that your DONATED DOLLARS to American Cancer Society (Run For Life, Race for a Cure), Jerry Lewis MDA, March of Dimes & many other BIG charities, use your money to fund scientists for experiments on animals in labs? So you when you give to an animal charity & to health charities, you are defeating your own purposes! This money is WASTED, as people & animals have different physiologies. A cure may be found in a mouse, THAT IS GOOD NEWS FOR MICE! It will not help a human, in fact, has KILLED humans when these experiments done on animals are approved for people. Instead of March of Dimes, give to Easter Seals. If you do not know what charities do with your donations - INVESTIGATE, ASK QUESTIONS, BE PRO-ACTIVE! Some scientists just want to be paid & will do bogus research on animals to keep the gravy train! LEARN WHICH CHARITIES DO NOT HARM animals.

HSUS has merged with The Fund For Animals, Doris Day Animal League & other legitimate animal charities. They offer many programs such as Humane Society International, Humane USA PAC, HS Legislative Fund. None of these are tax deductible because they ADVOCATE for animal rights & laws.

Most reputable medical colleges have abandoned using animals in research & education. There is currently a monkey connected to electrodes being forced to breathe cigarette smoke. Why is that? EVERYONE knows smoking is dangerous! Why torture this monkey for nothing? MONEY!! Fake scientific data, a regular paycheck for a scientist that was in the bottom 50% of his class. Do YOU want to keep feeding the scientist or rescue the monkey?

HSUS does not help local humane societies; I support 10 local humane shelters & see where/how my money is spent. Volunteer & investigate. It is your money.

Know what you're choosing
Posted by Animaluv  |  August 7, 2008 11:39:45 AM

When choosing to donate to any charity, you need to realize what their main body of work entails. I can understand the annoyance of relentless solicitation and "junk" sent. But to criticize HSUS for not having money go towards actually directly caring for animals is misplaced. I'm glad someone is battling to have laws and legislation change what creates animal abuse and cruelty. We can't keep building bigger shelters and have people caring for all of these animals the rest of their lives when not adopted. And if you care not just about domestic animals, but all creatures and how they are treated around the world, then this is a charity that does a larger body of work. If you only want your money to go for the direct care of animals already in need at shelters, then you need to find those appropriate charities instead of completely criticizing the other types of work people do. If you look at the statistics, they have gotten a high rating because the vast majority of their money is going towards programs that are to benefit animals.

he's rich
Posted by farah  |  July 30, 2008 5:48:04 AM

wayne pacelle is making lots of money

Misconceptions and lies ...
Posted by FX  |  July 25, 2008 12:18:59 PM

Please take the negative comments with a grain of salt. This is a great *advocacy* organization that does indeed help shelters on an emergency basis through grants in aid and is among the most effective animal rights lobbying organizations in the country. Do they directly operate shelters - no. Do they do invaluable work to advance the cause of animal protection and anti-cruelty? You bet they do.

Note that there are also anti-animal rights posters here and elsewhere who continually attempt to link the HSUS and PETA. Spurious lies. Having common goals and/or cooperating on any single issue does not mean that they are linked either organizationally or operationally.

I *never* get unsolicited mailings or "gifts". You can opt out of all of that stuff easily. If you choose not to do so and act like a helpless victim, then yes, you will get "stuff". I disagree with their policy of sending it, but since they allow me to easily opt out, I choose to support them. They do good work and are a valuable asset to the animal protection community. I support my local shelters as well in order to provide assistance to pets in my locale. I am perfectly at peace with both actions and the differently-purposed organizations involved.

Not Worth Donating To!
Posted by swenetta  |  July 14, 2008 12:15:39 PM

Lasy year when I donated to this organization, I THOUGHT I was going to be helping PRECIOUS CREATURES! WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT!

I have accumulated enough JUNK - along with MORE donation request - from them than what I donated!

There could be NOTHING LEFT to help the PRECIOUS BABIES!

Someone should put this organiztion out of buisness! One day I will SEND ALL of it back to them - COD!

"free gifts"
Posted by Carole  |  July 10, 2008 12:31:26 PM

At first I liked the free gifts. I still have two nice umbrellas they sent me. But it got so I would find another gift in the mailbox every month. I wrote to HSUS asking them to please stop sending these unsolicited items. Many had my name on them so I could not even give them away; how is this excess inventory if they are personalized? I had no response to my letter and the junk kept coming. I stopped donating and eventually that worked. I now donate to my local Humane Society shelter but never to HSUS.

Please Do Your Research Before Donating to Them
Posted by ILISH  |  July 7, 2008 5:47:08 AM

Please folks, go back and read what Linda H and NCdad have written. HSUS and PETA work hand in glove, and I do not understand how they continue to get away with what they are doing, other than that now they are so well funded they can get out in front of the public before any other charity, with their hand out of course, to ask for money to help the animals. So what is really happening with their "programs?" How much money is being spent to mount anti pet legislation of one sort or another in so many states in the US? THEY DO NOT OPERATE SHELTERS!!! Just because a city or state has a shelter that is using Huane Society as part of their name, please do not assume that they have anything to do with or get a penny from HSUS. I had friends who went to help with Katrina and with the fires in So CA last year, affiliated with legitimate rescue organizations, and while others were working hard, the HSUS folks were walking around with their own camera crew to make convincing footage. Please give to your local shelter, and better yet, volunteer to foster, to walk dogs, to socialize or groom dogs and cats, it is a much better use of your time and money. If the right to have a pet is important to you, promote responsible pet ownership, be a responsible pet owner but please do not give any money to HSUS.

Get a clue people
Posted by sunboy609  |  June 19, 2008 8:13:18 AM

So what if you get a tote bag or watches, etc. from the HSUS. Did you use them? I have given to numerous causes without even a letter of thanks or acknowledgement from the charity.

Yes they do send numerous “gifts” but it must be working or they would try something else. Do you ever think that by HSUS sending these things out to people it gets their name and cause out there to people who may not know about them or have even thought about giving to the animals? If using the 2 cent note cards or giving the 75 cent blanket that HSUS has sent me to my grand-mother gets people talking about them or better yet, writing checks, so be it.

If you are such an animal lover and want to help so much, then shut-up and stop complaining on a blog, go get your “members only” t-shirt out of your mailbox, put it on and walk down Main Street. Show people that you care and maybe that will plant the seed for them to care too.

not bombarded with junk
Posted by Yvette  |  June 16, 2008 7:50:01 AM

This is a great organization. I have donated to them for years and have never received labels, pins, or anything else from them. Furthermore, they do not imply that they are supporting local shelters-- they operate on a much larger scale rescuing animals in natural disasters and pushing for spay/neuter policies.

Please
Posted by StaciCat  |  June 11, 2008 11:29:37 AM

I work for a very large nonprofit organization IN DIRECT MAIL MARKETING and I can tell you....ALL nonprofits use "premiums" in their packages - labels, notepads, calendars, etc. It's a common practice in the sector. Everyone does it from HSUS, to Paralyzed Vets, to Make a Wish, to American Cancer Society.

It's a case of "you can't please everyone". For every one person who does not want to receive these items, there are two others who want more! On a daily basis we are asked if we can send out more labels.

So, if you are passionate about the welfare of animals, or the cause of any non profit you donate to, why threaten to stop donating to an organization who is successful in their missions JUST becuase you don't want the labels? Doesn't the cause itself come first?

If you notice, HSUS fundraising expenses are only 13% - it is not costly to mail calendars and labels and the like in a mass mailing. So for those who believe all of your money is "wasted" on labels, etc, please know that is not true. These fundraising efforts are successful - that's why nonprofits keep doing it!

On the other hand, I donate monthly to PETA and have yet to receive any type of acknowledgement. Does that make me feel my donation isn't appreciated? Yea, it does a little. Am I going to stop donating to their cause as a result? NO!

One last thing....local animal shelters use "gifts" to fundraise, as well. My local SPCA sends me labels! Don't be surprised if you get these types of solicitation from your local shelters, too.

never getting my $ again
Posted by kweedly  |  May 26, 2008 6:51:07 AM

Ok, mail labels, silly cards, notepads are one thing...but I just received "members Only" his & hers watches in the mail. That's ridiculous! Even if they were received at a huge discount- what a silly waste!

This is an outstanding charity!
Posted by Adriana P  |  May 16, 2008 6:27:16 AM

The HSUS will stop sending you mailings if you simply email them; I did and they stopped.

They are great about protecting ALL animals in a sensible, mainstream way. It seems like most complaints from people are that they are not exclusively for dogs and cats. What's wrong with that?

They do fund a program to make shelters better and even produce "Animal Sheltering" magazine as a free resource for shelters.

I regret it
Posted by Kelly  |  April 30, 2008 1:33:03 PM

I regret donating to this 'charity' very much. I didn't do enough research, and thought that it was a good organization, and felt good that it had earned four stars.

HSUS is a Great Organization
Posted by HSUSsupporter  |  April 29, 2008 1:18:18 PM

First, mailing the freebies is a fundraising tool for organizations. If they did not make money from doing it, they would not do it. Your donations are still helping animals. If you do not want to receive the promotional items, just e-mail HSUS Member Services dept. at http://www.hsus.org/contact_us/member_services.html.

Second, HSUS does not claim to be an animal shelter and never has. They help with disaster relief to rescue animals from hurricanes and floods. They lobby Congress to pass legislation to promote animal welfare. They have programs to shelters to improve their facilities. They promote humane education in schools. They represent animals in court. They run hard-hitting campaigns such as the campaign to stop the cruel Canadian seal slaughter. They do undercover investigations such as the recent one on how cruelly dairy cows were treated at a California slaughter plant. The amount of work The Humane Society of the US does is seemingly endless!

Dishonest fundraising
Posted by Linda H  |  April 21, 2008 5:43:56 AM

A lot of the fundraising materials I've seen from the HSUS subtly gives the impression they help animals in shelters (without any outright false statements) in spite of the fact they do not fund any shelters. It also gives the idea that the Humane Society is associated with local Humane Societies, which isn't true either.

They present themselves as an animal welfare organization while HSUS and CEO President Wayne Pacelle has been quoted saying he wants to turn the HSUS into an NRA of the animal rights movement.

When the Michael Vick dog fighting story broke, the HSUS had a fund-raising page up within a day asking for funds to help care for Vicks dogs, though they were never involved in the care of the dogs and, in fact, made a statement that they should all be killed. (Fortunately for the dogs, they were evaluated by behaviorists, and many have been successfully rehabilitated and placed in good homes.) After a few days (and protests) this was changed to a generic anti-dog fighting appeal.

They opposed TNR management of feral cat colonies, preferring trap and kill solutions. While they now say they support TNR, the situations in which they support it are not realistic.

They oppose the No-Kill movement (this is not warehousing, but a realistic suite of programs that have been successful in a variety of communities.

I would encourage people who really love animals and want to have them in their lives to seek out local shelters and rescues to support with their money (and to read the book Redemption by Nathan Winograd)

Research before you donate
Posted by RJKD  |  April 7, 2008 5:41:28 AM

Currently I have not had a problem with donating to the HSUS, and have not received any "fund raising" materials or telemarketers calling. If a person has general concerns or has a preference in how their money is spent, they should make sure to research the organization regardless if it's a charity for animals or not. If the organization is not willing to share the information or does not provide an answer that you feel is acceptable, don't donate or discontinue donation.

Charles is right, if you want to see your donation have a more direct affect then look into donating to your local shelter. HSUS and ASPCA do good things for animals, but I'm guessing that they are operating on such a huge scale in regards to various programs and trying to push through legislation for animal rights. Maybe what you and I think would costs too much (fund raising material) may actually not be in the bigger picture. It's possible they get breaks from certain vendors who print the stuff. Sometimes we don't realize what goes into appropriately managing large scale budgets. It's not like a checkbook that's for sure.

Just a note, there is a difference between Animal Welfare groups and Animal Rights groups. Again, gotta do the research. Even I wasn't totally aware of the difference.

For some reason, I don't receive all the junk
Posted by KJKR  |  April 1, 2008 5:38:23 AM

In reading over the emails, in seems like a lot of folks are receiving tons of junk from this organization (calendars, note cards, etc.). For some reason, that has not happened to me. I donate a very small amount ($5) as a recurring monthly donation. I don't remember if there was somthing that I clicked when I set up the recurring donation online, but at any rate, I don't get any solicitations, telemarketing calls, or any of the junk that other folks have complained about in this forum.

The Humane Society of the U.S.
Posted by bunny922a  |  March 26, 2008 5:34:46 AM

My friend died and I sent a donation to Humane Society of the U.S.in her memory with a note to notify her daughter that this was done. I was pleased that it had a good rating.

When after 1 month I did not receive an acknowledgment I called and the woman was very surprised that I was requesting it. Whenever I send donations to charities, usually within 2 weeks I receive an ackowledgment.

I received the letter and I am horrified, it is all wrong. The amount I donated was inaccurate, that is not important, what is important is that she sent a notification to the dead woman in memory of her daughter. She reversed it. This is such incompetence I cannot believe it.

I left a message to be called, and they will never receive a penny from me again. There are too many charities out there who would appreciate receiving a contribution.

Info on freebies
Posted by mkalbion  |  March 5, 2008 6:40:35 AM

A couple of years ago I was also becoming increasingly frustrated with the amount of undesired junk I was receiving in the mail and was considering stopping my contributions. I called their toll-free number and expressed my concerns. I was told that the freebies are excess inventories that are purchased in bulk lots at a tiny fraction of the cost. And, I believe, many of the items are received free (companies take the charitable donation write-off). Furthermore, I was asked if I would like to reduce the amount of items I recieved. Now I receive about 2 items and solicitations a year. I'm fine with that. Hope this info helps.

RE: "Some things to consider" -- posted 1/9/2008
Posted by NCdad  |  February 25, 2008 7:23:32 AM

I sadly agree. This organization changed leadership in 2004. If you truly want to help animals I suggest you donate to your local animal shelter. Please check the following websites: The first chronicles the change in leadership. The second includes quotes from the new CEO Wayne Pacell: http://www.fisheries.ifcnr.com/article.cfm?NewsID=513 http://www.animalscam.com/news.cfm?id=3536

How this company received a four star rating is sad. Forget the stars, READ the percentages of how they spend ! On the other hand, to be fair, if you are an ardent supporter of PETA, I believe you will be highly satisfied.

mailings
Posted by Kate  |  February 12, 2008 7:21:11 AM

I sent them money once and agree that I was frustrated each time I opened my mailbox to find more "stuff" from them. I sent them a letter asking them to please remove me from their mailing list. Has anyone else tried this? (besides the first posting). They probably won't listen until more people complain.

No Freebies
Posted by mercimino  |  February 4, 2008 6:54:20 AM

I believe we humans owe protection and care to animals and for that reason I'm happy to donate to HSUS. However, I do not want calendars, address labels or any of the other freebies HSUS sends. I stopped donating for a while because I didn't want the junk mail any longer. When we were called recently to donate, my husband said we would only if we could be excluded from the abundance of mailings. I'm sorry to say, we get something from HSUS all the time. I would like a reminder once or twice a year and I would happily respond with my monetary donation.

swag
Posted by Cool Woof  |  January 28, 2008 11:50:25 AM

I used to donate to this organization particularly after Katrina. I stopped donating as soon as I realized it never stops sending swag. The money would be better spent on animals.

?? how on earth did they earn those stars
Posted by robinsong  |  January 28, 2008 6:43:26 AM

Why aren't animal sheltering and rescue organizations more vocal about speaking out against this organization? As an owner of four rescued dogs, I am intimately familiar with the high-kill shelter. It pains me to see so much money donated by naive animal lovers who believe their money will help rescue pets.

Some things to consider
Posted by Charles  |  January 9, 2008 6:12:46 AM

Before donating, it's important to understand some things, at least in my opinion. I would see about donating to your locate shelter. There is no "National SPCA" or humane society. HSUS and ASPCA do not fund your local shelters. ASPCA is in New York, for example. HSUS is an animal welfare advocacy group, not a group of animal shelters. That said, HSUS & ASPCA do many great things too. It's just a common misconception that your local shelter/rescue receives national funding.

it's true
Posted by lasmartmouth  |  December 31, 2007 7:38:36 PM

If anyone at HSUS reads this--I don't want any more mugs, calendars, etc. You should AT LEAST have an opt-out button to select if you don't want any swag sent to you. It is a real deterrent to people who have $$$ to give but don't want it wasted...It's making me seriously think about sending my donations elsewhere :(

Wasteful
Posted by Rebe  |  December 24, 2007 1:33:28 PM

I agree with the first comment. My sister hasn't lived at my address for years and every few weeks we receive something for her from HSUS..calendars, tote bags, throws, address labels, wrapping paper. I don't understand how they have maintained such a high rating if they're spending so much money on soliciting funds from someone who hasn't sent them a dime in over five years.

Donation
Posted by blebal  |  December 24, 2007 1:33:24 PM

I have donated to this charity in the past, but will no longer do so until it stops sending me a lot of junk I don't want. Spend that money on the animals and reduce fundraising costs at the same time!!

Fund raising practices
Posted by tiggergram  |  December 24, 2007 10:56:46 AM

This organization wastes money through their fund raising materials (free calendars, note cards, and address labels to name a few)and the telemarketers they hire for solicitation. I was contacted four times within a six week period. Their rating is 4-star, but I wonder if this is an accurate picture. How much of the donations they receive actually benefit the animals in whose name they're soliciting?