Before You Contribute to HSUS, Please Read This
Green Acres Kennel Shop is a huge believer in the mission of the Bangor Humane Society (BHS) and has been a supporter of BHS for many years. I have been privileged to have served on the Board of BHS since 1996 and know firsthand about its finances and the important role of donations from local supporters. Sadly the general public has some misconceptions about where BHS receives the funds it needs to operate. One of those misconceptions is that BHS receives significant funding from the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). This is not unique to BHS but is a problem faced by animal shelters throughout the USA.
According to an article in the May 2010 issue of Pet Age magazine a recent survey conducted by the Center for Consumer Freedom indicates that “Sixty-three percent of respondents to the poll believe that their local humane society is affiliated with HSUS. Furthermore, 59 percent think the organization ‘contributes most of its money’ to local animal organizations.” The article goes on to indicate that an analysis of HSUS financial statements indicated that HSUS contributed only 0.5% of its budget to shelters that actually care for and rehome animals.
If you watch television you cannot miss the current HSUS commercial where they are asking people to donate $19 a month. Now I’m not denying that HSUS does some very good work, but if you really want to help local animals in need, please send your contributions to the Bangor Humane Society (http://www.bangorhumane.org/) instead. If you read my blog but are not local, contribute to your local animal shelter.
Thanks!
Tags: Animal Welfare, Bangor Humane Society
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