HSUS and Humanewatch.org Waging War of Words: Part One

DING! DING! DING! DING! DING!

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, LET”S GET READY TO RUMBLE!!!!

In this corner, weighing in at over $160 million in assets, more than 525 pieces of state and federal legislation and a controversial endorsement for Michael Vick, the dog owner…

THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES!!!

And in this corner, weighing in at app. $2 million in annual donation funding, print/video ad campaigns, a network of agricultural, veterinary and watchdog sites, IRS documentation and the full support of the Center for Consumer Freedom…

HUMANEWATCH.ORG!!!

It is often next to impossible in a democratic society that promotes and protects free speech to find the truth; to distinguish the ‘good’ guys from the ‘bad’ guys, so to speak. Case in point: the ongoing tug of war between the HSUS and HumaneWatch.org over animal rights/animal welfare issues, and our never-ending search for the reality in the rhetoric.

The HSUS was founded in 1954 by a journalist named Fred Myers, as primarily a lobbyist/educational organization concerned with the welfare and treatment of animals from the home to the wilderness, on farms and in the laboratory. During its early years, the HSUS sponsored humane legislation, raised public awareness and established branches and shelters at the state level in Virginia, Utah and Colorado.[1]

Through the years, the Society has grown in scope and influence, and in 2004, former HSUS chief lobbyist and spokesperson, Wayne Pacelle was named president and CEO. During his tenure, the organization has grown to become recognized as the nation’s largest and leading animal protection organization with annual revenues in excess of $135 million dollars.[2]

HumaneWatch.org was founded by the Center for Consumer Freedom, which is a non-profit organization “…devoted to promoting personal responsibility and protecting consumer choices.”[3] Which basically means that they root around to dig up the dirt on how corporations and other business entities are conducting themselves. Founded in 1996 by food, alcohol and tobacco lobbyist, Richard Berman, they receive the majority of their funding from food/beverage and restaurant companies, notably the Coca Cola Company, Tyson Foods, Outback Steakhouse, Wendy’s, Brinker International and Dean Foods.[4]

Berman, CCF Director of research, David Martosko and many in the agricultural and food industries believe three things. First, that Pacelle and the HSUS are spearheading a vegan platform by supporting laws and regulations that will make it difficult for meat and dairy farmers to stay in business.[5] Secondly, that they care little or nothing for the millions of homeless dogs and cats, and will generally exploit their own rescue activities as 'window-dressing for fund-raising. And thirdly, that they are financing their lobbying and fund-raising campaigns by misleading the public and violating nonprofit 501(c)(3) regulations.[6] CCF and HumaneWatch.org were only too happy to join the public outcry in December, 2010 when Pacelle blogged an endorsement of Michael Vick as a prospective dog owner.[7]

Pacelle fires back at HumaneWatch.org with accusations of tax code abuse, corporate collusion and self-serving PR campaigns (like a full page ad in the New York Times in February, 2010[8]) that are perpetrated purely for self-enrichment.[9] Responding to that N.Y. Times ad, Pacelle said, “The ad ... says many things. But one thing it doesn't say is the following: Why would a corporate front group take after a venerable organization like the Humane Society of the United States…here's the answer: They are bothering us because, by threatening animal abuse, we are threatening their bottom line.” To which, Martosko was quick to reply in his blog, “Our HumaneWatch project is just getting started. What you've seen so far is just the first trickle out of a very, very backed-up faucet. So perhaps we can count on Whiny Wayne having tantrum after tantrum this year. Fine with us. We’ll just keep speaking up for the shelter animals.”[10]

Hmmm…

Certainly, 2 things at least are undeniable. Through intensive lobbying, the Society has encouraged legislation that has had a significant impact on the agricultural community.[11] [12] And, while their television fund-raising ads and promotional spots are dominated by a heart-breaking montage of shelter/homeless dogs and cats (see "Silent Victims"), the fact is that HSUS contributes on a yearly basis, less than .05% of their operating budget (app.$500,000,) to the nation’s shelters. In fact HSUS even charges $25,000 for each independent shelter review and evaluation.[13]

Animal welfare organization or a front for political maneuvering? Progressive or invasive? Is the agenda truly holistic and humanitarian, or is HSUS literally ‘milking a cash cow’?

Why should you care?

…to be continued.