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HSUS town hall meetings explain Michael Vick, and other policies
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Wayne Pacelle and Grace.
Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is hosting a series of dynamic town hall meetings. The goal for these presentations, as stated on their website is to “discuss current issues affecting animals in each state and around the country.” It’s also an opportunity for Pacelle to defend his organization’s somewhat controversial mission, their employment of 25 lawyers and influential lobbyists. Here’s what Wayne Pacelle had to say in a town hall meeting I attended, in Las Vegas, NV.
Pacelle immediately explained why HSUS focuses on more political issues rather than the one-on-one care of animals. He told the group that because there is a “finite amount of resources” (cash), HSUS has decided to address the “big picture overview” of animal welfare issues. Their goal is to change public attitudes and practices rather than duplicate services that may already be in place in most cities and states.
In recent years, HSUS has evolved into a powerful, political machine whose goals are to:
- Change laws on both the state and federal levels and see that these laws are enforced.
- Shape how corporations behave in regard to animals and help them adopt animal friendly policies.
- Promote animal welfare education and awareness.
- Compliment local animal welfare groups by responding to emergencies and providing sanctuary.
Pacelle explained it was for these purposes that HSUS needed the power of 25 lawyers, the best lobbyists and undercover employees. With the help of these professionals, HSUS has made cock fighting illegal in all 50 states, created 25 new laws to stop dog fighting or be a spectator at a fight and initiated successful factory farm legislation in two states. They have also promoted humane legislation for slaughterhouses, the fur industry and have raided more than 250 dog fighting rings.
They were even influential in the arrest and prosecution of NFL player Michael Vick. So it was with great interest to the audience when Wayne Pacelle discussed the organization’s most recent controversy – to work with Vick after his release from prison.
Pacelle basically explained that the organization’s affiliation with Vick is coming out of the necessity to stop a major new problem of animal abuse that involves more than 100,000 teenage boys. It’s called “street fighting” and the practice brings Pit bull dogs to a public street where they are taunted into fighting to the death.
Michael Vick will be talking directly to these kids for the next 3-4 years, in an effort to get them to stop this abuse. He’s already had two successful presentations. (Click here to read more about street fighting and the rationale behind Michael Vick’s affiliation with HSUS.)
Wayne Pacelle also talked about the main areas of animal abuse that HSUS is working to reform:
He made compelling arguments for each of these areas of horrific abuse, but the underlying theme for all of these issues is the fact that some humans regard animals as products rather than living, breathing, feeling beings that are entitled to a humane life.
The town hall meeting was informative and helped the audience understand the motives of HSUS. Here’s one final point Wayne Pacelle made after the audience had time to share stories about their local problems. He suggested that local rescue group’s team up and work together to solve animal abuse and pet overpopulation. In many areas, organizations focus only on their special interest in animal welfare. They run the risk of duplicating services and wasting precious resources. I thought that was sound advice and something to be seriously considered.
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