The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), an animal rights organization, just lost its accreditation status as a charity from the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance (BBB-WGA). That is definitely a good thing!
The news follows the recent scandal surrounding allegations of sexual assault lodged against former CEO Wayne Pacelle. Pacelle’s downfall happened early this year when an investigation revealed allegations by several women of inappropriate behavior by the CEO. Although the Board of Directors initially voted to keep Pacelle (because, money was more important than not sexually harassing female employees), he was eventually forced to resign when several major donors threatened to pull funding. The message was clear: we care more about bringing in the dough than actually helping animals.
The fallout from that decision is still haunting HSUS.
Not only has the BBB-WGA pulled accreditation, so have others. According to Michigan Farm Bureau, HSUS’s status as a charity has been tainted: Charity Navigator downgraded its rating of HSUS and Animal Charity Evaluators pulled approval of HSUS completely.
It would seem like the shady tactics of HSUS are finally catching up with it. The animal rights organization solicits funds using the sad faces of abused and neglected cats and dogs. While the name suggests association, less than 1% of HSUS’s annual budget is donated to local humane shelters. Instead, it uses those funds to finance expensive campaigns for ballot measures across the country, which are usually aimed at ending animal agriculture.
But now the true character of HSUS is starting to show and it is reaping the consequences. Yes, that is something to celebrate!
By the way, I’m a big fan of local humane shelters and rescue organizations. In fact, Farm Dog Mischa is a rescue dog. If you want to make a donation to help neglected and abused cats and dogs, it is always best to donate to your local shelter and organizations. These are the folks working directly with the animals and that is where your donation can have the biggest and most direct impact.
Less than 1%? I’m shocked!