HSUS uses National Animal Shelter Week to promote false image

This week, November 7-13, 2010, is National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, which was launched by HSUS in 1996 as a way to acknowledge and promote the invaluable role shelters play in their communities and to increase public awareness of animal welfare issues and shelter services. The HSUS is using this week to promote and celebrate animal shelters across the country through media and public outreach. They have an event planning guide, articles and press releases about the week. And not surprising, they are using TV superstar Ellen DeGeneres to promote their programming.

However, all of this sounds nice and good for the animals, right? Many people think of HSUS as their local Humane Society interested only in helping animals that have been abandoned or abused, certainly not a radical organization. But their vice president, Michael W. Fox, said, "The life of an ant and that of my child should be granted equal consideration". Not much doubt where Fox stands.

HSUS is using this week to celebrate the valuable role of shelters – even though it doesn’t do much to help them. HSUS spends less than 1/2 of 1% on animal shelters across the U.S.! They essentially want to destroy animal agriculture.  They continue with these "public relation" ploys to promote a false image that they work closely with local shelters, and ride on the name "Humane Society" to confuse the public.

This is a perfect opportunity to educate the public on who the HSUS really is, and how it is affecting agriculture and livestock production in Nebraska - our livelihood. Take time this week to be an "agvocate" and post something on faceebook, twitter, your blog, talk to a friend or hair dresser, or even write a letter to the editor.

HumaneWatch.org does a great job of explaining what HSUS is really all about and how you can help animal shelters directly instead of supporting HSUS. Here is some info to get you started on sharing the truth and ways to promote animal agriculture:

• HSUS shares less than one-half of one percent of its budget with hands-on pet shelters. See the evidence for yourself.
• How well does HSUS perform in your state? Read "Not Your Local Humane Society" to find out.
• Click here to see all the HumaneWatch ads and leaflets to date.
• HSUS: Animal-Welfare Fool’s Gold
• The “Humane Society” That Isn’t
• The power of social media: You can make a difference
• Agvocate; Video comments support ag industry