Regarding the Humane Society of the United States
An Open Letter to New York State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky
April 9, 2010
Dear Senator Stavisky:
The Dog Federation of New York is a coalition of individual dog owners and dog-related organizations devoted to responsible ownership, with a membership that spans the State of New York. We are committed to helping legislators respond appropriately to the concerns we all share, including providing for the public’s health and safety while addressing concerns on animal welfare issues.
We recently read of the award you received from the Humane Society of the United States, and whole-heartedly applaud the compassion for animals conveyed by your remarks. However, we fear you may be unaware of the facts concerning the Humane Society of the United States.
For example:
- Despite its name and much of the language used in publications and on its website, HSUS is not an umbrella group of local shelters and animal rescues. A recent poll indicates that the vast majority of Americans mistakenly trust that contributions to HSUS will be used to shelter pet animals, but this is almost never the case.
- HSUS does not operate a single shelter for pet animals anywhere in the United States, and devotes less than 1% of its budget to hands-on care for pets.
- Since late 2009, more than 5,000 citizens have requested that the IRS investigate HSUS’ tax-exempt status in light of what appears to be excessive lobbying activities in state capitals across the country, including Albany.
- HSUS is the subject of a federal lawsuit brought by Feld Entertainment and Ringling Brothers Circus alleging RICO crimes on the part of the Humane Society of the United States, its attorneys and several other radical animal rights groups.
- The Humane Society of the United States is an extremist animal rights organization led by individuals whose agenda is deeply at odds with the values of New York citizens and voters, and the needs of the pets and animals they love.
Senator Stavisky, our members believe that all responsible and caring owners of animals share a concern for the well-being of pets, work companions and livestock, and we support legislation and legislators that further the goals of animal welfare advocacy.
Based on the above, unfortunately, it is clear that the Humane Society of the United States is not an ally in this cause. We urge you, as well as all public officials elected in the State of New York, to remember that your mandate is to represent the public's best interest. Please consider carefully both the organization and the policies it advocates. We believe there is an undeniable discrepancy between HSUS's outward veneer and the reality that lies beneath the surface.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
The Dog Federation of New York
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Update April 10, 2010
DFNY encourages concerned pet and animal owners to forward this letter to their own legislators. The letter and attachments can be downloaded using these links:
