Who is “Humane World for Animals”?
“Humane World for Animals” is the new name of the Humane Society of the United States, which was founded in 1954. Why change a 70-year-old brand?
Here’s what
“Humane World for Animals”
doesn’t want you to know:
Shortchanging Shelters
Despite raising money for years under the name Humane Society of the United States and running ads full of cats and dogs, HSUS was unaffiliated with the many local humane societies that operate pet shelters. Only 1% of the budget of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) was cash grants to local pet shelters. HSUS sucked millions of dollars away from local shelters that could have used the funds, instead blowing money on “factory fundraising” and its executives (see below).
Sexual Harassment Scandal
HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle was accused of sexual harassment by multiple women. One woman told the New York Times that Pacelle “pushed her over his desk and rubbed his genitals against her.” A board member downplayed the accusations of sexual misconduct, saying, “Which red-blooded male hasn’t sexually harassed somebody? Women should be able to take care of themselves.” The board of directors opted to keep Pacelle as CEO, although he later resigned under public pressure.
Highly Paid Executives
According to the most recent tax records, the Humane Society of the United States paid its executives handsomely. CEO Kitty Block makes over $600,000 a year, while several other executives make over $300,000 a year. HSUS reports paying 140 staffers more than $100,000 in compensation.
Stashing Millions in the Caribbean
According to the most recent tax filings, HSUS has parked more than $83 million offshore in the Caribbean. This money could be used to help pet shelters–instead, HSUS put the money in tax shelters.
Racketeering Settlement
The Humane Society of the United States paid more than $10 million to settle a federal lawsuit filed under anti-racketeering laws. The lawsuit alleged that HSUS and other animal liberation organizations had paid a witness who lied in court proceedings. Collectively, HSUS and other defendants paid $25 million to settle.
Poor Charity Grades
HSUS consistently received “D” grades from CharityWatch, considered one of the top charity evaluators in the country. In its Spring 2024 report, CharityWatch finds that nearly half of HSUS’s budget goes to overhead.
Factory Fundraising
Why so much overhead? Because HSUS spends tens of millions of dollars a year spamming fundraising appeals, preying on people’s love of animals, especially pets. Its actual hands-on work for animals is underwhelming.
Radical Agenda
HSUS has a radical animal liberation political agenda similar to the notorious PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). HSUS pushes laws that attack livestock farmers and make meat and eggs more expensive.