I'm Percy, the typist, the accused treat thief, the ... Well, let's just say, I'm the feline version of Buddy -- he's the first dog to get the what-did-you-do-now look from Jan and all the siblings. But I'm innocent of all charges. Except the ones I'm guilty of.I want to tell you about a new blog we found interesting. All us Funny Farmers used to think the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) was a group dedicated to helping make the world better for our pets. But eventually we came to consider otherwise, as we received their fundraising newsletters and read more about how their money is spent and their reportedly "hidden" agenda to legislate this country into a vegan nation. Hey, I ask you, what cat or dog wants to be vegan? We're meat eaters!
While we all believe every animal, whether living as a pet, on a farm or as a feral deserves to be treated with kindness and without abuse, we do not agree with what we have come to believe to be some of the aims of the HSUS. That is our opinion and we know some of you will disagree. We're not trying to bad mouth them or turn you against them if your opinion differs from ours. The HSUS is a very popular organization, as evident by their donations.But if Jan gave us an allowance, we would donate some of it to a small rescue that does hands on rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing of the animals rather than to such a huge wealthy organization.
What we would like to do, for those who are interested, is to tell you about HumaneWatch.org. It's just what it sounds like, a blog that has its eye on the HSUS. The post "Why Humane Watch?" explains the aim, every large group needs a watchdog, including the HSUS. It might not be your cup of catnip tea or beef broth but we might at least learn something from it now and then.
We were over at the Bumpass Hounds yesterday where we learned a beautiful Border Collie named Dagwood left for the bridge on his 14th birthday. We hadn't met Dagwood but we know the pain of losing a furry friend, so we stopped by to leave a note for his family. We hope you will too.
Well, it's colder and dreary today, so we're all going to go snuggle under the covers. Have a purring and tail wagging day. And whatever happens, I am not responsible! I am innocent!
(s) Percy
Percy - we knows how you feel about the HSUS. In MOST communities they are a wonderful caring organization. In OURS however, they are a horrible kill shelter that rarely allows wonderful people to adopt ANY pet they have there. They have too many restrictions and are much to harsh and critical in their "adoption" process. They take your money for an adoption fee and then turn you down. But that's just OUR community. The next county over (about 4 miles from our house) has the most wonderful HSUS organization and we support them wholeheartedly.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the insight, they local HS group runs a kill "shelter" (oxymoron) here too. We give locally where we know the green papers work...generally pretty good advice! Oh yea, you're not guilty, I can tell!
ReplyDeleteWe haf no HSUS shelters in our area, prolly cuz we haf a "no kill" attitude in deze parts. Even da shelter our mom volunteers at "Wisconsin Humane Society" haf a big sign in da entry dat sez dey is not associated wif da HSUS. We don't think HSUS, or PETA, actually do anything to really help pets...dey mostly just take money and pay high salaries.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the information, I really appreciate it since I've sent money to HSUS many times; I will just send more to the no kill shelters I support and check out the organization you wrote about...Also went to offer condolances on Dagwood, very sad.
ReplyDeleteThey often have kill shelters in many communities. I think they have done a good job of raising awareness but mostly they do not go far enough. I cannot imagine that pets would be expected to be vegans. Cats especially are obligate carnivores and even getting all cooked foods rather than some raw has an impact on their health.
ReplyDeleteSome of your readers seem to think that their local humane societies are the same as the HSUS. There is no connection. None. The HSUS might donate some pennies for local shelters, but that is rare.
ReplyDeleteWhat they like to do is to come in and get their pictures taken for "saving animals" and then turn the animals over to local shelters without providing for them.
Thanks for the info....interesting....
ReplyDeleteHey JFF Gang,
ReplyDeleteBoy did you hit the nail on the head in regard to HSUS. A little research sure goes a long way. Same goes with SPCA, not to be confused with ASPCA. the Fredericksburg VA SPCA is a no-kill shelter that actively seeks to have animals adopted out to good homes, not necessarily true at any "SPCA." Some organizations make it just about impossible for a worthwhile family to adopt. As long as the Government is spending so much money so recklessly, why not establish a national spay/neuter program to dramatically reduce unwanted births?
Thanks for visiting Dagwood's blog and for posting about his death. No loss of a beloved pet/family member should go unrecognized as though no one cared. At least now Dag's mom and dad know that he's missed by others beside themselves. Thank you for caring about them and for leaving a comment.
- TBH&K
I haven't told you yet that I really like the new look to your blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for all your information. I am going to keep track on Humanewatchdog. HSUS is having a lot of commercials here in California asking for money. I watched it once and every time it comes on I have to leave the room. The animals they show for gaining money is unapproriate, now knowing that they really don't give a damn, it makes it that much more devistating. I just wish there was a no-kill shelter here in our county. There are in two counties around us though, but......they won't take our county's animals to find them homes.
The HSUS and Peta are scary. And stealthy. Humanewatch has been a favorite of mine for a while now. Good of you to spread the word!
ReplyDeleteWe went and said a few words for Dagwood's mom and dad. We didn't know him but it's always rough to lose a fur kid.
ReplyDeleteI guess that happens when the organizations become so big.
ReplyDeleteTake care
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza
Hi all at Jan's Funny Farm
ReplyDeletemy internet explorer keeps crashing everytime I open your blog!
oh dear! i can't seem to view your pics too!
but just to quickly say thanks for the info about Dagwood - went over there to give purrs. he was really a lovely dog!
take care
x
It gets to be so confusing because all the names are so similar - a humane society may not be associated with the HSUS but people assume it is, for example. I wish there were a better way to find out who is who.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting post!
ReplyDeleteEven though we are in the UK we have read some very disturbing things about HSUS (the big HSUS not the little Humane Societies which we understand aren't linked to HSUS?)
One thing we read really upset us. A lady who ran a rescue/shelter/sanctuary organisation for farm animals (and pets)left her property (and all the animals) to HSUS, in return they would be required to continue running the staffed sanctuary. Within a month, HSUS had put a couple in charge (both highly paid) to run the place - immediately, all the staff were made to sign confidentiality clauses and the killing of all the animals started. Staff who protested were marched off the property and banned from returning. We can't remember where this was, but we are pretty sure we read about it on Fugly Horse of The Day or it was in the comments there.
Just awful..
Whicky Wuudler
*pooping on Wayne Pacelle's pillow*
Good info!
ReplyDeletePercy, we agree! Every large group needs a watchdog for sure. Thank you for the information.
ReplyDeleteMomo & Pinot xoxo
Dear Percy and the other Funnies on the Farm, HI! And thx for checking in yesterday! Also, Percy, you are JUST LIKE US!! Gilty of nothing eg-sept what we did! Eg-sactly. Also, this is a very informitiv and intresting post, and also, we like the way you did it where you are not trying to make everybody feel judged or something just pasting along the infos. Happy under the covers snugglings! Love, your PaLs, LuLu and LoLLy! http://www.luluandlolly.com
ReplyDeleteJust a quick visit as the mom is running around and not wanting to help me. I got in! Yeah!
ReplyDeleteHey what a beautiful tabby Percy is. I just adore the tabbies. Gee I wonder why?
I work at the HSUS and would like to address a few points related to this blog post. As several people have noted, the HSUS is not affiliated with local shelters. Our work has always focused on broader animal cruelty issues. For example, some of our most active campaigns address puppy mills, dogfighting, factory farming, and the Canadian seal hunt.
ReplyDeleteSupporting your local shelters, breed rescue groups, etc. is wonderful and something our organization encourages. These groups obviously play a critical role, and having worked at several shelters myself, I know that these employees and volunteers are truly on the front lines.
The humanewatch.org website is maintained by the Center for Consumer Freedom, a group that began with a $600,000 grant from tobacco giant Philip Morris. The CCF’s stock-in-trade involves taking aim at organizations that promote food safety, public health, or animal welfare. More information about this front group can be found by visiting citizensforethics.org, the website for the Center for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.
The CCF attacks the HSUS because we are effective and diligent, and because we pose the greatest threat to businesses that choose to continue to abuse animals as a core part of their operations.
A recent article in the respected Chronicle of Philanthropy addresses the CCF’s escalating rhetoric against the HSUS: http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/about/chronicle_of_philanthropy.pdf.
Jan, you write, “While we all believe every animal, whether living as a pet, on a farm or as a feral deserves to be treated with kindness and without abuse, we do not agree with what we have come to believe to be some of the aims of the HSUS.” What particular aims of the HSUS concern you?
Hi Percy, you are suppose to be innocent till proven guilty and we are sure the rest of the gang can't prove anything so in our book YOU ARE INNOCENT!
ReplyDeleteWe agree with you about the HSUS. ~AFSS
PS:
If you don't see us for a few days don't worry. Youngest Boy Bean is hogging our computer, he has a school project due.
Some bits of truth to all of them -
ReplyDeleteYet the bigger these kinds of groups get the more the human ego and salary seems to take khontrol -
Good Lukhk with getting the blog dialed in to suit all of woo!
Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
Very interesting. Thank you for bring this issue to light. I have worked for a big not-for-profit and have found the same thing.
ReplyDeleteWe only give to grass-roots organizations.
w00fs, me wuz here earlier, but we furgot to comment, us wented and talled Dagwoods pack we wuz sorry...thanks fur coming to visit us..made mama feel good, she has a treatment tomorrow..
ReplyDeleteb safe,
~rocky~