There are around 2,500 homeless cats and dogs at the CSRA Humane Society. Raynette Mayer volunteers her time there. Last year she says their budget was around $300,000. But none of that money came from the national organization. It was through donations and local fundraisers. She says 70% of that money goes directly to pet care.
Mayer: "That if they give to the national organization that somehow the local organization is benefitting. That's completely false. There's no money whatsoever. We have never received one dime from the HSUS."
The Director of the Research Center for Consumer Freedom, in Washington, says local humane societies are not affiliated with the national organization. He says 95% of the campaigns show cats and dogs needing adoption and care but none of that money ever gets sent to chapters. He says if you want to help pets, just donate money to chapters where you live.
This is because the national chapter's goals are different.
HSUS spends donation money on advertising, fundraising, lobbying and educating people about pet adoptions and pet care.
Mayer: "Most organizations rely strictly on donations from the public and there is that public misconception that there is just one big umbrella sort of company and that organization funnels money down to the smaller organizations."
In 2008, HSUS received nearly a $100 million in donations. But less than 1% of that actually went to local shelters. Mayer says think globally but act locally.
Mayer: "Give to national organization if you want to help publicize why puppy mills are wrong, or why dog fighting is wrong, or why chaining dogs is wrong but do that with the understanding that none of that money you give to the national groups is going to your local group."
Click here to get more information on how you can donate.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement