Open Letter From HSUS CEO

Last month the CEO of The Humane Society of United States, Wayne Pacelle wrote an open letter in his blog to agricultural journalists stating that he felt “disappointment in the tone of coverage given to The HSUS by more than a few members of the ag press over the past several years.”

As you may know, I’m a recent addition to the ranks of agricultural journalists with just two years under my belt. My first thought when I read the letter was gee, we must be making an impact on the HSUS’ image if he is taken time out of his busy schedule to address us mere ag journalists.

The bait and switch tactics of the HSUS’ fundraising has audacity in its commercials to show heart wrenching images of abused cats and dogs and then asks for donations. Anyone who loves animals has a hard time looking at the scene, no wonder they feel compelled to donate to the organization in hopes of better the plight of abused animals. Sadly very little of the money raised by HSUS truly makes a difference on a grassroots level with local shelters.

His organization gives only a measly one penny of every $1 donated to his organization to local animal shelters. His organization is a money making machine that has openly targeted animal agriculture. For me, his letter did nothing but confirm I’m on the right track supporting agriculture and its issues.