PETA and HSUS Exposed
Most people value the lives of their family and friends over the lives of their pets. Most people grasp that God gave us animals to have dominion and control over. It says so in the Bible! Yet, there are people that will go to extreme lengths to prove that animals should have the same rights and freedoms as human beings. Those lengths even include breaking laws, destroying others property, and networking with other likeminded individuals to pressure local law enforcement to prosecute innocent people and it is all in the name of animal rights and acceptable to them.
One group that knows the world over is PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Most people assume that this group is out to help animals. WRONG! In 2011, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals euthanized the overwhelming majority of dogs and cats that it accepted into its shelters. Out of 760 dogs impounded, they killed 713, arranged for 19 to be adopted, and transferred 36 to other shelters (not necessarily "no kill" ones). As for cats, they impounded 1,211, euthanized 1,198, transferred eight, and found homes for a grand total of five. PETA also took in 58 other companion animals -- including rabbits. It killed 54 of them. Amanda Schinke, a spokesperson for the organization, sent a thoughtful and detailed response. In it she explained how "euthanasia is a product of love for animals that have no one to love them." She called their killing a "tragic reality," one that forthrightly acknowledges how "sometimes [animals] need the comfort of being put out of their misery -- a painless release from a world in which they were abused and unwanted." Noting that PETA, unlike many "no-kill" shelters, turns no animal away, Schinke added, "we do everything in our power to help these animals." The harsh reality behind the grim numbers, she noted, should never be forgotten: "Millions of homeless animals are euthanized in animal shelters and veterinary offices across America because of simple math: too many animals and not enough suitable homes."
As if that was not enough, PETA fundraises to help animals but does not support or run a single shelter and gives very little to local shelters or rescues. This group had an income of over $30 million!
HSUS or The Humane Society of the United States is another group that most Americans think is out to help homeless animals. Isn’t that what all those commercials show? Most Americans are not aware of the real facts. According to national polling, 71 percent of Americans think HSUS is a pet shelter “umbrella” group. Also, 59 percent think HSUS contributes most of its money to local organizations that care for dogs and cats. Neither of these is true. The HSUS is not affiliated with any local shelter nor does it run a single animal shelter anywhere. Those commercials of sad animals that ask you to donate each month leads people to believe that they are donating to a local group. Not true. That donation goes to the national organization. According to HSUS’s 2008 tax return, less than half of one percent (0.5%) of HSUS budget consisted of grants to hands-on pet shelters. And in 2009, again according to HSUS’s the tax returns, less than one percent of HSUS’s budget (0.8%, to be exact) consisted of grants to shelters. Most of the money HSUS takes in goes back out in the form of marketing costs, fundraising, and paying the CEOs.
These facts are shocking and depressing in this day and age. We look to these groups to lead the way in helping reduce the number of homeless animals in the world and in reality they are only using the animals and our desire to help to line their own pockets. So the next time you decide to donate to an animal rescue call up your local group and donate to them. The animals will thank you!
One group that knows the world over is PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Most people assume that this group is out to help animals. WRONG! In 2011, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals euthanized the overwhelming majority of dogs and cats that it accepted into its shelters. Out of 760 dogs impounded, they killed 713, arranged for 19 to be adopted, and transferred 36 to other shelters (not necessarily "no kill" ones). As for cats, they impounded 1,211, euthanized 1,198, transferred eight, and found homes for a grand total of five. PETA also took in 58 other companion animals -- including rabbits. It killed 54 of them. Amanda Schinke, a spokesperson for the organization, sent a thoughtful and detailed response. In it she explained how "euthanasia is a product of love for animals that have no one to love them." She called their killing a "tragic reality," one that forthrightly acknowledges how "sometimes [animals] need the comfort of being put out of their misery -- a painless release from a world in which they were abused and unwanted." Noting that PETA, unlike many "no-kill" shelters, turns no animal away, Schinke added, "we do everything in our power to help these animals." The harsh reality behind the grim numbers, she noted, should never be forgotten: "Millions of homeless animals are euthanized in animal shelters and veterinary offices across America because of simple math: too many animals and not enough suitable homes."
As if that was not enough, PETA fundraises to help animals but does not support or run a single shelter and gives very little to local shelters or rescues. This group had an income of over $30 million!
HSUS or The Humane Society of the United States is another group that most Americans think is out to help homeless animals. Isn’t that what all those commercials show? Most Americans are not aware of the real facts. According to national polling, 71 percent of Americans think HSUS is a pet shelter “umbrella” group. Also, 59 percent think HSUS contributes most of its money to local organizations that care for dogs and cats. Neither of these is true. The HSUS is not affiliated with any local shelter nor does it run a single animal shelter anywhere. Those commercials of sad animals that ask you to donate each month leads people to believe that they are donating to a local group. Not true. That donation goes to the national organization. According to HSUS’s 2008 tax return, less than half of one percent (0.5%) of HSUS budget consisted of grants to hands-on pet shelters. And in 2009, again according to HSUS’s the tax returns, less than one percent of HSUS’s budget (0.8%, to be exact) consisted of grants to shelters. Most of the money HSUS takes in goes back out in the form of marketing costs, fundraising, and paying the CEOs.
These facts are shocking and depressing in this day and age. We look to these groups to lead the way in helping reduce the number of homeless animals in the world and in reality they are only using the animals and our desire to help to line their own pockets. So the next time you decide to donate to an animal rescue call up your local group and donate to them. The animals will thank you!