Feb 10 2011
Four-Fifths of One Percent
One of the first things we did when HumaneWatch was launched last February was figure out what the Humane Society of the United States was doing with the nine-figure collection plate it passes every year. We were surprised to learn that according to HSUS's publicly available tax return for 2008 (the most recent year for which data was available at the time), HSUS devoted less than one-half of one percent of its budget to directly funding hands-on pet shelters.
Now, however, HSUS’s 2009 tax return is also a matter of public record. HSUS ponied up a little bit more that year for local pet rescues and shelters, but it's hardly worth shouting about. In all, HSUS shared less than 0.8 percent of its money with pet shelters in 2009. Some of those shelters share the “humane society” name with their richer (distant) cousin, but the vast majority of pet shelters in the United States received nothing.
We examined every outgoing grant HSUS reported making in 2009, and made a determination about whether or not the recipient was a hands-on pet shelter. Here are the numbers:
| HSUS 2009 budget: | $121,725,153 |
| All HSUS outgoing grants: | 6,744,923 |
| HSUS grants to hands-on pet shelters: | 977,296 |
So only four-fifths of one percent (0.80%) of the money HSUS collected in 2009—much of it in response to TV ads that begged for money to “save” dogs and cats—actually went to the community-based organizations doing that work. (HSUS runs a handful of “animal care centers,” but no dog or cat shelters and no pet adoption programs.)
It’s also interesting to note that HSUS did give away over five percent of its budget in 2009. But less than 15 percent of what the group distributed made it to a hands-on shelter organization. Much of the rest went to subsidize the previously “insolvent” Humane Society International ($2.75 million), and to run political ballot initiative campaigns, including those in Missouri ($450,000) and Ohio ($1.5 million).
HSUS does deserve credit for a single grant of $284,625 for the construction of a new pet shelter in Louisiana's St. Bernard Parish. But that grant accounts for 30 percent of all its shelter giving for the year, and sadly, this sort of giving is the exception, not the rule.
We’ve posted HSUS’s accounting of its 2009 outgoing grants—with the shelter grants highlighted—so everyone can see our math. Feel free to quibble in the comments section below.
One final word about our criteria: We gave HSUS credit for subsidizing a few horse and rabbit rescues in addition to the dog and cat shelters. But we left out grants to “spay/neuter” organizations and private veterinary practices that fund pet sterilizations without running their own pet shelters. (Had we included them, the proportion of HSUS's money going where it should still wouldn't have topped 1 percent.)
It will surprise many of you to learn that the Humane Society of the United States isn’t primarily in the business of funding humane societies. HSUS has historically considered these “societies” to be part of its “constituency,” but it’s not funding them with any sense of urgency. And in the meantime, HSUS’s $191 million endowment (part of which is invested in the stock market) continues to earn money hand over fist.
For what, you ask?
That’s an excellent question. The 6 to 8 million dogs and cats entering shelters this year (according to HSUS’s own estimate), and the people who care for them—and sometimes have to euthanize them for lack of space and funding—are entitled to an answer.
Note: The table above reflects updated numbers.
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Posted on 02/10/2011 at 03:00 PM by the HumaneWatch Team
Document Analysis • Fundraising & Money • Pets • (24) CommentsComments
And how much did they make from “auditing” and consultation services to local pet shelters?
This is awesome. You just helped me win a bet with my next-door neighbor. I told her I could find a rich charity that was more crooked than Enron.
If I want to help animals in need, to whom do I make donations? If donating to the HSUS doesn’t directly help animals, what organizations do help? I’m really confused about how I can help!
I must take exception to this statement: “The 6 to 8 million dogs and cats entering shelters this year (according to HSUS’s own estimate), and the people who care for them—and sometimes have to euthanize them for lack of space and funding—are entitled to an answer.” They are entitled to an answer, but they do not have to “euthanize” for lack of space. BTW, euthanasia is mercy killing, so there is no such thing as euthanizing for lack of space. When done for such a reason, it’s just plain killing.
One of the things the HSUS does is produce propaganda and proselytize AGAINST the one thing that produces “save” rates over 90%: comprehensive implementation of the programs of the No Kill Equation. Check it out; it works, even if the HSUS would have you believe it’s not possible.
http://nokilladvocacycenter.org/nokillequation.html
I actually copied those numbers into an Excel spreadsheet myself and crunched them. I think HW is being generous with the four-fifths estimate. Even including a lot of dubious entries, I only came up with around .05%.
what is their response to this? I will send this in donation envelope…
@ Renate Pealer: I strongly recommend donating locally AND giving what you can to the American Humane Association. AHA is actively aiding animals, children and women for about 100 years. In fact, AHA’s Red Star rescue teams just hauled hay and water to horses stranded by the heavy snows in Montana, and have sent teams to Japan to help the animals affected by the earthquake & tsunami.
do you know how much money the aspca donates to give add to animal shelters. I’ve been to one of the so called donated to shelters and they haven’t collected one cent from the aspca.
I used to send donation to HSUS, but discontinued it after they kept sending little trinkets and T-shirts requesting money. I have been sponsoring pets from local NO-KILL shelters and breed specific rescues. There is way too much animal abuse, and it’s even been shown on U-Tube as entertainment. How gross is that?
That is so hard to read. you think donating money to this organization would be a good thing. Well NOT. So I guess if you what to donate find a local 501 c. I know of a bird rescue in Keizer OR. that is a 501c that could use help. http://www.sdexoticbirdrescue.com
The donations you are sending to HSUS are going to Retirement Funds for its employee’s, and to hire crooked politicians, to introduce hundreds of bills each year.
HSUS is not about Animal Care, Wayne Pacelle said his self, he was for all Animal extinction, but in reality, they could care less about any animals.
Casey hit the nail on the head, HSUS is the Biggest SCAM ever pulled, they embezelled Millions from the US Government with the Katrina Fund, in which they did rescue 7 animals, and again in the Michael Vick case, where they never set hands on 1 of his dogs, but suggested they all be euthanized.
HSUS makes ENRON look like a Bingo game!
How disappointing. These people have no shame.
This is why i do not give to these folks never have and never will… The people that do the work are the local level and Best Friends bonding with all the people that really get out and support each other, we move dogs around and net work on our own to try and make a difference for the animals. I refuse to line the pockets of some CEO and the president of the HUMAN greed head in Washington….One TV show that makes me sick Is ELLEN “S talk show she lines the pockets and host them also promotes them>>>>
Where to donate? Almost all cities/counties have local animal shelters. These are distinct from humane societies. Shelters must take strays/abandoned animals in addition to turn-ins while humane societies generally take owner-relinquished only. This makes shelters your go-to place for donations. Well-run shelters put donations to work directly in giving care and finding new homes for the animals. Also check out pet rescue groups on the internet in your area for donating.
Most the time the local shelter would be grateful if you just called them to ask them what you can buy for them for a drop off rather than wanting your cash. I know my local shelter is grateful for dog bedding and dog food all the time. I even have a nice website that gives me the instructions for making nice home made bedding which keeps the dogs off the ground http://www.columbusdogconnection.com/elevated_dog_beds.htm and http://www.doghouse-plans.com/dog-beds.html
I just went to your site after reading the article in los angeles times….This was one of my yearly contributions…..Now i will replace it with something else….I was getting tired of all the trinkets , and envelopes with massive amounts of stamps on it….Im glad i read the paper….Im a member of Peta…and i donate only to animal organizations….Well done….Humanewatch.org…..
While I do agree that some of the expenses seem a bit over the top especially with regard to Advocacy and Political Contribution, you have conveniently ignored other expenses which do relate to their mission and have only focused on Animal Shelter giving.
HSUS like the United States itself does not solely spend money in the U.S. HSUS actually spends money internationally for animal protection programs.
I would rather (if I could,) start my own foundation. It appears that no one can be trusted with peoples money, with all good intentions from the donators I have always aspired to retiring with enough money to have my own dog shelter. I only hope that I will live long enough to earn enough to reach that goal. I can only truly trust me. I love animals. People? They will only love you if it suits their agenda. However there are beautiful people in this world, we have only to look for them. So many beautiful people are so unnoticed. They matter as much to. You can see if you look deep into your heart. Whether you chance upon a corporate bullshit artist or what you call a bum. There is more good in a bum but you have to seek him or her out. In other words, I will state the obvious, a bum may advance to be a success. Will he or she remain the same and remember the hardship. Or will they succumb to the adulation of their success. I would like to believe that the answer is no. But sadly I don’t think it is. I can’t walk pass someone in need and I will always help. But I will never donate money to anything I cannot see. Giving money to a stranger and trusting them to give it to a starving person. NO WAY. Please give as you wood if you could feed a guest. Start up a community help for animals. Start up a community shelter that you can see is hands on. That you can visit and enjoy the animals. If we can work together, it takes effort. But you will know where your money goes.
These statistics completely sadden me beyond measure. I really wish that all these rich celebs and politicians would stop donating and giving grants to this organization. Could you imagine the impact $121 million could do across the nation if it was spent properly? What would help too is if we could spend some of that money to shut down puppy mills and other irresponsible pet breeders which are only in it for the $. Urghhh…our world is frustrating. HUMANS are frustrating.
I know a woman who began a program that gives aid to people who want to neuter pets, strays and farm ‘pets’. It’s is called S.N.A.P. Spay and Neuter Assistance to Pet owners. I have taken 8 cats in at once to be neutered at $5 to $10 each. They also received free shots and flea killer. There are several vets across the country who give their time and supplies to this effort. This amazing woman began the program because she was in anguish over the amount of perfectly healthy animals killed at animal shelter where she worked. You may look this up on the internet and I will vouch for the program. It’s doing a VITAL service to many people and animals by stopping the reproduction which leads to overpopulation!
@Diane Goldberg….are you aware that PETA and HSUS go hand and hand..they are two of the same..but Peta is more of a radiacal group? It is great to have a big heart and care for animals, but watch which orginazations you support and belong to. PETA has taken in thousands of animals with people believeing they would be adopted out, some 90% of them were put down and then thrown in dumpsters. Please do your research..God Bless You!
this is criminal - i will not send them ANY more of my money!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There are strong penalties in all aspects of business for misrepresentation and yet the TV ads showing all the sick & abused animals to tear at your heart & make you want to give misrepresent constantly in that they do not acknowledge or tell thatless than 1% of your donation goes to help these animals, but that most goes to pay for political stances, retirement funds & other things that should be paid for by themselves & out of their own pockets. Shame-shame-shame on these organizations that do not spell out the truth.
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Please spell out how much money HSUS gave to political groups in 2009.
It would be very interesting the amount compared to what HSUS gave to hands-on pet shelters.