I’ve always wondered about that.  It seems anytime we have a tragic/dramatic case in the horse industry, HSUS is quick to step in with a $5000 to $10,000 reward. Personally, I think that offer would be better served by giving it to the veterinarians or agencies that are saddled with the bills.  But, it is a “good” way for HSUS to make their presence known, and lull us into thinking that they actually support the ownership and competitive use of horses.

Interesting, no breed mentioned.

I agree with your observations of the true nature of these “rewards”. I have seen rewards offered by HSUS for information on dog fighting, and it is clearly for effect above all else.  I just can’t imagine that the piddling amount of money offered ($2500 to $5000) would be bringing any friends and family members of these dog fighters to the police. Not even walking around money for these bad dudes, and certainly nothing to compare with the value of the life of a “snitch” in these circles. Who would risk it?

Never heard of a payout, either. You’d think a payout would be a powerful message . . .

There is a Humane Society in Bellefontaine, OH that is about to close due to lack of funds.  There are good people working there - people who really care and will come out 24-7 to help an animal.  This I know is true - I used to work midnight shift at the police department and at least 3 or 4 times a week, I had to call them out.
Can you help this facility before it closes down?  They really need financial help.
Lyn Marker
Huntsville, Ohio

I would be interested in hearing about that as well…  With how publicity hungry they are, you can darn well bet that they wouldn’t give away a couple thousand bucks without at least getting a press release out of the deal.

When confronted with the fact that HSUS does little to help shelters, they always fall back on the convenient philosophy that they are treating the “disease and not the symptoms.”  Meaning that they can’t be bothered with the individual animals (or the underfunded shelters who care for them) because they are taking care of the “big picture.”

So why is it that they are willing to part with thousands of dollars to catch just one criminal, yet they are still SO unwilling to share even a small portion of their millions with shelters?

In this case, it seems that struggling shelters across this country are the bigger picture when compared to one isolated incident involving one or two animals.

Shelters may still be a symptom, but HSUS seems to forget that often it’s not the disease that kills you, but complications from the symptoms.  To treat the situation with antibiotics but allow a fever to spike is ignorant to say the least.

Does the press release mention the manner of death and wounding? One presumes gunshot. Hit-by-car? Poisoned? Clubbed?  Are they helping with the vet bill for the wounded dog? What were the dogs doing that they were killed and wounded? I live in a rural ag. county in which dogs roaming at-large who are witnessed harassing livestock may LEGALLY be shot and if necessary killed in order to protect the livestock.

Not too long ago they were offering a similar reward for info leading to the identification etc of whoever was responsible for shooting a few Canada Geese.  Will running over a squirrel on the Interstate become a felony hit-and-run?

How do we know these are even REAL pleas for help?  They could easily put out ads for a reward for a fictitious event, just to get free publicity.  Or they might just choose events that are cold cases, where the chance of actually having to pay out a reward would be slim to none.  It makes you think, doesn’t it?  Free ads, free publicity.  So they can pull on people’s heartstrings and try to make themselves look like saints to get more donations “look at what we are doing to help animals”.  Do they ask for donations in these ads?

I am normally a very trusting and optimistic person, I try to see the good in everything and give everyone a chance, but HSUS and ruined it for themselves with me, I wouldn’t trust them to take care of an ant farm.

I trust places like Happily Ever After Sanctuary, in Marion, WI.  They help animals, WITHOUT a political agenda.

I love animals. We had a small zoo so to speak. I recently adopted a dog from a shelter. Took him to the vet and he is now a special needs dog. Thats ok. I will make sure he has everything. Once I move I will get a second dog. I have no problem with spending money to help animals. The only thing in return I would want is to see is the animal happy. I hope if they do find the person that did this. Punishment wont be harsh enough until Animal abuse and cruelty are felonies. I will be the first to sign any petition. Any death of an animal should be murder in first degree. There is no difference between humans and animals oh wait their is animals are way smarter.

Cheryl I wonder about your thoughts. If a squirrel hunter shoots one, do you think he should be charged with first degree murder?

Cheryl,
No offense, but people like you scare the hell out of me. People like you is why I give every extra penny I have to people who are working to stop every hare-brained scheme HSUS and others come up with. People like you is why I spend every extra penny to candidates that will vote against every animal rights law.
Only someone insane would honestly believe a person should be charged with murder for killing an animal.