HSUS confusion takes toll on South Dakota animal shelters

Posted: 6/14/2012

A recent poll showed that nearly 90 percent of donors to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) were not aware that the animal rights and lobbying organization gives just 1 percent of its total budget to local pet shelters.  In fact, 74 percent of the donors in the poll said they give to HSUS because they want to either help pet shelters or reduce the number of animals euthanized each year.  

In South Dakota, Ag United and other groups have worked hard to educate people about HSUS’ true mission, which includes eliminating animal agriculture.  .  We thank everyone who has helped spread the word through social media and talking to friends and family.  To get caught up on the HSUS topic you can read past posts here, here, here and here to start.  You can also visit www.humanewatch.org for more information. 

Around the country, local animal shelters and humane societies have reported that people have confused them with HSUS, or assumed that the local groups were funded by HSUS.

Turns out, the Sioux Falls Humane Society is facing similar issues.  Kori Baade of the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society  contacted Ag United about the shelter’s June 23 “Paws for Celebration” event.  She has been contacting area business for donations for the event’s auction, but is having difficulty because many people are confusing the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society with HSUS.  In fact, one large retailer told her they will not donate to any humane society to avoid confusion.

The Sioux Falls Area Humane Society has been serving the community since 1919 by taking in abandoned, abused, homeless and unwanted animals that require care until they can find a permanent home.  It is just one of a number of animal shelters in the state that do great work in our communities.  It is unfortunate that these local charities are suffering because of misconceptions about HSUS. 

The bottom line is that if you would like to support animal shelters and animals in need … there are a number of local shelters and local humane societies across the state that will appreciate your support and use donations to help animals they care for. 

If you are interested in attending the “Paws to Celebrate” wine tasting and culinary event to benefit the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society, or would like to donate items to the silent auction, please contact Kori at 605-338-4441.