Humane Society of the United States
| Humane Society of the United States | |
 | |
| Basic facts | |
| Location: | Washington, D.C.[1] |
| Type: | 501(c)(3) |
| Top official: | Kitty Block, President and CEO |
| Founder(s): | Fred Myers |
| Year founded: | 1954 |
| Website: | Official website |
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that aims to rescue animals, provide animal healthcare services, and perform public policy advocacy to combat animal cruelty.[2][3]
Mission
According to the organization's website, the Humane Society of the United States has the following mission statement:
| “ | We fight the big fights to end suffering for all animals. Together with millions of supporters, we take on puppy mills, factory farms, trophy hunts, animal testing and other cruel industries. With our affiliates, we rescue and care for thousands of animals every year through our animal rescue team’s work and other hands-on animal care services. We fight all forms of animal cruelty to achieve the vision behind our name: A humane society. And we can’t do it without you.[6][7] | ” |
Background
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) was established as the National Humane Society in 1954 by Fred Myers and a group of former members of the American Humane Association (AHA), a nonprofit organization that aims to support public policies that protect children and animals. The group broke away from the AHA following a dispute involving the use of animals from the pound and local animal shelters in private biomedical research. Unlike the broad scope of the AHA, HSUS sought to narrowly advocate for improved animal welfare at the national level. Since its formation, HSUS has advocated to protect animals from what the group considers to be cruel conditions, such as fighting operations, puppy mills, inhumane slaughterhouses, and factory farms.[6][8][9]
In addition to national public policy advocacy, HSUS maintains a network of state directors to promote the organization's policy priorities at the state level. At the local level, HSUS seeks to offer education and training programs to local animal shelters. The group also endeavors to provide direct care to animals through rescue efforts and a network of shelters, sanctuaries, and veterinary clinics.[6]
Political activity
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) can engage in limited political activity in an educational or nonpartisan manner. These activities may include the production of voter education guides and participation in public forums, voter registration drives, and get-out-the-vote campaigns.[10]
The Humane Society Legislative Fund (HSLF) is the 501(c)(4) affiliate of the HSUS. As a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, the HSLF may engage in political lobbying and political campaign activities. According to the organization's website, the HSLF "works to pass animal protection laws at the state and federal levels, to educate the public about animal protection issues, and to support humane candidates for office."[11]
Legislation
HSUS has supported legislative efforts to mitigate what the group considers to be animal cruelty practices at the state and federal levels. The following list is a selection of federal legislation supported by HSUS:[9]
- Humane Slaughter Act of 1958, which enacted certain protections for animals during the slaughter process.
- Laboratory Animal Welfare Act of 1966, which required the humane treatment of animals used for research, transportation, commercial breeding, and public display.
- Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act of 2006, which mandated that local, state, and federal agencies take animals into account in their disaster plans.
Ballot measure activity
HSUS has taken positions on state ballot measures that impact animal welfare.
Overview of ballot measure support and opposition
The following table details HSUS' ballot measure stances available on Ballotpedia:
Arizona Ban Hunting Wild Cats Initiative (2018)
Arizona Ban Hunting Wild Cats Initiative was not on the ballot in Arizona as an initiated state statute on November 6, 2018. The measure would have banned the hunting, shooting, trapping, snaring, netting, or capture of bobcats, mountain lions, jaguars, lynxes, and ocelots. The HSUS sponsored the measure until it was withdrawn. In April 2018, Kitty Block, acting president of the Humane Society of the United States, said the initiative was being withdrawn. She said laws enacted in 2017 governing the initiative process made signature gathering difficult and that national issues demanded the group's attention.[35]
California Proposition 68, Parks, Environment, and Water Bond (June 2018)
California Proposition 68, Parks, Environment, and Water Bond was on the ballot in California as a legislatively referred bond act on June 5, 2018. It was approved. This measure authorized $4 billion in general obligation bonds for state and local parks, environmental protection projects, water infrastructure projects, and flood protection projects. The HSUS endorsed the measure.
California Proposition 12, Farm Animal Confinement Initiative (2018)
California Proposition 12, Farm Animal Confinement Initiative was on the ballot in California as an initiated state statute on November 6, 2018. It was approved. Proposition 12 of 2018, unlike Proposition 2, prohibited the confinement of calves raised for veal, breeding pigs, and egg-laying hens in areas below a specific number of square feet, rather than restrictions based on animal behavior and movement. The Humane Society of the United States sponsored Prevent Cruelty California. The HSUS contributed $2,169,105.87 in support of the initiative.[36]
Massachusetts Minimum Size Requirements for Farm Animal Containment, Question 3 (2016)
Massachusetts Minimum Size Requirements for Farm Animal Containment, Question 3 was on the November 8, 2016, ballot in Massachusetts as an indirect initiated state statute. It was approved. It prohibited the sale of eggs, veal, or pork of a farm animal confined in spaces that prevent the animal from lying down, standing up, extending its limbs, or turning around. The HSUS contributed $2,470,781.02 in cash and in-kind donations in support of the initiative.[37]
Oregon Wildlife Trafficking Prevention, Measure 100 (2016)
Oregon Wildlife Trafficking Prevention, Measure 100 was on the November 8, 2016, ballot in Oregon as an initiated state statute. It was approved. It prohibited the sale of products and parts of 12 types of animals in Oregon: rhino, cheetah, tiger, sea turtle, lion, elephant, whale, shark, pangolin, jaguar, ray, and leopard. The HSUS contributed $998,861 in support of Measure 100.[38]
Oklahoma Right to Farm Amendment, State Question 777 (2016)
Oklahoma Right to Farm Amendment, State Question 777 was on the November 8, 2016, ballot in Oklahoma as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment. It was defeated. State Question 777 was designed to require the courts to apply the same standards to lawsuits concerning agriculture and livestock as in cases concerning free speech, gun ownership, and religious freedom. The HSUS contributed $627,068.89 in opposition to the question.[39][40]
Washington Animal Trafficking, Initiative 1401 (2015)
Washington Animal Trafficking, Initiative 1401 was on the ballot in Washington on November 3, 2015, as an Initiative to the People, where it was approved. The initiative outlawed selling, offering to sell, purchasing, trading, bartering for or distributing any covered animal species or product, to include elephant, rhinoceros, tiger, lion, leopard, cheetah, pangolin, marine turtle, shark and ray. The HSUS contributed $375,000 in support of I-1401.[41]
Missouri Right-to-Farm, Amendment 1 (August 2014)
Missouri Right-to-Farm, Amendment 1 was on the August 5, 2014, primary election ballot in Missouri as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment, where it was approved. The amendment established the right of Missouri citizens to engage in agricultural production and ranching practices. The HSUS contributed $9,788.11 in opposition to the amendment.[42]
Michigan Wolf Hunting Referendum, Proposal 1 (2014)
Michigan Wolf Hunting Referendum, Proposal 1 was on the November 4, 2014 ballot in Michigan as a veto referendum, where it was defeated. The measure would have upheld Public Act 520, which allowed for establishing wolf hunting seasons and designated the wolf as a game animal. The HSUS contributed $1,373,874 in support of Proposal 1.[43]
Michigan Natural Resources Commission Referendum, Proposal 2 (2014)
Michigan Natural Resources Commission Referendum, Proposal 2 was on the November 4, 2014 ballot in Michigan as a veto referendum, where it was defeated. The measure would have upheld Public Act 21 of 2013, a law that allowed the Natural Resources Commission to directly designate game species and determine hunting seasons. The HSUS contributed $1,015,783 in opposition to Proposal 2.[44]
Maine Bear Hunting Ban Initiative, Question 1 (2014)
Maine Bear Hunting Ban Initiative, Question 1 was on the November 4, 2014 ballot in Maine as an indirect initiated state statute, where it was defeated. The measure, which was officially sponsored by the group Mainers for Fair Bear Hunting, asked voters whether or not certain practices of bear hunting, including use of bait, dogs and traps, should be prohibited. The HSUS donated $1,910,000 in support of Question 1.[45]
Mississippi Right to Hunt and Fish Amendment, HCR 30 (2014)
Mississippi Right to Hunt and Fish Amendment, HCR 30 was on the November 4, 2014 ballot in Mississippi as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment, where it was approved. The measure established a constitutional right to hunt, fish and harvest game species throughout Mississippi. The HSUS opposed the measure.[46]
Idaho Felony Animal Cruelty Initiative (2012)
Idaho Felony Animal Cruelty Initiative did not make the November 2012 ballot in the state of Idaho as an initiated state statute. The measure would have made certain cases of animal cruelty a felony in the state. The Idaho legislature passed a law similar to the initiative in its 2012 legislative session. In response to its passage, Lisa Kauffman, Idaho state director for the HSUS, said, "Idahoans have long wanted stronger penalties in place to deter extreme acts of animal cruelty and the organized staged combat of cockfighting, and this bill is a positive step forward."[47]
Missouri Prohibit Initiative Revision Amendment (2012)
Missouri Prohibit Initiative Revision Amendment] did not appear on the November 2012 ballot in the state of Missouri as an initiated constitutional amendment. The measure would have prohibited the repeal or amendment of a citizen initiative by the Missouri General Assembly. Exceptions include a three-fourths vote in both the House and the Senate, by vote of the people via referendum, or if a statute specifically grants the General Assembly the authority to repeal the measure via majority vote. HSUS contributed $93,000 to the campaign in support of the amendment.[48]
Washington Farm Animal Cruelty Prevention, Initiative 1130 (2011)
Washington Farm Animal Cruelty Prevention, Initiative 1130 did not appear on the Washington ballot. The measure would have adopted new rules for egg-laying hens in Washington. More specifically, the measure would have required "egg-laying hens have enough room to turn around and extend their wings and that eggs sold in the state are produced incompliance with this humane standard." the initiative was dropped after the Humane Society of the United States made a national agreement with the egg industry on July 7, 2011.[49] "We're suspending the Washington and Oregon ballot measures and putting our energies into passing a federal law that would help hundreds of millions of birds as opposed to fewer than 10 million birds in Washington and Oregon," said Paul Shapiro, Humane Society spokesperson.[50]
Missouri Dog Breeding Regulation, Proposition B (2010)
Missouri Dog Breeding Regulation, Proposition B was on the November 2, 2010 ballot in Missouri as an initiated state statute, where it was approved. The main organization in support of the initiative was Missourians for the Protection of Dogs. It was a coalition made of the following groups: Humane Society of Missouri, Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and the Humane Society of the United States.[51] HSUS donated $2,137,249 in support of Proposition B.[52]
Ohio Livestock Care Initiative (2010)
Ohio Livestock Care Initiative did not appear on the November 2, 2010. It would have required that the Livestock Care Standards Board adopt certain minimum standards. On June 30, the state's petition drive deadline, it was announced that Gov. Ted Strickland, the Humane Society and Ohio agricultural leaders reached an agreement. Specifically, the Humane Society agreed to drop their ballot efforts and the state agreed to a number of livestock issues and regulations. Agreed issues included phasing out gestation crates used by the pork industry over the next 15 years and regulations on dog breeding kennels, cockfighting and exotic animals.[53]
Arizona Hunting Amendment, Proposition 109 (2010)
Arizona Hunting Amendment, Proposition 109 was on the November 2, 2010 ballot in the state of Arizona as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment. It was defeated. The measure dealt with gaming laws in the state. The proposal gives a constitutional protection to the right to hunt in Arizona, and prohibit citizens from using the ballot initiative to make laws regarding hunting and fishing by giving exclusive authority to the legislature to do so. The Humane Society of the United States stated their opposition to the measure. President and CEO Wayne Pacelle said, "Prop 109 takes away Arizona voters’ rights and is a giveaway to special interests that defend extreme and inhumane practices. If we let the politicians take away our right to vote on wildlife issues, what other issues will be next?”[54]
California Proposition 2, Standards for Confining Farm Animals (2008)
California Proposition 2, Standards for Confining Farm Animals was on the November 4, 2008, ballot in California as an initiated state statute. The measure was approved. Proposition 2 created a new state statute that prohibits the confinement of farm animals in a manner that does not allow them to turn around freely, lie down, stand up, and fully extend their limbs. HSUS donated $4,070,307 in support of Proposition 2.[55]
Colorado Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Initiative (2008)
Colorado Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Initiative did not make the ballot. Initiative 64 would have prohibited the confinement of farm animals in a manner that does not allow them to turn around freely, lie down, stand up, and fully extend their limbs.
Massachusetts Greyhound Protection Act, Question 3 (2008)
Massachusetts Greyhound Protection Act, Question 3 was on the November 4, 2008 ballot in Massachusetts as one of three initiated state statutes. It was approved. Passage of Question 3 meant that the state's two greyhound racetracks, Raynham-Taunton Greyhound Park and Wonderland Greyhound Park in Revere, had to close by January 1, 2010. Violators would face minimum fines of $20,000 by the State Racing Commission.
Washington Animal Trapping Act, Initiative 713 (2000
Washington Animal Trapping Act, Initiative 713 was on the November 7, 2000 election ballot as an Initiative to the People in Washington, where it was approved. This initiative made it a gross misdemeanor to hunt animals with body-gripping traps or poison.
California Proposition 4, Prohibition on Trapping Fur-Bearing Mammals Initiative (1998)
California Proposition 4, Prohibition on Trapping Fur-Bearing Mammals was on the November 3, 1998 ballot in California as an initiated state statute, where it was approved. Proposition 4 placed new restrictions on the use of traps and poisons to capture and kill specified mammals for various purposes. HSUS donated $221,652 to the campaign in support of Proposition 4.
Ohio Prohibition of Mourning Dove Hunting, Initiative 1(1998)
Ohio Prohibition of Mourning Dove Hunting, Initiative 1 was on the November 3, 1998 ballot in Ohio as an indirect initiated state statute, where it was defeated. The measure would have forbidden the hunting of mourning doves in Ohio.[56]
Leadership
The following individuals hold leadership positions with the Humane Society of the United States:[57]
- Kitty Block, President and CEO
- G. Thomas Waite III, Treasurer and chief financial officer
- John Vranas, Chief development officer
- Jonathan Lovvorn, Chief counsel & senior vice president for animal protection litigation
- Nicole Paquette, Chief programs and policy officer
Finances
The following is a breakdown of Humane Society of the United States's revenues and expenses as submitted to the IRS for the 2015 to 2019 fiscal years:
| Annual revenue and expenses for Humane Society of the United States, 2015–2019 | ||
| Tax Year | Total Revenue | Total Expenses |
| 2019[58] | $159,191,532 | $138,682,954 |
| 2018[59] | $128,828,801 | $136,857,433 |
| 2017[60] | $142,355,222 | $126,131,691 |
| 2016[61] | $126,573,499 | $131.778.319 |
| 2015[62] | $133,322,929 | $139,799,262 |
Tax status
Humane Society of the United States is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. Its 501(c) designation refers to a section of the U.S. federal income tax code concerning charitable, religious, and educational organizations.[63] Section 501(c) of the U.S. tax code has 29 sections that list specific conditions particular organizations must meet in order to be considered tax-exempt under the section. Organizations that have been granted 501(c)(3) status by the Internal Revenue Service are exempt from federal income tax.[64] This exemption requires that any political activity by the charitable organization be nonpartisan in nature.[65]
Recent news
The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms 'Humane Society of the United States'. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.
See also
- Massachusetts Minimum Size Requirements for Farm Animal Containment, Question 3 (2016)
- Oregon Wildlife Trafficking Prevention, Measure 100 (2016)
- Oklahoma Right to Farm Amendment, State Question 777 (2016)
- 501(c)(3)
- Nonprofit organization
External links
- Humane Society of the United States homepage
- Humane Society of the United States on Facebook
- Humane Society of the United States on Twitter
Footnotes
- ↑ Humane Society of the United States, "Contact us," accessed September 1, 2016
- ↑ Humane Society of the United States, "About us," accessed August 30, 2016
- ↑ Humane Society of the United States, "Our work," accessed August 30, 2016
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 The Boston Globe, "Mass. ballot push would mandate cage-free eggs," August 19, 2015
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Save Endangered Animals Oregon, "About," accessed August 30, 2016
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Humane Society of the United States, "Our mission statement," accessed August 30, 2016
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ American Humane Association, "About us," accessed August 30, 2016
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Encyclopedia Britannica, "Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)," accessed August 30, 2016
- ↑ Internal Revenue Service, "The Restriction of Political Campaign Intervention by Section 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Organizations," accessed August 11, 2016
- ↑ Humane Society Legislative Fund, "About us," accessed August 30, 2016
- ↑ Capitol.Texas.gov, "88(R) HJR 126 - House Committee Report Version - Witness List," accessed December 21, 2023
- ↑ https://www.sportsmensalliance.org/news/hsus-abandons-arizona-wildcat-ban-now/ Sportsmens Alliance, "HSUS Abandons Arizona Wildcat Ban – For Now," April 3, 2018]
- ↑ Yes on Proposition 68, "Endorsements," accessed March 28, 2018
- ↑ Prevent Cruelty California, "Endorsements," accessed March 28, 2018
- ↑ Tulsa World, "State question opponents challenge intent of 'Right to Farm," March 29, 2016
- ↑ Save Animals Facing Extinction, "Endorsements," accessed July 2, 2015
- ↑ No on Amendment 1, "Groups Opposed to Amendment 1," accessed July 30, 2014
- ↑ Keep Michigan Wolves Protected, "Endorsements," accessed August 30, 2016
- ↑ The Detroit News, "Wolf hunting opponents form coalition to push against legislative action blocking vote," July 8, 2014
- ↑ Portland Press Herald, "Bear baiting question may be back on Maine ballot," February 4, 2014
- ↑ Governing, "'Right to Hunt' Amendments Pit Gun Rights vs. Animal Welfare," September 19, 2014
- ↑ The Arbiter, "Idaho 1 of 3 campaign asks voters to raise their paws for animal rights," October 6, 2011
- ↑ Riverfront Times, "Humane Society's Wayne Pacelle Fires Back Over Puppy Mill Compromise," June 15, 2011
- ↑ Capital Press, "Cage initiative gains signatures," June 16, 2011
- ↑ The Capital Hill Blue, "Wayne Pacelle: An Open Letter to the Missouri Farm Bureau," November 10, 2010
- ↑ The Columbus Dispatch, "Deal on animal care means no fall ballot issue," June 30, 2010
- ↑ The Humane Society of the United States, "Animal Welfare and Environmental Groups Urge Arizonans to Vote No on Prop 109," September 3, 2010
- ↑ San Francisco Chronicle, "Prop. 2: Caging of farm animals under debate," September 30, 2008
- ↑ Durango Herald, "Bill protecting farm animals goes to Ritter," April 8, 2008
- ↑ Humane Society of the United States, "Animal Protection Group Turns in 100,000 Signatures on Greyhound Protection Act Petition," Nov 20, 2007
- ↑ Washington Secretary of State, "State of Washington 2000 Voters Pamphlet," accessed August 15, 2013
- ↑ Animals Agenda, "Caught Between a Trap and a Lawsuit ," February 1, 2000
- ↑ Ohio Issues Report, "State Issues Ballot Information for the November 3, 1998 General Election," accessed July 26, 2013
- ↑ Arizona Daily Sun, "Voters denied chance to outlaw trophy hunting," April 4, 2018
- ↑ Cal-Access, "Campaign Finance," accessed August 3, 2018
- ↑ Massachusetts Office of Campaign & Political Finance, "Ballot Question Reports," accessed November 29, 2016
- ↑ Oregon Secretary of State,"Save Endangered Animals Oregon campaign finance activity," accessed February 7, 2017
- ↑ The Guardian -- Oklahoma Ethics Commission,"The Oklahoma Stewardship Council, Inc. committee details," accessed February 1, 2017
- ↑ The Guardian -- Oklahoma Ethics Commission, "Oklahoma Food Farm & Family, Inc. committee details," accessed February 1, 2017
- ↑ Public Disclosure Commission, "Search the Database," accessed October 28, 2015
- ↑ Missouri Ethics Commission, "Ballot Measures by Election Search," accessed August 1, 2014
- ↑ Michigan Secretary of State, "Michigan Committee Statement of Organization," accessed April 2, 2014
- ↑ Michigan Secretary of State, "Michigan Committee Statement of Organization," accessed April 2, 2014
- ↑ Candidate/Committee Information, "Mainers for Fair Bear Hunting," accessed November 2, 2014
- ↑ Governing, "'Right to Hunt' Amendments Pit Gun Rights vs. Animal Welfare," September 19, 2014
- ↑ ASPCA, "Idaho Felony Animal Cruelty Bill Praised as Step in the Right Direction," March 30, 2012
- ↑ KRCG 13, "HSUS sets sights on new Missouri initiative," July 18, 2011
- ↑ The Seattle Times, "Backers cancel initiative to give chickens better living," July 7, 2011
- ↑ KUOW, "Deal Suspends Chicken Cage Ballot Measures," July 7, 2011 (dead link)
- ↑ KFVS12, "Puppy Mill Bill: Proponents speak about the bill," April 29, 2010
- ↑ Follow the Money, "Missourians for the Protection of Dogs - Yes! on Prop B," accessed December 13, 2019
- ↑ Business First of Columbus, "Livestock issue not going to ballot," June 30, 2010
- ↑ The Humane Society, "Animal Welfare and Environmental Groups Urge Arizonans to Vote No on Prop 109," September 3, 2010
- ↑ Follow the Money, "Californians for Humane Farms contributions," accessed Deember 13, 2019
- ↑ State Library of Ohio, "Proposed constitutional amendments, initiated legislation and laws challenged by referendum, submitted to the electors," accessed July 8, 2015
- ↑ Humane Society of the United States, "Leadership," accessed December 13, 2019
- ↑ Guidestar, "Humane Society of the United States IRS Form 990 2019," accessed May 6, 2021
- ↑ Guidestar, "Humane Society of the United States IRS Form 990 2018," accessed April 21, 2020
- ↑ Guidestar, "Humane Society of the United States IRS Form 990 2017," accessed December 13, 2019
- ↑ Guidestar, "Humane Society of the United States IRS Form 990 2016," accessed December 13, 2019
- ↑ Guidestar, "Humane Society of the United States IRS Form 990 2015," accessed December 13, 2019
- ↑ Internal Revenue Service, "Exempt Purposes - Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3)," accessed January 13, 2014
- ↑ Internal Revenue Service, "Life Cycle of a Public Charity/Private Foundation," accessed July 10, 2015
- ↑ Internal Revenue Service, "Exemption Requirements - 501(c)(3) Organizations," accessed January 13, 2014
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