By Joe Rodweller
I wrote this letter first on my Animal Care & Control page on Facebook and had a huge response. So, I decided to put it in my column, looking for the same response. This is about donations to humane societies and shelters all over the country. I would expect that most who decide to donate have made up their mind where to put the money and have trusted the “organization” to use the money responsibly. Most are responsible with the use of your donation. But, I have had some questions concerning the Humane Society of the United States and their use of donations.
It is understood that the Humane Society is an organization that is primarily for the rescue and care of mistreated and homeless animals all over the U. S. They are an important advocate for all the Humane Society Shelters. If you read the mission statement of the Humane Society of the United States, it will tell you they are there as “direct support” for all. Their mission statement goes on and on about how much they do for our animals. So much in fact that you would have to read it yourself to understand it.
I have supported them in the past because of all they said they did for our domestic animals. Now I have a problem with what they are doing. I cannot support them any longer if they are going to continue to attack the Black Bear hunting tradition in Maine which has the best laws and regulations in the nation. How can the Humane Society use money being donated for animals or pets in need, such as rescue and care and turn around, and use it for another agenda?
I have read some of their statements and I strongly believe they are taking a political stance through propaganda, lies and misrepresentation to affect the Bear Hunting in Maine. This is their right to do so. Is it right to do this using donations meant for other uses? No, it is not. How can it be justified that taking money away from rabies vaccinations, adoptions or anything pertaining to the health and welfare of any dog or cat is good for them? How many more will be euthanized because money meant for one thing was taken without their right just so they can fuel their own anti-hunting agenda. I say if you’re going to donate, then donate locally. We have shelters here in our own areas who I know for a fact could use every penny plus more. Don’t let the HSUS have your money to spend for their own special interests. Put your money to good use here, hopefully, towards lowering the costs for spaying and neutering or rabies vaccines which would in turn help lower other costs down the road for all.
If you’re not sure of what to do with your donation, then give me a call or maybe someone like Lorraine at the Ark Animal Refuge. I am sure that we can direct you in the right direction so you know just what your donation is going to be used for. No matter what you do, it would be best to question what your donation will be doing and to make sure it stays local. I look forward to hearing more on this and, once again, thank you for reading.
Joe Rodweller of Linneus, a certified animal control officer and member of the Maine Animal Control Association, operates Maine Animal Control with his wife Debbie. He can be reached at 538-1347 or via e-mail at debjoe347@yahoo.com.