What's in a Name?

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Today, many Americans believe that the ASPCA and HSUS own and operate shelters across the country. In reality, the ASPCA runs one shelter in New York City which has historically sent the neediest of animals down the street to the pound where they are killed. HSUS runs no shelters. And yet they collectively takes in about 300 million dollars a year in revenues because many people mistakenly think they are donating to their local shelter when they donate to these groups. And they think that way, in part, because HSUS and the ASPCA want them to think this.

Not long ago, the ASPCA went door to door in Seattle, Washington, asking for donations. ASPCA solicitors were told to bring a dog and they were given an “Adopt Me” vest for the animal to wear. The purpose was clear: confuse people into thinking the agency was local and its mission was to save lives locally. The volunteers were given a very specific script from which they were told not to deviate. When one of those hired to fundraise suggested it was misleading, she was asked to leave. This type of duplicity isn’t limited to Seattle. Nor is it limited to the ASPCA. HSUS is also committed to keeping local donors in the dark as to where their money is going. Why? The fact is that the truth about the ASPCA and HSUS wouldn’t sell: the misplaced priorities and defense of killing, the money hoarding, sending animals to kill shelters after they raise money on their “rescue.” And so they misrepresent their work, take credit for the success of others and work to keep the American public ignorant of who and what they really are

These protocols were developed in collaboration with some of the most successful shelter directors in the country; directors running municipal and animal control-contracted shelters with placement rates of 98% - 99%. By following the protocols, shelters with live release rates above 95% have reported even higher ones as a result. Those below 90% will see even more dramatic lifesaving increases. While we encourage all shelters to fully implement them, shelters can also evaluate them on a pilot project basis.

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