HSUS Controversy with Farmer and Finances

Farmers Fleeing HSUS Ag Advisory Councils

At least six farmers have left Humane Society advisory councils in the past year, including its newly formed National Agriculture Advisory Council. After forming 11 state councils, HSUS announced a national council in May. The Weekly Standard reports former members called the councils by HSUS “window dressing,” claiming HSUS did not make good on its promise to support farmers and ranchers who give proper care to their animals. Further, HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle removed high-profile rancher Kevin Fulton from the national council. Fulton, who runs an organic grazing operation, was apparently pushing back on what he saw as a radical vegan agenda out of sync with HSUS’ own mission statement. According to The Weekly Standard, Other farmers interviewed by the newspaper made similar charges. HSUS, however, disputed the story and the reason Fulton was asked to step down. HSUS says Fulton was asked to step down because he threatened an HSUS staff member, adding that organization still has “around 50 farmers and ranchers” actively involved in agriculture councils.

HSUS Denies Budget Problems

The Humane Society of the United States is brushing off a report that says it’s having financial difficulties. The talk of challenges within the organization started Tuesday when the Center for Consumer Freedom put out a press release saying that HSUS laid off ten percent of its staff amid a budget shortfall, which the release said “was at least $20 million.” Pro Farmers’ First Thing Today says the Center is run by lobbyist Richard Berman, a longtime opponent of HSUS and other groups that believe in greater government regulation. The Humane Society says it eliminated several dozen positions as part of a restructuring effort. HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle said the numbers put out by the Center for Consumer Freedom are wrong. He did say some positions have been eliminated, but more positions were added to three different departments within the organization, including farm animals, companion animals, and international. Pacelle added that the group’s assets were down a few million in the first nine months of the year, but they do expect those numbers to rise as many Americans typically wait until the end of the year for their charitable giving.

Source;  NAFB News