I think the big groups like HSUS, ASPCA (not the same as local SPCAs) and possibly even now Best Friends have gotten too big. It seems like they've lost sight of their original mission and now job #1 is to get bigger (richer). At that point, it's not a group with a mission looking for funds but a group with funds looking for a mission.
As for HSUS, if they want to be an all-encompassing animal welfare group (ok...welfare being subject to argument), why not structure themselves like the United Way and partner with other animal welfare groups? With UW, you can direct your donations to specific causes within the group rather than just having your money dumped into a common pot or just let UW decide where the funds are to go.
As it is now, I think HSUS are deceptive in their advertising, using dogs and cats to 'front' for causes totally unrelated. They have also recently been downgraded by Charity Navigator, which is telling in many ways.
For a national animal welfare group (cats and dogs), I like the No-Kill Advocacy Center. They have a narrow focus that no one is confused about and do very well at it. Of course, supporting your local Humane Society or local SPCA (not ASPCA)is always a good thing. |