New Rules for Import of dogs to USA

[swan]

$509,000,000 dollars every three years divided evenly amongst all the local shelters could probably save each one of those pets euthanized in the United States unnecessarily.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by swan

Here are links to the tax returns filed by the HSUS; they are not estimates.

2011
http://media.newsnet5.com/uploads/WE...011Form990.pdf

2010

http://media.newsnet5.com/uploads/WE...010Form990.pdf

2009

http://media.newsnet5.com/uploads/WE...009Form990.pdf

If you don't feel like reading the IRS tax returns the audit is essentially this.

Over the three year period the HSUS raised over $509,000,000 of which 5% was spent on grants and programs inside the United States.

HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle earned over $260,000 in 2011

HSUS contributes more dollars to its own pension fund than to pet shelters.

My head is upright thank you, my eyes are wide open.

As LJ wrote, I don't think anyone would argue about HSUS finances. Money raised is not in any large part used for taking care of animals in shelters.

I'm not endorsing the HSUS, but bear in mind:

A $260,000 salary sounds outrageous for the head of a non profit organization, but it is relatively low for one this size. Large non profits have to compete with the govt and private sector for quality employees, CEOs and executives.

If this makes anyone laugh, being a CEO or executive of an organization like this is not so easy. Fundraising and lobbying in DC are not easy tasks. Being passionate about animals is not enough. People who are good at it usually won't work for low salaries and benefits. They'll look elsewhere.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by swan

$509,000,000 dollars every three years divided evenly amongst all the local shelters could probably save each one of those pets euthanized in the United States unnecessarily.

I think you are reading the returns wrong. The HSUS is not bringing in $509 million every three years. You have to look at the revenue less expenses (not assets). I think. It's Saturday night and my brain is working at half capacity.

[swan]

Maximo, your point about CEO salary relativity is valid, I agree with you. Still, a very large annual salary, would you agree?

I stand by my math, although it was ambiguous for me to say "every three years" when I meant in 2009,2010 and 2011.

There is a lot of money at stake here, so I think its fair to question "estimates" supplied by the HSUS. I also think, and I assume we agree, the HSUS can be misleading in their advertising. I don't think most people who donate are thinking their money is going to lobbyists, large salaries, and employee pensions. I think most people believe the money is going to the shelters. For me the number that troubled me most is that only around 5% is actually going to the animals in the United States.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by swan

Ladyjane, I think you and I can both agree that just one, healthy, happy, pet euthanized in a shelter is a sickening disgrace. It troubles me as well.

We should support our local animal shelters who do make a big difference and we also need to support our local, reputable breeders that are getting hammered by new laws that don't solve the problem that lead to shelters being overwhelmed.

I know my local animal shelter and I know that they HAVE to euthanize animals. There are not enough people to adopt them ... that is the problem.

I don't follow you on the support of breeders....what does that have to do with lowering the numbers of homeless animals?

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by swan

$509,000,000 dollars every three years divided evenly amongst all the local shelters could probably save each one of those pets euthanized in the United States unnecessarily.

The pets being euthanized unnecessarily? That's not exactly true...the No Kill movement would tell you that; but there are not enough people to adopt these animals and the shelters that are government run cannot turn animals away, so to make room for more they must euthanize. Sadly, euthanasia is a necessary evil ... and, to be frank, for some animals it is more humane than some other things that can happen to them.

[107barney]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

I know my local animal shelter and I know that they HAVE to euthanize animals. There are not enough people to adopt them ... that is the problem.

I don't follow you on the support of breeders....what does that have to do with lowering the numbers of homeless animals?

I couldn't follow that either. Breeders increase the number of dogs, and breeder dogs can find their ways to shelters. Look at all the beautiful Yorkies turning up in Houston. Some of them are VERY well bred Yorkies.

[AlecM]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Does your vet give you a prescription for it? That is one way and yes, good to save receipts. Also, do you test for heartworms yearly? That is not proof, but it is good to do.

Ah, yes, when I wrote the question I was confusing heartworm which needs Rx even when purchased online vs. flea, tick, etc. which doesn't. And, of course, the testing.

Best,
Alec