New watchdog for Humane Society
Ken Moran // New York PostFebruary 21, 2010
Animal rights has be come a key phrase for raising money, and some groups such as the Humane Society of the United States raise tons of it saying they save pets and animals.
The question is, where does all this money go?
The Center for Consumer Freedom is announcing the launch of HumaneWatch.org, a watchdog project dedicated to analyzing the activities of the Humane Society of the United States, the largest anti-hunting and fishing group in the country.
HumaneWatch will include a blog written by CCF's director of research, a growing document library, and a database capable of tracking the dozens of nonprofit (and for-profit) organizations that make up HSUS's sprawling financial empire.
The Humane Society of the United States has become the animal rights industry's most powerful player, but it has avoided serious public scrutiny for years, says CCF.
According to the CCF, HSUS raises nearly $100 million annually from Americans who believe their donations filter down to local pet shelters and improve the lives of dogs and cats. But in 2008, says CCF, less than one half of one percent of HSUS's budget consisted of grants to actual hands-on "humane societies" that deal with the thankless task of sheltering unwanted pets.
"Someone has to ask the hard questions about the Humane Society of the United States, and HumaneWatch will be a relentless source of useful information," said CCF director of research David Martosko. "Nearly 1 million Americans donate money to HSUS every year. And most are completely unaware that they're bankrolling PETA-style propaganda, far-reaching anti-meat campaigns, a huge staff of lawyers, and bloated pension plans for HSUS executives."
In 2008 alone, the Center says HSUS put more than $2.5 million into pension plans -- money that its own advertising suggested would be put toward the direct care of animals -- and that HSUS neither operates nor is legally affiliated with any pet shelters anywhere.
Martosko continued: "Even the best charities can run off the rails, so it's no surprise the professional dog-watchers need their own watchdog."
Richard Berman has been a regular front man for business and industry in campaigns against consumer safety and environmental groups. Through his public affairs firm, Berman and Company, Berman has fought unions, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, PETA and other watchdog groups in their efforts to raise awareness about obesity, the minimum wage, the dangers of smoking, mad cow disease, drunk driving, and other causes. Berman runs at least 15 industry-funded front groups and projects, such as the Center for Union Facts and holds 16 "positions" in those organizations.
Each year, Berman, using his front groups to spread misinformation, spends millions of dollars distracting the public with misleading ads.
As a result of his largesse, in 2006, Richard Berman used $2,000,000 in cash to buy this $3.3 million house.
