The Issue: Donations that are used by charities like the ASPCA to file lawsuits against various defendants.
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In response to Walter Olson’s assertion that the ASPCA is “not a vehicle for supporting local shelters and rescue groups” (“The Lawsuit Circus,” PostOpinion, Jan. 6), the ASPCA provides shelters nationwide with resources to reduce animal homelessness and cruelty, and in 2012 awarded 1,700 grants totaling nearly $17 million.
In 2012, we helped 56,232 pets find homes during a three-month competition among 50 shelters in 24 states. We deploy resources nationally to rescue thousands of animals.
In New York City, we provided help for more than 30,000 animals affected by Hurricane Sandy.
We promote legislation in many states and teach local law enforcement and others how to respond to animal cruelty. Litigation is but one component of our efforts to protect animals, and we remain committed to our mission.Ed Sayres
President and CEO
ASPCA
It’s likely that the majority of donors to the ASPCA and the Humane Society of the United States have no idea their money has been going to legal defense in a federal lawsuit alleging witness bribery and fraud.
A recent poll of over 1,000 donors to HSUS, which is still a defendant in the litigation, found that 75 percent of donors gave to the organization to help reduce the pet-euthanasia rate or help pet shelters, not to pay for courtroom drama.
Instead of ads with pictures of needy dogs and cats and a sad soundtrack, why don’t these groups start showing mafiosos and their consigliere? Rick Berman
Executive Director
Center for Consumer
Freedom