I wrote (RE: Chere's post):
>I hope that I am reading your post correctly, but while HSUS (Humane
>Society of the United States) is considered a moderate and respected animal
>welfare organization that has done well in promoting animal welfare/rights,
>it isn't the same as the "local" Humane Society (a common misconception).
>To my knowledge, HSUS doesn't run any shelters.  If someone else has
>documentation otherwise, I would appreciate being notified.  Thanks.
 
Alicia wrote:
>As a former participant / speaker at HSUS EXPO on the ferret sheltering
>platform I want to clarify - or attempt to clarify this for you Sandy.  No,
>HSUS does NOT run any shelters. They are in fact an umbrella organization
>who spearhead / coordinate educational, informational campaigns to aid
>those who do run shelters.
 
Who is Sandy?  I guess I read Chere's post incorrectly (as you appeared to
misread my name - it happens).  Hope you aren't upset with me about this -
it's hard to tell from the letter.  Mostly, I was just clarifying that HSUS
doesn't run shelters, that it is an animal welfare/rights organization.
You are of course correct that they perform as an educational organization,
but they do do a lot more.  I would love to attend the EXPO, but
unfortunately, I am in clinical rotations 5-6 days a week right now caring
for my patients - what little free time I have, I give to my family.
 
HSUS is an interesting organization and I found this information at:
http://www.hsus.org/programs/companion/shelter_info/general_public/index.html
 
>The HSUS is proud to join the thousands of animal shelters around the
>country in working to promote the humane treatment of animals. While many
>people believe that The HSUS is a parenting or governing organization for
>local animal shelters, especially those with the name "Humane Society,"
>we actually do not operate or oversee any animal shelters or have any
>legal control over them. Each is an independent organization, governed
>by its own bylaws and board of directors (in the case of private humane
>organizations), or local ordinances >and officials (in the case of
>municipal animal care and control agencies).
>
>The HSUS does, however, work closely with these agencies in a variety of
>ways. We provide guidelines, recommendations, and advice on shelter
>operations, policies and procedures. We publish our award-winning
>bimonthly magazine, Animal Sheltering, which features information about
>new and innovative programs, materials, and resources. Every February,
>The HSUS hosts the premier international educational conference and trade
>show for animal sheltering professionals, Animal Care Expo.
 
I never found anything about money changing hands, but they do appear to be
very helpful from an educational point of view.  Interestingly, I even met
Andrew Rowan once at the Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research
meeting in Boston.
 
******************************
Sean D. Sawyer V'00
University of Pennsylvania
School of Veterinary Medicine
 
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[Posted in FML issue 2580]