Another Merger for the Humane Society
In this morning’s Washington Post, Judy Sarasohn reports of the latest merger of The Humane Society of the United States ("Merger Adds to Humane Society’s Bite "), which is based in DC.
The HSUS had already merged last year with The Fund for Animals, founded by Cleveland Amory, and now it has merged with the eponymous Doris Day Animal League.
Why the mergers? Partially to build political clout. The HSUS plans to get more involved in legislative issues, which in my opinion is the greatest hope for animals, yet the un-sexiest thing about advocacy. As Wayne Pacelle, grand poobah of the HSUS said to Sarasohn:
Logic and reason go only so far in this town. You have to flex political muscle.
Everyone has their own activist style, and since I don’t have the figure to pose nude or with only cabbage leaves covering my should-be-private parts (not to mention I’ve got a HUGE problem with the sexism of those campaigns by PETA, for those living under a rock), I choose to write. Legislation is right up my alley. But again, it’s not for everyone. Some prefer to leaflet in public (my worst nightmare).
Whatever your style is, everyone can:
- phase animal products out of their diet
- stop wearing animal products
- get a car that doesn’t have any leather
- buy cruelty-free cleansers and cosmetics
- give only to charities that don’t test on animals
- donate to the HSUS or PETA
- If, like me, you think some of the PETA stunts are insane, and not in a good way, you can have your donation earmarked to a particular campaign, such as ending animal experimentation. Like people, organizations can’t be everything to everyone. Find the one you agree the most with, and contribute regularly.
Go to caringconsumer.org for more easy tips. And if you think you might be interested in legislative issues, click here to learn more, and join the Humane Action Network if you’re feeling like taking the next step.
Be the change.
