Watchdog Group: Charity Navigator Downgrades Humane Society of the United States Ranking

Richest Animal Rights Group Now Ranked Lower Than PETA

WASHINGTON, April 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today the nonprofit Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF) pointed to a newly downgraded rating from Charity Navigator as evidence that the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is not adequately fulfilling its stated charitable purpose. On Thursday Charity Navigator slashed the rankings for HSUS and the Humane Society International, the international arm of HSUS.

Charity Navigator now gives HSUS a lower level of trustworthiness than the notoriously radical People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The American Institute of Philanthropy also rates HSUS very critically, giving the organization a "C-minus" grade overall.

HSUS's 2008 tax filing shows that the group spent less than one percent of its collected donations on grants to hands-on pet shelters. It put five times as much into its executive pension plan during that year.

David Martosko, CCF's Director of Research and the editor of HumaneWatch.org, released the following statement on HSUS's new ranking:

Charity Navigator's downgrading of the Humane Society of the United States and its international arm sends a clear message: Animal charities can't stuff donor dollars away in pension plans, shortchange pet shelters, and expect that no one will notice.

HSUS raises tens of millions of dollars a year from Americans who believe their money is trickling down to local pet shelters. Instead, their contributions fund a bloated staff of well-paid lawyers and lobbyists, PETA-style propaganda campaigns, and a hefty executive pension plan.

For more information, visit HumaneWatch.org. To arrange an interview, please call Allison Miller at 202.463.7112.

The Center for Consumer Freedom is a nonprofit watchdog organization that informs the public about the activities of tax-exempt activist groups. It is supported by American consumers, business organizations, and foundations.

SOURCE Center for Consumer Freedom