Across the United States there are humane societies and Societies for the Protection of Animals (SPCAs). Many of these organizations are small and underfunded, where workers receive little if any pay, and some even use their own money in a dedicated, sometimes desperate attempt to care for the voiceless. These people are unsung heroes. Then, there are large humane organizations that bring in many millions of dollars annually. They have dozens or hundreds of employees, and even more volunteers. At some of these large humane societies, the focus appears to be more on money than the animals. Leaders of these humane societies receive very large, six-figure salaries, and yet, these large, wealthy organizations do only the minimum required to continue to bring in as much money as possible. Let me give you examples.
SHARK has tried to get these wealthy humane societies to do more than recycle dogs and cats for a profit. Almost all have ignored our efforts, and not just in the case of rodeos. A federation of more than 60 humane societies and SPCAs in Pennsylvania infamously ignores the victims of live pigeon shoots, the most egregious form of organized cruelty in that state. While the SHARK Team travels 800 miles one way to document and expose these contest slaughters, and to rescue as many birds as possible, Pennsylvania humane societies and SPCAs do nothing, while collecting millions of dollars. Humane societies and SPCAs across the county ignore animal fighting contests, such as pig wrestling, and cruel animal scrambles.
Like I said, we understand that small organizations may be overwhelmed, but it is long past time for big organizations to step up and make proper use of their considerable resources to help as many animals as possible. Big humane organizations also have a special “in” with local media and politicians, more so than those who come from out of the area. They possess the ability to have a significant effect on local efforts to support the humane treatment of animals and get animal cruelty laws passed or strengthened, but choose to not "rock the boat."
- Steve Hindi
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