Name and Contact Info:

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
2100 L Street
Washington, DC 20037
202-452-1100
membership@humanesociety.org
www.hsus.org

Founded:

1954

Main Issue(s):

HSUS is multi-issue animal protection organization. Wayne Pacelle, CEO of HSUS, specifically avoids the term "animal rights," and prefers the term "animal protection." The group tends to advocate mainstream animal welfare positions, which do not always agree with animal rights positions.

Current Campaigns:

HSUS works on a variety of issues including factory farming, animal fighting, puppy mills, fur, and trophy hunting. Although not affiliated with local "humane societies," HSUS supports local shelters with training and funding. One of the organization’s more controversial campaigns is its backing of the "Certified Humane Raised and Handled" label, for meat from animals who have been raised according to the standards of Humane Farm Animal Care. HSUS also organizes the annual Taking Action for Animals conference in the Washington DC area, and has a legal department that litigates on behalf of animals.

Past Campaigns:

HSUS was one of the main proponents of Proposition 2, banning veal crates, gestation stalls and battery cages in California. HSUS also helped pass the federal ban on dog and cat fur, state bans on horse slaughter, and the ban on cockfighting in Louisiana, the last state where cockfighting was legal.