The Humane Society of the United States is brushing off a report that says it’s having financial difficulties. The talk of challenges within the organization started Tuesday when the Center for Consumer Freedom put out a press release saying that HSUS laid off ten percent of its staff amid a budget shortfall, which the release said “was at least $20 million.” Pro Farmers’ First Thing Today says the Center is run by lobbyist Richard Berman, a longtime opponent of HSUS and other groups that believe in greater government regulation. The Humane Society says it eliminated several dozen positions as part of a restructuring effort. HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle said the numbers put out by the Center for Consumer Freedom are wrong. He did say some positions have been eliminated, but more positions were added to three different departments within the organization, including farm animals, companion animals, and international. Pacelle added that the group’s assets were down a few million in the first nine months of the year, but they do expect those numbers to rise as many Americans typically wait until the end of the year for their charitable giving.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting news service.