Keeping an eye on the enemy (HSUS)

[clayman]

Got this in my email today...

Dear ...,

We have exciting news to share. The Humane Society of the United States and The Fund for Animals are taking animal advocacy to a whole new level.

With the launch of our new lobbying arm, temporarily named the HSUS Fund for Animals (more on that in a minute), we're taking our fight to end animal suffering and abuse straight to Capitol Hill and to every state legislature.

Because The HSUS and The Fund are non-profit charities, we’re limited in how much we can spend on lobbying activities. That's why our new lobbying arm is so important because as a 501©(4) social welfare organization, it has no such restrictions on lobbying and can work exclusively on animal protection legislation. It will multiply our efforts to move lawmakers for the benefit of animals - and keep those who would exploit animals for fun and profit from dominating the ears of legislators.

We've already set our legislative priorities for 2005. Right away, we're working to:

Pass a federal bill to prevent the commercial sale and slaughter of wild horses and burros because Congress recently put these majestic horses on the auction block;

Pass a federal bill to crack down on canned hunts, "drive-thru" operations that allow trophy hunters to kill fenced-in exotic animals for a fee;

Ensure that poultry are given legal protections under the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act because 95% of all animals sent to slaughter aren't covered by the law;

Increase the penalties for dogfighting and cockfighting; and

Place a measure on the 2006 ballot in Michigan to restore a ban on hunting mourning doves.

And that’s just the start. As you’ve surely noticed, we’ve given HumaneLines a new look - part of our effort to recruit more committed animal advocates like you to our Humane Action Network. Next week, look for a special edition of HumaneLines that will bring you news about our first campaign this year.

We hope you'll take the opportunity today to ensure that we deliver the best information to help you help animals. Here's how:

Update your profile - it only takes a minute. The more information we have about you and your interests, the better we can get you the news and updates you need. If, for example, we have your complete mailing address, we can send you email alerts about important animal issues in your state and even your city. Click here to sign in to your subscription management page to review and update your profile.

Choose a new name for our new lobbying arm. Click here to tell us your ideas.

Spread the word about the Humane Action Network. The more people who join us, the better for animals everywhere.

Thank you for your dedication and commitment to helping animals every day - and welcome to the next phase of HumaneLines.

Sincerely,

Mike Markarian

President

HSUS Fund for Animals