On February 22 the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) will host a national event called “Spay Day” to encourage pet owners to spay and neuter their animals. It’s a great idea, of course, but HSUS can and should do much more.
Spay Day used to be run by the Doris Day Animal League, which spent its own money to promote spaying and neutering. Now, with HSUS in charge, the event is essentially a fundraiser: Americans are being asked to donate a minimum of $5-and, of course, they will be asked for more money later.
HSUS typically shares less than 1 percent of its income with hands-on pet shelters-the facilities that actually spay and neuter dogs and cats. And it has a staggering $191 million in assets. That’s enough money to spay or neuter every unsterilized dog in America.
If you want to actually make a “Spay Day” difference, make a visit to your local humane society or another pet shelter in your community. Donate your money, your time, and your helping hands. The animals will thank you, and your mailbox won’t be overflowing with junk mail from HSUS.
