By Glen Wunderlich
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) – a national, tax-exempt organization not affiliated with local animal shelters and the most powerful anti-hunting group in the nation – has drawn fire from a group of lawmakers that questions its status as a qualified 501 (c)(3) organization. HSUS supported a ballot initiative in Missouri (Proposition B) by pouring in some $1.85 million (plus another $300,000 in non-cash contributions) into its Missouri front group’s bank account. The measure passed by a slim 3-point margin and sets regulations for the state’s dog breeders including how many dogs are allowed per facility.
At the root of the issue is whether HSUS has attempted to influence legislation as a “substantial part” of its activities.
In a letter to Eric Thorson, Inspector General in Washington, D.C. six U.S. members of congress from Missouri and Alaska have requested a federal investigation as to the level of funding and participation of HSUS in Missouri’s affairs. The letter follows up previous letters to IRS Commissioner Shulman and Ms. Lois Lerner, Director of Exempt Organizations that have resulted in no remedial action. The members of congress state the case this way: “We believe that HSUS’s own public documents show beyond question that lobbying is a “substantial part” of its activities, Read more