Not very humane

By: David Martosko
Newspaper: Chicago Sun-Times

News of Leona Helmsley's multibillion-dollar animal welfare bequest was a real breath of fresh air. But I was very discouraged to read that the two biggest animal rights organizations in America are already trying to cash in on her unexpected generosity ["Animal groups out to fetch part of Helmsley estate," July 2]. Neither group deserves a dime.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals raised $30 million last year. Yet public records from the State of Virginia show that the group's employees put to death more than 90 percent of the dogs and cats they took in for adoption. PETA found adoptive homes for less than 1 percent.

The Humane Society of the United States isn't much better. Despite its name, it doesn't operate any pet shelters at all. Not one. But this "humane society" -- in name only -- raised more than $100 million last year.

The executors of Helmsley's estate should distribute her wealth exclusively to dog and cat shelters in local communities. These are the organizations carrying on the hands-on work that large animal-rights groups tend to avoid. Or better yet, why not establish a real national umbrella group for humane societies? The United States has never had one before. It's about time.

David Martosko, research director, Center for Consumer Freedom, Washington, D.C.