What Animal support organizations do you trust...

[and-justice-for-all]

and find to be reliable as well as honest in their convictions to help Animals?

[flvegan]

1. Trust?

I can only say that I trust those organizations that I either know the folks running the joint, know folks working there for quite some time or know folks that know folks in the organization. That said, I also wouldn't say across the board that I trust every org where I know the people running those places. Some of them I wouldn't trust as far as I could throw them.

Additionally, I give extra props to those that have participated in some form of open rescue or liberation. A 501c3 is really, really putting itself out there by doing something that they might get in big time trouble for.

That said, I'll list a few and why:

HSUS: Good folks. They get criticized a lot for being "welfarists" but there's no organization more devoted to pro-animal legislation. Their California humane ballot initiative is going to be the biggest thing (if passed) we've ever seen. Wayne Pacelle, the CEO of HSUS, is the man. www.hsus.org

Farm Sanctuary: This is another powerhouse (also sponsoring the CA humane ballot initiative), not that you'd know it by looking at them. Running two sanctuaries and saving countless animals at the same time they lobby. Gotta love 'em. www.farmsanctuary.org

PETA: Yeah, I know. But, love them or hate them, they may well be the most heavy on their convictions. Operating totally without any form of ego, every single thing they do is in some way of benefit to the animals. Are they nuts? Sometimes. Do I agree with all of their tactics? Hell, no. Do I sometimes cringe when I read quotes or hear them speak? Oh, boy...do I. I still trust them implicitly. www.peta.org

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society: Fearless activists. Nothing more I can say here that I haven't already posted in this forum. www.seashepherd.org

Also, some small, local organizations that aren't even a blip on the big radar.

[Critters2]

2. I'm impressed with IFAW, too.

From what I can tell (admittedly, from a distance), they seem deeply committed in the areas where they work, most notably the harp seal issue.

I'm also impressed with HSUS. When we were starting the shelter in Iowa, someone from their Midwest Regional office in Des Moines met with us to give us pointers. We were hugely impressed. This was a guy doing lobbying, working on the factory farm issues, just busy as all hell. But he came to meet with a tiny group of people trying to start a shelter from scratch in a very rural, out of the way place. And all the advice he gave us was excellent. In fact, I look at the shelter in the town where I am now, and am deeply concerned because of things he taught me to look for. I've suggested that the two women (two people, no board, clue number 1) who run the place ask someone from HSUS to meet with them, and they told me to mind my own business (clue number 2).

I almost get teary when I think of the great folks we dealt with at HSUS.

And, of course, PETA. You can't beat PETA for courage.

[flvegan]

3. IFAW is a great organization.

No doubt. I only included those in my response where I know and trust folks, which I can't say with IFAW. However, I love what IFAW does. Great org. Love 'em.

HSUS...I just can't say enough.

PETA? You middle of the road hater of omnivore mindthink, you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[stuntcat]

4. I give to the National Wildlife Federation

Regularly, I mean I'm a member with a magazine and all Since I got this sign-


I'd probably trust every one of the groups as long as they say they're helping animals.

[flvegan]

5. Erm...I'm sensing something here.

The NWF is a pro-hunting group.

Probably helping make your point, yes?

[stuntcat]

6. my "point"???

Well their magazines never have anything about hunting in them, just a lot of great animal stuff and pictures. I was proud of helping animals in the neighborhood and I got the sign after I installed two bat houses and a lot of bird houses. And I feel responsible now for all the squirrels :)

Maybe by 'point' you mean getting the sign but my thinking was the sign would encourage other neighbors to think of the wildlife too.. I mean I learned how to help the animals and got the sign after I saw the same sign on someone else's house. And now my mom's done it too!

I'm not sure why you sensed what you did but I wouldn't have anything to do with hunters, I put animals before people in fact. I was gonna write you earlier when you offered to help someone with learning what to eat.
I didn't mean to start a discussion like this. Please write me back, this is kinda upsetting to me.

[stuntcat]

7. do you

Do you know things about NWF? Maybe I need to learn a lot more about them but I was just happy with my sign and I've enjoyed their magazine. Are they a pro-hunting thing, like behind the scene, like something I didn't know about the group?

[flvegan]

9. I'm sorry.

http://www.targetglobalwarming.org/files/chesapeakebay_full.pdf

[stuntcat]

11. I read slow

I'm serious, I read slower than everyone because of a brain injury. What does the site mean? What should I do?
I'm kinda upset and I won't be able to sleep

[flvegan]

13. Well, many conservation groups

conserve just to promote hunting. I'm not saying that about this group. I am saying that figuring their agenda is important.

Bottom line, the NWF promotes hunting AND trapping. Like the WWF and others. I know, it's not right.

I'd fight the NWF to my deathbed.

[stuntcat]

15. but

I feel so upset at your first response. I feel awful about how/why I gave the impression you must have gotten, I was so upset. I mean I still am, please know that I was just naive. Should I take my sign off my house? I mean I guess I ought to, I'll definitely stop sending them money every year!

I don't have any "point" like that and if I ever gave that nasty an impression I am so sorry.

[flvegan]

16. I was 100% wrong in my response to you.

And I apologize for how it appeared to you. Totally my fault, I was looking for something of ill intent. I admit it.

Sorry, kneejerk reaction.

[stuntcat]

17. I

Animals are my only deal now, I felt so horrible accused I've been shaking. But I'm glad you're online, I can settle down now and try to sleep.
I ought to scrtach the NWF part off of my sign tomorrow I think, I didn't know anything about the place except for their pretty magazine and the cool sign I got.

[flvegan]

18. Just know that that is how they get you

They hide behind "conservation" while promoting the execution of animals.

Again, my fault, and I'm sorry. The WWF has built a huge coffer based on this misunderstanding.

stuntcat, I'm glad you're here in our group, and thinking about the animals. I've seen your posts in other forums here at DU, and I'm really, really glad to have you around.

[flvegan]

19. BTW, I've asked Elad to delete my original response to you.

It wasn't right. It was a knee-jerk response that you didn't deserve from an overly defensive person (me).

[stuntcat]

20. I couldn't sleep

I was shaking last night. You were someone here I respect so much (just lately figuring out you're not "Five Gan" which I'd always thought was your name (see, because I don't think too straight sometimes)) and then to be talked to that way, and about Animals!, the only thing I care for since I gave up on People, was too much for me.
I should thank you for telling me about NWF though, I'm gonna call today and cancel my membership.
I won't try anymore to tell how much this stuff means to me. If you knew me at all you'd understand how upset I was last night, I was hurt. I hope I forget this.

[blondie58]

37. stuntcat, don't feel bad

I didn't know those facts about the NWF either. I have sent them money and was thinking of getting my backyard certification and I like their pretty magazine, too. This really disappoints me. Of course, I don't understand how someone can appreciate the beauty that is in the wild and then shoot them dead. That hunter mentality just eludes me.

edited to add- Stuntcat, have you had any success getting bats to come to your yard, yet? I have heard that it can take some time, but how cool would that be? I went on a river rafting trip down the Grand Canyon a few years ago and loved watching the bats. It was so cool, during the day the swallows would swoop over the river to eat the bugs, and then come nighfall, it was like the changing of the guards when the bats came out. I know that it sometimes takes time to get the wild to come- it took about three years to get hummingbirds to come to my garden, but they come back every year now because of my agastache.

[stuntcat]

43. 4-day late reply!!!!!

I didn't see this in time!
There've always been bats here, we can see them when it's getting dark. There's a stream through our neighborhood and even though it's crowded here it's still hilly and green so we have a LOT of animals. Of course when suburbs turn to cities animals like bats are pushed out and they're so important for gardeners.
What we did was put up two bathouses at the corner of the yard behind the vegetable bed. That was where we've seen them swooping so I figured they'll either move into the houses or just run into the poll every night hehe
This is how they look, the bathouse on the back of the poll is hard to see.

We have a lot of kinds of birdhouses too and BIG areas of brush behind our yard. I put lots of food out every day and I've seen raccoons, rabbits and possums in the backyard.
That was what I thought was so cool about the NWF sign, I was only thinking about MY YARD.

But since this awakening, I've changed to some other groups, now I'm in PETA, HSUS, Defenders of Wildlife, and WSPA. If there's anything sinister about those groups I hope someone here will let me know.

[blondie58]

44. Stuntcat that is so cool!

I love bats. There is something cool about flying mammals! FLYING MAMMALS! I know that they are very good for your garden, they eat so many insects. Your garden is lovely- I can tell that you've put a lot of time in it, Thanks for sharing.

I really want to entice bats. At the present time, I do have hummingbirds that come to my garden. I thought that I had coined the phrase "flying jewels" for them, but I found out later that is the phrase that the Mayan Indians called them. Maybe I was a Mayan Indian in previous life?! I just love the urban wildlife that I have here in Colorado, but I am still missing my bats.

[stuntcat]

45. 'flying jewels' belongs to you, I think

you totally could have some link to people who thought of them that way. (I don't believe in much but I do believe in souls.)

I LOVE the flying mammals so much too, I have a bat theme in my house and stuff :headbang: but I don't think they've moved into the houses yet, I've read that it can take a few years after first putting the houses up.

[stuntcat]

21. (if that response is gone)

If the original "um, I'm sensing something here" and "Probably helping make your point, yes?" are what's deleted then it'll look even more like I've had my own personal freak-out, and in the Animals group.
I can't expect anyone here to understand why this has upset me so much.. fine erase it then, *I'm the nut here, certifiable. I wish I'd never said a word.

[stuntcat]

8. oh..

There is some stuff on their site about "sportsmen".. I just looked there, I swear it has never mentioned hunting in the magazines I got from them! I was just going after the yard habitat stuff!

I didn't know this.. but thanks for helping me learn it.. I mean I just don't know why you say "helping make your point"
My only point anymore is helping animals. This is upsetting me, your tone, please write me back.

Do you think I should take the sign down? If I didn't know this about the NWF I can guarantee my neighbors sure don't.

[flvegan]

10. These groups never do.

No fault of yours.

Should you take the sign down? That's a tough one. Any enlightenment is worthwhile, regardless of where it comes from.

[stuntcat]

12. my 'point'

I don't know what I ever said to sound like I would ever harm anything. I got the worst feeling now. I'm really sorry if I sounded like that kind of person to you.

[flvegan]

14. I NEVER, EVER took that idea from what you said.

Ever. Never ever.

On edit, I see where you might think that I suggested what you've stated. I want you to know that I know that supporting an organization based on what you know...there's no shame in that. Many folks, MANY folks have been misled by groups like this.

I know you're genuine. I've seen your posts in the other forums.

We don't learn if it ain't brought up, right?

Thanks for bringing it up.

[CrispyQ]

22. I voted for PETA.

I know PETA takes lots of flack, but people know what they stand for. I'm sure that is what makes people uncomfortable -- that PETA shows them the consequences of their thoughtless, cruel choices. I hate the "I don't want to know cuz then I'll feel guilty" attitude. Good for PETA for making people uncomfortable.

The only organizations I support financially are local ones. The local Humane Society shelter does excellent work & has wonderful community support. There is also a wildlife rehabilation sanctuary in the area that does great work with injured wildlife. They get most of my contributions. I'm looking into helping out a reptile sanctuary in my area as well. I love turtles, lizards, snakes.

[stuntcat]

23. After this kind and helpful advice I switched to Humane Society!

I can only support a few things- NPR, my brain hospital and a group that helps animals, which is now the Human Society. I feel great about that so thanks, and I mean thanks!

I've been looking over the old messages here for the animal-shooting-trolls who've apparently posted so regularly in the Vegan/Animal Rights group (y'know, commenting here to make "a point"?) but alas I have not found them yet! :shrug: If someone would point them out to me it would help me understand something. Please okay?

[LeftyMom]

24. We've had a few trolls, rare but it happens

Usually either there's a dust-up in one of the big forums and it gets tracked in here or on very rare occasions somebody in some other group complains that there's disparate enforcement of the rules.

The threads get locked and then they go poof.

[flvegan]

25. Hi, stuntcat. The answer to your second question is here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=231x15288

We are a very, very lucky group here.

[stuntcat]

26. :hugs:

In real life I have "spaz" marked clear on my face but online it's not so obvious, until I get mad :blush: which luckily I don't do often, I swear!

:hug:

[stuntcat]

27. and

I am real happy about joining Human Society! :headbang:

[flvegan]

28. Nah, stuntcat, you're no "spaz"

You're a good person, a good DUer, and a good VVAR forum member and I, for one, am glad that you're here.

[yewberry]

29. I'm glad to see you here!

It's nice to find new faces in these little groups--welcome!

We don't get a lot of real trolls here--those that used to appear occasionally had stuff deleted. There are also a few people who read this board to look for reasons to criticize (:hi: to them) and only post when they feel that we've posted something that they can complain about. Those posts get deleted, too.

I hope you can feel like you're among friends here.

If there's any advice or support that I can offer, please do feel free to ask. REALLY.

[stuntcat]

30. I do feel..

feel like I'm among friends. I mean in real life I don't know anyone who'll stop eating meat. Thank you for the welcomes! I never have much to contribute but I pay attention.

I can share an interesting article though. I've been helping my aunt sort through the papers my Grandma collected over the years and in the 70's she'd saved this article about why vegetarians are good for the Earth. It was funny to find how much stuff she'd saved about the environment, I'm learning how cool she was, like she's the only family I had who'd understand me not having babies and I didn't even know it.

The '78' is what she wrote on it before she filed it away. It's hard to read because photobucket shrinks it. The second one was from the same year.



NOT that this is anything y'all don't already know, it's just funny how old they are and that she kept them all this time.

[blondie58]

40. here are some articles that I stumbled across in my quest for vegetarianism

http://www.goveg.com/environment.asp that states pretty much the same thing.

[and-justice-for-all]

31. Of those who voted: PETA is it...

Regarding PETA, is it safe to say that they do not go around to shelters and pick up Animals that need homes, just to Euthanize them their selves? Is that an Urban myth or does it hold some water?

[superduperfarleft]

32. It holds plenty of water.

They also fight with local TNR groups to euthanize feral cat populations.

[flvegan]

35. Sorry, but you're incorrect.

[superduperfarleft]

36. *corrected* I'm only partially incorrect.

And don't assume I get my info from the CCF website.

I have no links because this is from personal experience, so you can feel free to believe what you want. IMO, PETA is no friend to animals or animal liberation.

edit: Nevermind, I misread the op of this subthread. I stand by the fact that PETA, on a local basis, will sneak around the TNR groups in order to euthanize perfectly healthy (relatively) feral cat colonies. The rumors get worse, but since they're just that, I won't bother relating those here.

I definitely don't have any first-hand info of them actively going from shelter to shelter looking for animals to euthanize, though. Still, the majority of animals that come into PETA's care are definitely euthanized. This of course includes sick and injured animals, but many healthy ones as well. PETA's policy on euthanasia of healthy animals is a complete perversion of the concept of animal rights, and when you hear Ingrid privately gloat about how many animals she'd killed, it makes it even more sickening. (This of course ties in to their stance on BSL, which has become official PETA policy simply because Queen Ingrid had a bad experience with a "pit bull" one time.)

As I said, PETA is no friend to animals or animal liberation. But since I have a natural distrust of all full-time charity megacorporations, you can feel free take my cynicism with a grain of sea salt.

[flvegan]

39. I don't assume that, and from your posts "aboveground" I have much respect for you.

I've seen you, superduperfarleft in the parent forums. I have been impressed many times.

I say this to you, I have a lot of first-hand experience with PETA. I know a number of folks that work for them now, or have done so in the past.

PETA does euthanize animals. This is true. PETA, as part of their work, kills dogs and cats. The question is...why?

PETA is an absolute last chance "shelter" if you will. PETA takes in those that would be killed by a bullet or gas chamber or worse. PETA provides a humane alternative to that. It's well documented. PETA doesn't go shelter to shelter, looking to kill animals.

I think I can speak to this fairly well. I'm an animal rights freak. I am a liberationist. If someone came to my door with one dog, I'd find room. If someone came to me and said, "well, we got 500 animals here that we can't find a home for, and needing space, we'll just take them out back and shoot them." well, to be honest, I don't realistically have a solution. If those animals are to die a miserable death, and there's nothing that can be done to change that, I'd just assume take those animals and give them a humane end.

That's what PETA has done. If you look into their work, you'll see that PETA offered shelters money for a quality euthanasia program, which was turned down. Yet THEN, those same folks took money from the very same CCF you detest.

But then, I've been called an apologist. A welfarist. Much of the "vegan militia" hates me. I don't care. I can tell you this. I run a rescue, and I've had to kill dogs. I've had to make that decision. Overly aggressive, wired wrong half-crazed, sick and dangerous dogs. I made the call. I killed them.

And you know what? Sucks to be me. I'm the only one carrying that baggage. But oh no, not to that aforementioned "vegan militia" the unapologetic no-compromise sort. Easy to sit back, point fingers at the folks that take on the shitjob. Oh, yeah. I, like PETA, am the dog killer. I have provided a better alternative, fucking welfarist that I am.

I love them and I hate them. Fact is, PETA is a friend to the animals, and PETA most certainly is a friend to liberation.

Fact also is, many of the fault-finders have no desire to, for all their bullshit and alleged brevity, ever feel the tightness of a balaclava, the discomfort of combat boots nor the weight of quality boltcutters. Nevermind the apprehension of penalty of a job well done.

We don't suffer fools gladly.

[blondie58]

41. the real problem is irresponsible owners

people need to spay and neuter their animals. I do a lot of volunteer work for a cat shelter, also www.angelswithpaws.net and have heard some horrible stories. People can be so stupid. Fact is, one mama cat and her offspring will reproduce over 500,000 more in the period of seven years. Feral cats cannot often adjust to life with people, so I support groups like www.rmaca.org 100%. They all deserve a right to live.

[superduperfarleft]

42. We're going to have to agree to disagree here.

My issue with PETA (or one of my issues) is not simply the fact that they euthanize healthy animals. It's the fact that they actively try to undermine local TNR groups that have a different opinion about feral cat colonies. I also know people that worked for them (and in other Norfolk-area rescue groups), and I lived in the area for a number of years.

My post wasn't to start a PETA vs. anti-PETA subthread, frankly if I were to list everything that I found wrong with PETA it would be a novel. I just felt I should say something because I get very uncomfortable when people assume that all vegans or people concerned with AR are PETA supporters. I'd also like to demonstrate that just because you're a vegan doesn't mean you have to support PETA.

Overall, both sides of the infamous welfarist vs. abolition wars would benefit from a little critical thought once in a while.

[flvegan]

34. Sorry I missed this before, because it deserves debunking.

PETA does NOT go around picking up animals "that need homes, just to Euthanize them their selves".

If you really want info rather than a shitbrick consumerfreedom talking point, let me know.

[defendandprotect]

33. Actually, is there anything wrong with any of them . . . ???

I like to watch Animal Planet --- less than I used to because the programming has changed so much --- but I like the ASPCA programming and love their efforts and the way they treat animals!!

I give also to Doris Day group --

And PETA --- my vote was for PETA ---
because I think that the treatment of animals is just so atrocious!!!

I give as often as I can to most animal groups -- WOLVES were up this week !!!

[blondie58]

38. I also like the Natural Resources Defense Council

http://www.nrdc.org/