by Oxpictus

Created on: November 02, 2008

First, we need to delineate between our local Humane Society, and the Humane Society of the United States. My local Humane Society is a small organization, a no-kill shelter. I know these folks, and have been a member of the Society for many years. I have assisted in major fundraising events in the past. I know for a fact, that North County Humane is a responsible, caring, loving, no-kill shelter. I have stipulated in my living trust, that should both my husband and I meet our Maker at the same time, there is to be an amount provided to North County Humane, should family members be unable to care for our extensive pet family.

I do this without hesitance. I know that the Board of Directors, the volunteers and staff are dedicated to the well being of any pet that unwittingly finds itself without a home someday.

This little organization is supported by donations, it does not receive funds from any national organization, as some have insinuated. Local Humane organizations are supported by the community. North County Humane is supported entirely from the loving donations of people in the North County of San Luis Obispo, California. San Luis Obispo has their own Humane Society, another wonderful group, Woods Humane Society. Seems that people in San Luis Obispo are pet oriented folks, that will always support any pet that finds itself without a home. And, this is the case, when students of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo either graduate or change schools. College kids leave cats, dogs, fish, hamsters, gerbils, geckos, you name it, it has probably been abandoned by a student at one time or another. And, they live all over the county, not just within the confines of San Luis Obispo, the city. North County (the area of SLO County over the Cuesta Grade) has more economical housing. Students come here, because they can get better housing for less money. Nevertheless, they still abandon pets at the same rate as those students living in San Luis Obispo. We, here in North County, San Luis Obispo County, CA need ALL the help we can get!

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) IS a responsible organization. They reviewed the Animal Regulation Department of San Luis Obispo (Managed by the SLO County Sheriff's Dept.) and found it to be lacking in many ways. They provided guidance for management of this shelter. I for one, appreciated their stepping in, and making recommendations, so that our Animal Regulation Department could be as good as possible.

I have been a member of the HSUS for many years. HSUS emails members when emails are needed to give our opinions to local legislators concerning bills that may be pending, concerning the humane treatment of animals.

Are you a Californian? If you are, you are familiar with Proposition 2. Proposition 2 prevents the cruel and inhumane treatment of farm animals, from chickens in 1' square cages where they cannot even stretch their wings, to little calves confined to a dark barn in quarters too small to even turn around in, just so some fat cat can order veal, and get an all-white meat dish. Disgusting.

I have received at least 8 mailings from HSUS, urging me to vote YES on 2. I have gone onto blog sites and urged a YES on 2 vote, also.

I believe it was Ghandi, who said society can be judged by how it treats its animals.

Animals, be they pets, or farm animals, deserve to be treated in a humane and decent manner. Both the local Humane Societies and the HSUS are working hard, to ensure this happens.

I am proud to call myself a member of both fine organizations!

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