It’s the Humane Society of the United States day!
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest and most effective animal protection organization—backed by 10 million Americans, or one in every 30. Established in 1954, The HSUS seeks a humane and sustainable world for all animals—a world that will also benefit people. We are America’s mainstream force against cruelty, exploitation and neglect, as well as the most trusted voice extolling the human-animal bond. I’m doing an IM interview with their president and CEO Wayne Pacelle. I’ll post the transcript for you.
Parker
says (11:15 AM):
Mr. Pacelle. Thanks for IMing!
Wayne
says (11:15 AM):
Happy to.
Parker
says (11:15 AM):
What are the goals of The Humane Society of the United States?
Wayne
says (11:16 AM):
We work to confront animal cruelty and celebrate the bonds we share with animals.
Parker
says (11:16 AM):
Cool. Personal question: How did you get involved?
Wayne
says (11:16 AM):
I’ve always felt a sense of kinship and empathy toward animals.
Parker
says (11:16 AM):
What would you say is The HSUS’s greatest accomplishment?
Wayne
says (11:17 AM):
In the last two years, we’ve passed more than 150 new state laws to protect animals.
Parker
says (11:17 AM):
That’s amazing. How?
Wayne
says (11:17 AM):
We’ve exposed major abuses like dogfighting, abuse of downer livestock, the Canadian seal hunt…
Parker
says (11:18 AM):
What’s the toughest part of your job?
Wayne
says (11:18 AM):
Probably the misery and suffering I’ve seen.
Parker
says (11:18 AM):
How do you deal?
Wayne
says (11:19 AM):
I don’t internalize it—I take my anger and turn it into action and focus some of my emotional energy on
our progress.
Parker
says (11:19 AM):
What’s the best way for people to help The HSUS?
Wayne
says (11:19 AM):
I have a detailed list on my blog. Check it out
here.
Wayne
says (11:19 AM):
A really simple one: Join the i’m Initiative, and select The HSUS as your cause.
Parker
says (11:20 AM):
What I been sayin’.
Wayne
says (11:20 AM):
Also, follow the three Rs of eating:
Wayne
says (11:20 AM):
Reduce your consumption of meat.
Refine your diet by avoiding animal products derived from factory farming.
Replace meat and other animal-based foods with vegetarian foods.
Parker
says (11:21 AM):
Pretty straightforward.
Wayne
says (11:21 AM):
Another great way is to adopt a friend from a local animal shelter.
Parker
says (11:21 AM):
I like that idea, maybe I’ll do that myself when my Talkathon is over.
Wayne
says (11:22 AM):
You should.
Parker
says (11:22 AM):
Alright, thanks for IMing!