FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Humane USA? Humane USA is a political action committee (PAC) formed to be the nonpartisan political arm of the animal protection movement. We support Democrats, Republicans, and Independents based on a single criterion: their support for animal protection. We raise money from concerned citizens from all over the country and then donate it to various campaigns at the state and national level. We also organize activists to work on the campaigns of humane-minded candidates. In addition, we lobby for vital animal protection legislation and program funding.

2. Why and when was Humane USA created? Humane USA was formed in the fall of 1999 to fill a void in the animal protection movement. Despite the existence of hundreds, even thousands, of local, state, and national organizations, not a single national organization was constituted to help elect humane-minded candidates to office. Money raised for animal protection was devoted to educating children and other members of the public about animal issues, investigating animal cruelty, intervening in these cases, and providing shelter, food, and other forms of care for needy animals. Most of these efforts were organized by nonprofit charitable organizations. By law, these organizations are not allowed to directly influence the outcome of elections. Thus, the animal protection movement was at a disadvantage without a major political action committee to support candidates for office.

3. Who formed Humane USA? Established by Wayne Pacelle and Linda Nealon, the organization is supported by leaders of most of the major animal welfare groups in the country as well as many influential individuals. Our boards of directors, associate directors, and advisors are comprised of representatives from the following organizations: Humane Society of the United States, The Fund for Animals, Farm Sanctuary, Animal Welfare Institute, The Ark Trust, Doris Day Animal League, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Pegasus Fund, Animal Rights Foundation of Florida, EarthSave, and others.

4. How do local and national animal protection organizations support Humane USA? By law, charitable organizations are not allowed to donate any funds to support Humane USA's electioneering activities. Individual board members and staff can help as volunteers and donors. All of the advisors and directors associated with Humane USA volunteer their time.

5. So, how does Humane USA obtain money to donate to candidates? We raise money through direct mail, our website, person-to-person solicitation, and fundraisers.

6. What's the difference between lobbying and electioneering? Lobbying entails persuading elected officials to support a specific position on legislation. Electioneering involves endorsing a specific candidate, donating money to his or her campaign, holding a fundraiser for a candidate, or otherwise attempting to influence the outcome of an election. Nonprofit groups can and should lobby (although there are limits to the amount of time and money that can be devoted to lobbying under Internal Revenue Service rules). However, nonprofit groups cannot electioneer without breaking the law. If they do, they jeopardize their tax-exempt status.

7. Are donations to Humane USA tax deductible? No. Although Humane USA is a non-profit organization, it is not a tax-deductible charitable organization. Humane USA is a political action committee, registered with the Federal Election Commission.

8. How does Humane USA decide which candidates to support? For candidates holding office and seeking re-election, we examine their voting records, what legislation they have sponsored or co-sponsored, their response to unfriendly legislation, and other actions in support or opposition to issues of great importance to animals. In most instances, we have a working relationship with the office holder already.

9. How does Humane USA evaluate candidates who have never held office before? We ask candidates to fill out questionnaires explaining their positions on issues of importance to us. We also rely on our supporters to inform us of individuals running for office who are good on animal issues. In some instances, candidates seek us out.

10. When choosing whether or not to donate to a candidate, does Humane USA consider other important issues as well - such as education, abortion, civil rights, defense spending, etc.? No. There are many vitally important issues that come before legislative bodies. However, Humane USA has a single focus - animal protection. If we were to consider other issues, no matter how important, it would be difficult to find a candidate to support. Humane USA believes that animal protection voters must be viewed as an identifiable voting block in order to gain greater respect and attention from candidates. When we can influence the outcome of elections, more candidates will embrace our agenda.

11. What does Humane USA do when a candidate is excellent in some areas of animal protection but not in others? Sometimes we have to make a difficult decision, such as endorsing a candidate who is a great friend of wild animals but not necessarily as helpful with companion animals, or vice versa. Other times, we may choose to support an elected official who is the chairman of an important committee, who could take the lead on passing important pro-animal bills, even if the official does not support our entire agenda.

12. Some opposing political action committees are so large and well- funded, how can Humane USA compete with them to win the support of candidates? Politicians don't make decisions based entirely on who supports them financially. They understand that the humane community has historically spent its money on direct assistance to animals and not electioneering activities. Nevertheless, they do note and greatly appreciate when we put time and money into helping them win office. Our limited work in this area has already yielded remarkable results. It was no accident that, following the formation of Humane USA, the 106th Congress passed, and the President signed, 10 new animal protection laws.

13. The news media makes it sound like political action committees are unscrupulous. Is Humane USA any different? There has been a lot of negativity surrounding PACs, especially as Congress considers legislation to regulate the influence of money in campaigns. Humane USA does not oppose current efforts to regulate "soft" money and impose other restrictions on funding campaigns. That said, it is vital that animal advocates fully participate in political activity in order to be effective. Without the work of Humane USA, our movement was at a distinct disadvantage in the political sphere. Now, we can compete for the attention of all lawmakers and make sure that our issues are recognized as worthy and important.

14. I support my local animal shelter and donate money to a national humane/animal protection organization. Should I also donate to Humane USA? Yes. It is important that you support these other organizations, but their hands are tied when it comes to political activity. According to a l999 poll by Hart Research, 75% of Americans wish to ban leghold traps, 80% oppose confining animals in factory farms, and 77% oppose inflicting pain and distress on animals in laboratories. While animal protection is supported by a majority of the public, efforts must be expanded to recruit and elect humane-minded politicians who will champion pro-animal legislation. Such efforts can be realized by supporting and donating to Humane USA.

15. Do other political action committees exist for animals? There are several pro-animal groups that raise money for candidates at the local level. These are good organizations that deserve support. Humane USA is the first major national political action committee. We operate a number of state chapters and expect to create many more.

16. How much money can I donate to Humane USA? Gifts of $15, $25, $50, $100, or more are very much appreciated. There is no limit on the amount an individual or couple can donate for use in state races. The law allows an individual to donate up to $5,000 in a calendar year to Humane USA, $10,000 in a two-year election cycle for federal elections. Several Humane USA members give at this high level, and it is extraordinarily important to our efforts. In addition, there are no limits on the amount of labor an individual can provide. We encourage you to work with us and volunteer for candidates endorsed by Humane USA.

17. Where do I send money? Send a check payable to Humane USA to P.O. Box 19224, Washington, D.C. 20036, or donate on-line at our secure website .

18. I can't donate right now. How else can I help elect pro-animal candidates?

Send the questionnaire from Humane USA's website to candidates for congressional office.

Write letters to state candidates asking their position on important animal issues. (Don't expect long and complex answers.)

Volunteer for the campaigns of animal friendly candidates and recruit others to do the same. Let the candidates know you are being supportive because of their pro-animal positions and actions.

Find people willing to donate to the candidates and ask them to contact Humane USA; together these funds can make a significant contribution to a candidate.

Help us keep you updated by providing us with your e-mail address, or simply e-mail your address to: humaneusa@humaneusa.org.

Humane USA PAC
P.O. Box 19224
Washington, D.C. 20036
Email: humaneusa@humaneusa.org

(Donations to Humane USA are not tax deductible.)

Paid for by HumaneUSA, www.humaneusa.org, and not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.