reposted from HumaneWatch.org

We’re at the tail end of hurricane season, and no major storms have hit the U.S. this year. That’s good for people—and animals.

It was two years ago that Hurricane Sandy slammed New York and New Jersey, causing mega-damage to people and putting animals in harm’s way. Many charities showed up, including the Humane Society of the United States. But did you know that HSUS kept about two-thirds of the money it raised following the storm, only spending one-third on Sandy relief?

Unfortunately, this isn’t the only time HSUS has taken advantage of goodwill following a crisis. Today we’re releasing a new report called “Looting in the Aftermath” that documents how HSUS has abused high-profile events for monetary gain. That includes:

Raising money after dogfighter Michael Vick’s arrest on the promise to “care for” the dogs seized—despite not having custody of the animals;
   
Raising money off of dogfighting victim “Fay”—who was not in HSUS’s custody;

Raising money after the 2010 Haiti earthquake because “Haiti’s animal survivors desperately need care”—despite admitting elsewhere that “no animal issues are here that are related to the event of the earthquake.”

Unfortunately, there are more than these. Read the full report to learn more.

If a disaster or other high-profile event occurs, expect the Humane Society of the United States to try to take advantage of it. You can help by wisely choosing a charity that has a good track record. If you want to help animals after a disaster, that means helping local groups on the ground, or national groups with good records, such as American Humane Association’s Red Star or Red Rover. HSUS may claim that “We’re There”—but they’re there to take photography and pad their bank accounts.