The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is an American nonprofit organization that focuses on animal welfare and opposes animal related cruelties. It works on issues involving pets, wildlife, farm animals, horses and other equines, and animals used in research, testing and education. As of 2001, the group’s major campaigns targeted factory farming, animal blood sports, the fur trade, puppy mills, and wildlife abuse.

The HSUS is based in Washington, D.C. and was founded in 1954 by Fred Myers, Helen Jones, Larry Andrews, Marcia Glaser and Oliver M. Evans. In 2013 The Chronicle of Philanthropy ranked HSUS as the 136th largest charity in the US. The founders of this organization have made our planet a much more loving and kind place for animals and people.

Our Humane Society here in Tucson, the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, is affiliated with the HSUS and is dedicated to loving and caring for animals and all their needs. I believe the staff and volunteers there are heroes in disguise on a mission of mercy. To learn more about the organization and the services it provides, visit hssaz.org .