The HSUS was founded in 1954 to care for animals in crisis and tackle systemic abuses on a national and global scale — that is, cruelties beyond the reach of local organizations and agencies.

The HSUS supports those farmers and ranchers who give proper care to their animals and treat them with compassion.

The HSUS was dragged into a lawsuit by a corporation that has paid record fines for violations of the Animal Welfare Act. Following a legal settlement that ended costly litigation, Ringling Bros. pledged to stop using performing elephants in its traveling circus and shut down for five years before announcing plans to resume performances without animal performers. The court never addressed the core claims of elephant abuse, and continuing to litigate would have been costly.

HSUS invests its funds wisely to get the best returns, to guarantee its ability to wage and win the biggest fights to protect animals. HSUS’s pursuit of a diverse portfolio -- one that spreads risk and increases returns, and one that includes lawful investments outside of the United States -- serves that purpose alone.

Like any responsible employer, the HSUS is committed to treating its staff fairly. We employ hundreds of employees and believe in paying them a living wage. Our health care and retirement plans are in line with those of other non-profit organizations.