PET OHANA
Humane Society focuses on isle needs
Hawaiian Humane Society
Question: Can you clarify how the Hawaiian Humane Society differs from organizations like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, the Humane Society of the United States and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals? Aren't all island humane societies chapters of HSUS?
Answer: The Hawaiian Humane Society and all island humane societies are independent of one another and from HSUS, ASPCA, PETA or any other national organization.
The most important distinction between local and national organizations is that your island humane society is making a difference in your neighborhood and helping animals on your island.
For example, the Hawaiian Humane Society is an Oahu animal-welfare organization that operates as a shelter and adoption agency as well as lost-and-found center. HSUS does not provide these direct services anywhere. For 110 years the Hawaiian Humane Society also has been tapped by the city to serve as its educator and enforcer of certain animal-related laws, including animal rescues and cruelty investigations.
National organizations, such as the ASPCA, PETA and HSUS, are also doing great work in animal welfare, but their primary focus is national education and federal legislation.
It is also important to note that while all of these organizations are animal-welfare leaders, PETA is an animal-rights organization, and its campaigns focus on ending fur and leather use, meat and dairy consumption, as well as fishing and hunting.
Q: How do funds raised for the Hawaiian Humane Society help the people of Oahu?
A: Through donations, the organization offers a wide variety of programs and services that help people and animals. Some of its lesser-known programs are: Pets of Patriots, providing foster care for short-notice military deployments; free feral cat sterilizations; and people-pet visits to senior and health care facilities.
All of its funds serve the people and animals of Hawaii.
The Hawaiian Humane Society welcomes questions by e-mail,
hhs@hawaiianhumane.org. Indicate "Pet Ohana" in the subject line. Or, write "Pet Ohana," Hawaiian Humane Society, 2700 Waialae Ave., Honolulu 96826.