The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals used to support legislation to improve animal rights, but they have become an organization that supports the wrong legislation at the wrong times. The HSUS joins them, providing strong support for laws that go against what animals need.
AB 2343 in California was an example of a law that the ASPCA supported when they should have opposed it. The law was introduced by Jennifer Fearing, an HSUS lobyist. It would decrease the holding period for cats, allowing shelters to immediately adopt out or euthanize cats without identification upon arrival. Even if the collar broke and the microchip was lost in the cats body, the owner would have no time to find their cat and bring them back home before they are adopted out or euthanized. The bill also allowed for-profit companies to take animals that will be euthanized from shelters for any purpose. ASPCA and HSUS both support this law that takes away rights of cat and animal owners.
In Minnesota HF 391 was introduced. It would end the use of the gas chamber and heart sticking to kill animals. Killing when other shelters are willing to take in the animals, and killing when there are empty cages available, would be prohibited. Shelter animals surrendered by their owners would have to be given a chance at adoption before their euthanasia also. This is a much needed law, but the HSUS fought against this bill.
The HSUS and ASPCA tend to fight for rules and laws that are similar to those of PETA. They attack non-vegans, fur-wearers, and leather-users. As said on examiner.com, "Do you eat meat? Do you have a beloved dog or cat in your home that you no doubt spoil and love enormously? Are you a farmer, or do you support your local farmers? Do you like to hunt, no doubt making very good use of the resulting meat? Then you are exactly the kind of person HSUS is fighting against." It may seem that the ASPCA and HSUS are working to preserve the lives and happiness of shelter animals, but really this is not even close to their main goal.
To learn about another crazy problem with legislation, visit the page on Oreo's Law: