The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was founded in the late 1800s with the noble goal of protecting animals. But in recent decades, its mission and culture have drifted away from direct animal welfare and toward corporate-style fundraising, lobbying, and extremist activism. Despite its name, the ASPCA is not affiliated with local SPCAs or community shelters. In fact, it operates just one shelter in New York City.

The group’s co-founder and president, Ingrid Newkirk, has openly declared that PETA’s ultimate goal is “total animal liberation,” which means eliminating virtually all forms of human-animal interaction. In practice, this would outlaw the consumption of meat, milk, cheese, eggs, butter, yogurt, and even honey, while banning hunting, fishing, zoos, aquariums, animal-centered sports, pet ownership, and life-saving animal-based medical research.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), recently rebranded as Humane World for Animals (HWA), is not what its name suggests. Despite using the phrase “Humane Society” in its branding, HSUS is not affiliated with local shelters, does not run animal shelters, and provides little direct aid to animals. Instead, it has long been exposed as an animal rights extremist organization that prioritizes politics, lobbying, and fundraising over actual animal welfare.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has rebranded itself as Humane World for Animals