Humane World Action Fund: Political Clout Over Animal Care

A version of this article was previously published. Most of the information provided still holds true today. Western Justice is sharing to help reveal the manner in which extremist groups operate, their ties to and cooperation with other extremist groups, and the continued threat they pose to our lifestyles and livelihoods.

The Humane Society Legislative Fund (HSLF)—now operating as the Humane World Action Fund (HWAF)—is the political and lobbying machine of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), which itself rebranded in 2025 as Humane World for Animals (HWA). Despite its compassionate-sounding name, the organization’s primary goal is to influence policy and elections, not to care for shelter animals.

According to OpenSecrets, the HSLF channels hundreds of thousands of dollars per election cycle into campaigns and candidates:

2021–2022

Raised: $448,061

Spent: $509,922

Candidate Contributions: ~$463,000 (78% Democrats, 22% Republicans)

2023–2024

Raised: $421,186

Spent: $435,351

Candidate Contributions: $333,000 (73% Democrats, 27% Republicans)

This pattern underscores a long-term investment in shaping laws and policies that restrict animal ownership and use—from animal agriculture to rodeo events, hunting, and even responsible pet breeding.

Rebranding as a Smokescreen

In early 2025, HSUS and its international branch (HSI) rebranded under the new umbrella Humane World for Animals, while the HSLF became the Humane World Action Fund.

This makeover featured a new globe-shaped logo of animal silhouettes and high-profile ads with celebrities like Sia. But critics view it as nothing more than a marketing ploy to distance the organizations from years of scandals, watchdog downgrades, and public backlash, while continuing their anti-animal use agenda under a friendlier name.

Poor Charity Watchdog Ratings

Despite claiming to be an animal welfare charity, HSUS/Humane World for Animals has been repeatedly criticized by independent evaluators:

Charity Navigator has issued donor advisories and downgraded HSUS due to governance and transparency failures.

Contributions often support lobbyists, lawyers, and campaign spending rather than feeding or housing animals.

The Humane Society for Shelter Pets has warned that donors to HWA frequently believe their gifts help local shelters—when in reality, HWA sends little to no funding to those facilities.

Simply put: HWA is a political action group disguised as a humane society.

Unscrupulous Tactics

Racketeering Lawsuit & False Witness

HWA, ASPCA, and PETA were all implicated in a RICO lawsuit tied to their campaign against Ringling Brothers Circus. They paid $190,000 to a false witness who fabricated claims of elephant mistreatment. The case ended with a $25 million settlement, siphoning donor dollars into legal payouts instead of animal care.

Undercover Operatives & Entrapment

HWA is notorious for planting undercover agents in farms, ranches, kennels, and breeding facilities. Critics say the footage is edited or staged to mislead the public, vilifying normal agricultural practices. A former operative exposed these tactics in the whistleblower video “HSUS Whistleblower Tells All.”

Misinformation Campaigns

HWA specializes in manipulating language to push its agenda:

Bills with innocent-sounding names mask sweeping restrictions on farming, hunting, and animal ownership.

Ads and online fundraising exploit emotional imagery, while steering funds into lobbying and activism.

Multi-million-dollar digital campaigns funnel unsuspecting donors toward HWA-controlled platforms, reinforcing the false perception that they are supporting local shelters.

Case Studies: Targeting Agriculture, Sports, and Pet Ownership

HWA and HWAF don’t just lobby in theory—they actively campaign to outlaw and restrict lawful, traditional, and beneficial uses of animals:

California’s Proposition 12 (2018): HSUS bankrolled this ballot initiative imposing extreme restrictions on pork, egg, and veal production. The law has driven up food prices, created supply chain chaos, and harmed farmers while delivering no measurable welfare improvements. Critics warn Prop 12 is a model HSUS wants to replicate nationwide.

Western Sports & Rodeo Bans: HSUS-backed campaigns have targeted rodeo events across the country, including efforts in California and Colorado to outlaw rodeo practices such as calf roping and bronc riding—longstanding cultural traditions tied to ranching heritage.

Horse Shows & Equestrian Sports: HSUS has supported regulations that undercut competitive horse shows and equestrian events, attempting to impose sweeping restrictions that ignore the veterinary and welfare standards already maintained by reputable organizations.

Pet Breeding & Ownership: HSUS frequently pushes “puppy mill” legislation that, while marketed as humane reform, often includes overreaching restrictions on responsible breeders and hobbyists. These measures threaten the availability of well-bred pets while doing little to improve actual welfare outcomes.

Hunting & Wildlife Management: HSUS has lobbied against scientifically managed hunting seasons, despite the role these programs play in conservation and habitat funding. Their positions often contradict wildlife biologists and undermine sustainable management.

Each of these campaigns demonstrates a common thread: HSUS uses emotional appeals to push legislation that erodes traditions, increases costs, and restricts animal ownership—all while enriching its political war chest and doing virtually nothing to improve actual animal welfare.

Conclusion

The rebrand of HSUS and HSLF into Humane World for Animals and the Humane World Action Fund is not a transformation—it’s camouflage. Their tactics, from false witnesses and staged investigations to ballot initiatives and advertising blitzes, all reveal an organization committed to eliminating human-animal partnerships rather than improving animal welfare.

Donors who truly want to help animals should reject national lobbying groups and instead support local shelters, rescues, agricultural organizations, and sporting associations with hands-on experience that provide real care, promote responsible use, and preserve the human-animal bond.