Rush Limbaugh And The Wrong Humane Society

We hope Rush Limbaugh pulls his support for the Humane Society of the United States. In case you missed it, "El Rushbo" recently recorded two advertisements that, unfortunately, lend credibility to a group that is the most well-financed anti-hunting force in America. (Listen to ad #1 and ad #2.)

For now we will give Mr. Limbaugh the benefit of the doubt, believing he simply was confused about what HSUS stands for, as are many Americans, including a number of hunters and shooters who mistakenly contribute to HSUS and thereby inadvertently strengthen a group that works against them and their hunting traditions. Mr. Limbaugh may have thought HSUS was the group that ran the local shelter for dogs and cats (Rush makes note of his cat, Pumpkin, in one of the ads). Well, HSUS is not your local humane society. Please remember that.

In response to Mr. Limbaugh's misguided support of HSUS, the sporting community has sent a number of letters to him, including one signed by 28 pro-hunting, pro-conservation groups, including NSSF, gently chastising him for getting cozy with an organization that has been connected with nearly every major piece of anti-hunting legislation. The letter seeks to educate Mr. Limbaugh about the vital role that hunters, trappers and anglers play in conserving America's wildlife and wild places.

“Every year, billions of dollars are pumped into conservation and local economies by American hunters, anglers, and trappers through the purchases of their licenses, equipment and clothing, and through their expenditures on hotels, travel, and dining.”

The letter points out to Mr. Limbaugh how his endorsement assists HSUS in advancing its agenda:

"Your decision to produce these advertisements for HSUS, and the implied endorsements that come with them, are a real coup for their cause. With America’s most prominent conservative spokesman on board, they have the opportunity to make in-roads in to a new cross-section of our country.

"You are helping them to mainstream their image in the minds of reasonable people. Your collaboration furthers the anti-hunting and anti-fishing agenda of HSUS, which will undermine the great success of conservation and threatens the economies of small towns and rural states across our nation."

While we hope Mr. Limbaugh realizes his mistake and reconsiders his support for HSUS, we hope just as much that this episode of mistaken humane society identity serves as an "teaching moment" for all Americans, especially those who approve of hunting, which by the latest surveys is about 78 percent of the public.

Since you remember best what you read last, we'll say again that the HSUS is not affiliated with your local independent animal care agency. That's what HSUS wants you to think, though. The wolf in sheep's clothing. Don't fall for it.

Call or write Rush to let him know he chose to support the wrong humane society.