88th Academy Awards Commercial Exposes HSUS’ Fraudulent Fundraising Tactics

by
posted on February 29, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

During last night’s star-studded 88th Academy Awards, some of us tuned in just long enough to “star” gaze as Hollywood hit the red carpet. Others watched for the duration to root for their favorite flicks. Some like me just tuned in off and on to catch who scored an Oscar, hoping not to endure too many liberally-biased comments from recipients. So imagine how pleasantly surprised I was to see the commercial that aggressively attacked the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)—the animal rights extremist group that blatantly excretes deceptive fundraising tactics to cash in on the public’s misperception that donating to HSUS helps to shelter pets! 

Paid for by HumaneWatch.Org, a project of the Center for Consumer Freedom, the commercial blasted the HSUS for the fact that while 85 percent of animals used in HSUS fundraising appeals are of cats and dogs, only 1 percent of funds raised go to support local pet shelters! Just as shocking, look at what HumaneWatch uncovered from the group’s 2014 tax returns:

• $55 million was funneled into offshore accounts!
• $49 million was spent on salaries and pension plans!

"It’s outrageous that the Humane Society of the United States raises so much money off of dogs and cats and uses it to fund a political agenda that includes hunting and ammunition bans,” said Will Coggin, director of research at HumaneWatch.Org. “Friends don’t let friends give to HSUS—they make sure people know to give locally."

Clearly, things aren’t always what they seem! Click here to watch the ad.

Latest

Long Beard TSS Beauty 2
Long Beard TSS Beauty 2

Turkey Loads 101

Seemingly simple, selecting the proper turkey load is anything but a grab-and-go proposition nowadays. Instead, it requires consideration of key load characteristics, purpose and value, all of which are covered in this article.

New for 2026: Kings Camo XKG Summit Series Packs

Kings Camo has launched its all-new XKG Summit Series Packs. Engineered for versatility, comfort and load-hauling capability, this pack systems offer modular performance suitable for a wide range of adventures, from streamlined day hunts to extended backcountry trips.

New for 2026: Real Avid Ratchet Rest Adjustable Height Shooting Bags

Real Avid has announced the Ratchet Rest—Adjustable Height Shooting Bags designed to give shooters exact elevation control, faster target alignment and repeatable shooting performance.

MDF Invested $48.3 Million for Conservation in 2025

The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) mobilized a total of $48.3 million for mule deer and black-tailed deer in 2025, its second-best year on record. Across 153 projects in 17 states, MDF helped restore more than 537,000 acres of critical wildlife habitat, benefitted 129 deer herds and eliminated or converted 149 miles of hazardous fence to restore safe movement corridors for wildlife.

Behind the Bullet: .17 Mach 2

Ever heard of the .17 Mach 2? Go behind the scenes on this hot little rimfire round with resident ammo guru Phil Massaro.

Tuo Curates Specialized Turkey Hunting Collection

For the 2026 spring season, Tuo has architected a technical system specifically curated to meet the demands of turkey hunters. While engineered for maximum versatility, the Tuo ecosystem has developed a particular following in regions where the early season isn't defined by green leaves and lilac blooms, but by the high-contrast skeletal timber and grey-scale of the early spring woods.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.