April 6, 2006
Louisiana is looking into how the Humane Society of the United States spent all the money it collected from animal lovers following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr. said his office has asked the organization for an accounting of all funds raised for the purpose of pet rescue and reunion with pet owners in the aftermath of the storms.
The Attorney General's office has received numerous complaints from pet owners about problems many are having finding their pets following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Through its association with other animal welfare organizations nationwide, the Humane Society (HSUS) has documented and placed animals in shelters around the country, often resulting in the displaced pets' adoption.
In some cases, pet owners claim that those who are currently caring for the displaced pets are refusing to reunite the pet with the proper owners.
"Once again we will be on the lookout to make sure that those who seek to raise money for Hurricane victims in our state, do exactly what they claim to do when soliciting funds," stated General Foti, "While I commend the work of the many wonderful charitable organizations that have come forward to help us in our time of need, I also want people to know that they cannot take advantage of our situation in any way."
The Attorney General is asking anyone with information about questionable fundraising activities by animal groups or any other groups to please contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section at 1-800-351-4889 or visit www.ag.state.la.us.
