WASHINGTON—After more than 15 years of affiliation and a growing alignment of mission and priorities, today the Fund for Animals and the Humane Society of the United States announced their intent to merge. The Fund for Animals—which operates Black Beauty Ranch, Duchess Sanctuary and Rural Area Veterinary Services—has been an affiliate of the Humane Society and part of its family of organizations since 2005.
In announcing the proposed merger, Kitty Block, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, said:
“We have been collaborating with the Fund for Animals for many years, always with a shared goal to save and protect animals from cruelty and neglect and create a more humane society. As an affiliate, the Fund for Animals has maintained a separate identity but as our priorities and goals have more fully aligned, it is in the best interest of our organizations and our mission to fully integrate our efforts. Merging the two organizations will provide more opportunities, resources and attention to streamline and fuse our work, enabling us to have an even greater impact for animals.”
“This evolution in our relationship will make us even more effective in providing care for animals in crisis, and in taking on the broader societal challenges facing all animals,” said Nicole Paquette, who serves as both the president of the Fund for Animals as well as the chief program and policy officer of the Humane Society of the United States. “We are so proud of our longstanding relationship and affiliation and look forward to further increasing our strength and success as a blended family.”
The Fund for Animals was founded in 1967 by author and animal advocate Cleveland Amory, and spearheaded significant events in the history of the animal protection movement. Among its historical work, the organization implemented a massive four-year airlift to rescue burros scheduled to be shot by the National Park Service in the Grand Canyon; launched a three-year rescue of burros in Death Valley National Park; rescued 3,000 goats from San Clemente Naval Weapons Facility; and halted some hunting seasons of wolves, bison and bears across the U.S. In 1979, the Fund for Animals purchased land in Texas to build Black Beauty Ranch, now a 1,400-acre sanctuary for nearly 800 animals—40 different species—rescued from cruelty and neglect, including tigers, bears, primates, burros and horses.
When the merger is completed, the Fund for Animals will become part of the HSUS. The merger is dependent upon obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals. The two organizations hope to finalize the merger later this year.
If you have questions about finalizing a bequest or planned gift to the Fund for Animals, please email or call 1-800-808-7858.