The Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF) has launched HumaneWatch.org to track the activities of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

The web site will include a blog, document library and a database to monitor the dozens of organizations that comprise HSUS.

The CCF charges the HSUS has become the animal rights industry’s most powerful player, but has avoided serious public scrutiny for years. The HSUS raises close to $100 million annually from Americans who basically believe their donations filter down to local pet shelters and improve the lives of dogs and cats. But CCF reports that less than one-half of one percent of HSUS’s budget consisted of grants to local humane societies to provide shelter for unwanted pets.

“Someone has to ask the hard questions about the Humane Society of the United States, and HumaneWatch will be a relentless source of useful information,” says CCF Director of Research David Martosko. “Nearly one million Americans donate money to HSUS every year. And most are completely unaware that they’re bankrolling activist-style propaganda, far-reaching anti-meat campaigns, a huge staff of lawyers and bloated pension plans for HSUS executives.”

In 2008 alone, HSUS directed more than $2.5 million into pension plans – money that its own advertising suggested would be allocated for the direct care of animals.

“Donors to the HSUS deserve to know exactly how their money is being spent. And HumaneWatch will create an open dialogue for farmers, scientists, fashion designers, entertainers and countless Americans who love both their pets and chicken sandwiches,” says Martosko.

For more information, visit www.HumaneWatch.org.