Humane Society Legislative Fund

Humane Society Legislative Fund (HSLF) is a social welfare organization incorporated under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. HSLF works to pass animal protection laws at the state and federal level, to educate the public about animal protection issues, and to support humane candidates for office. Review our Frequently Asked Questions here. Review our financial statements here.

Most animal protection organizations are non-profit charities and, as such, are limited in their lobbying work. Even if you combine their spending on public policy lobbying, you’d find that the total is miniscule compared to that of our opponents. The NRA, for example, spends tens of millions of dollars each year on lobbying and political activity. Our other political opponents—including the American Farm Bureau, the National Pork Producers Council, Safari Club International, and Ringling Bros.—have huge war chests. We are at a distinct and often overwhelming disadvantage when we attempt to push sweeping and meaningful reforms.

HSLF was formed in 2004 as a separate lobbying affiliate of The Humane Society of the United States. As a 501(c)(4) lobbying organization, HSLF can engage in more public policy work, build an army of trained activists, and compete with other groups that have long been operating at a different level. HSLF may not be able to match its opponents dollar for dollar, but it will be more aggressive and more effective. That means more lobbyists at the state and federal levels, more ballot initiatives, and more victories for animals.

HSLF publishes the Humane Scorecard, which tracks the voting records of members of Congress, as well as a Voter Guide, which makes recommendations for supporting humane candidates. Please join HSLF as we take our legislative activity to a whole new level and push forward a wide range of reforms for animals. It’s time to get political for animals.