HSUS raises $100 million per year from members who believe their contributions are going to local pet shelters to rescue cats and dogs but, in reality, less than 0.5% of HSUS's budget goes to local humane societies, CCF director of research David Martosko said. Instead, contributors to HSUS are "bankrolling" far-reaching, radical propaganda to promote an anti-meat agenda, he said.

Additional information on the watchdog effort is available at www.HumaneWatch.org. CCF is funded through food companies, restaurants and individual members.

Humane society changes name

The former Humane Society of Park County in Cody, Wyo., has changed its name to Park County Animal Shelter to avoid being confused with HSUS, according to board president Leigh Dvariskish, who said many of the political pursuits supported by HSUS "aren't popular here locally."

Walmart moves toward cage-free eggs

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the largest supermarket system in the US, has reported that all eggs that the company's stores sell under its own private label "Great Value" are now sourced from cage-free housing operations, according to an announcement by HSUS this week.

HSUS said it has subsequently withdrawn its shareholder resolution asking that Walmart disclose its progress in moving toward cage-free eggs.

Walmart's "move is a positive one, and we hope its competitors will follow suit," said Paul Shapiro, senior director of the HSUS factory farming campaign.

HSUS is an industrial activist and lobbying organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., that advocates vegetarianism.

Skater moves after threats

American Olympic skater Johnny Weir, whose costume includes fur, had planned to stay at a hotel in Vancouver, B.C., but moved to the Olympic Village where security is tighter after receiving what he called "very serious threats" from anti-fur activists.