Recently EGG-NEWS reported on the reemergence of Wayne Pacelle and his newfound affiliation with Animal Wellness Action (AWS). The tone of initial web postings by this organization in soliciting funds suggests that the organization is focused on companion animals and opposed game fowl and dog fighting.
In his New Year’s Day request for AWS funding, Pacelle emphasizes “When it comes to life, as to experience, animals are not so different from us.” This is classic anthropomorphism designed to pluck at the heart-strings of potential donors. A later sentence in his appeal is however more sinister stating “that means sparing animals from human torments whether they are in the name of sport, science or food.” The ‘food’ reference is of concern since Pacelle as president of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) moved the organization progressively in an avowedly pro-vegan direction.
The obvious inference from a review of the Animal Welfare Action website and mission statement and the most recent appeals under the signature of Pacelle suggest that he may have influenced the West Coast founders of the organization to his philosophy and objectives. He has probably convinced them of the value of his political contacts in Washington and his proven fundraising ability. His purpose as it appears to this commentator will be to use the AWS as a vehicle to divert the mission of the organization to oppose intensive livestock production.
The apparent modus operandi of Pacelle completely parallels his tenure at HSUS. He used sentiment derived from companion animals to raise funds be used for lobbying activities directed against meat and poultry production. He is reapplying the formula with the added fillip of animal-fighting to harvest donations.
Pacelle has a persuasive personality and through his fundraising activities will probably engender the respect and gratitude of the Board of Animal Wellness Action over the short term. It will probably take some time before the shift in objectives has taken place but by this time Pacelle would have entrenched himself into a position of strength using Animal Wellness Action as a vehicle to promote his image, lifestyle and vegan agenda.