Ag United News

Microsoft funds animal rights behemoth

June 12, 2007 Animal Agriculture Alliance

ARLINGTON, VA – The Animal Agriculture Alliance has learned that Microsoft, the software giant, plans to make a $100,000 donation to animal rights behemoth Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and is partnering with the vegan-led group on a pilot program called the 'i’m Initiative.' Through the new program, whenever a Windows Live Messenger user has a conversation using i’m, Microsoft will give a portion of the program’s advertising revenue to one of ten organizations selected by the user. HSUS is one of the choices, and there is no limit to the amount of money that can be donated.

Other non-profit organizations, like the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, have urged Microsoft to end its support of HSUS, but the company refused. Tara Kriese, a Microsoft representative, said the program is “a great way to enable people to help causes that are important to them.” Apparently she missed the October 2006 statement from Miyun Park, HSUS’ Vice President of Farm Animal Welfare, who said that the organization’s long-term goal for the egg laying and broiler chicken industry is, 'to get rid of the industry.'

'The Animal Agriculture Alliance is highly concerned about Microsoft teaming with an organization whose leaders have such a radical agenda,' said Kay Johnson, Executive Vice President of the Animal Agriculture Alliance. 'Clearly someone at Microsoft has not done their homework. Otherwise they would know that HSUS is just like PETA, but in a nice suit.'

The Alliance urges everyone involved in America’s food chain—from individual farmers and ranchers to processing companies to retail establishments—to contact Microsoft and demand that it terminate its financial support of HSUS. Contact Bill Gates, Chairman, Microsoft, 1 Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052, phone 425 882-8080, fax 425 936-7329. For a sample letter click here, or visit www.animalagalliance.org/images/Current_Issues/061207_Microsoft.pdf.

The Humane Society of the United States opposes animal use, and one of its biggest targets is animal agriculture. In September of 2006, at HSUS’ Taking Action for Animals conference, Wayne Pacelle, President of the organization vowed to redouble the animal rights group’s efforts against animal agriculture.