The main issue for me was their abrupt change of policies in March after signing a Memorandum of Understanding with IACC that basically said they would no longer accept strays, if someone wanted to surrender an animal they had to have an appointment first during which they would be "counseled" about other alternatives to surrendering, their adoption fees ranged all the way up to $600 for certain purebred animals, and a bunch of other stuff I don't really remember now. If you want a good chronological accounting you can check out Connie's blog at http://www.saveindianaanimals.blogspot.com/

WHAT!!!!?!!!
You're telling me that the Humane Society doesn't take strays? That's crazy.

Oh, yeah, that would be animal control....now I'm really confused.

For me personally, it's about their lack of committment to the animals of Indy. I used to donate to them(years ago)until I found out that they were not using their money to care for the animals and help decrease the population. They are constantly soliciting money from the animal loving public and it's going to fund huge CEO salaries and such. No thanks. I want my donations to actually care for animals and help decrease the number of animals in shelters. I donate to small rescue groups(Wags, ARPO,PAAWS, etc)that I know use the money for the animals. I also donate to groups that focus on Spay/neuter(FACE, SNSI)because they are trying to stop the problem before they ever make it to the shelter. I have just been very disappointed in such a large shelter that has so much name recognition that does so little for the animals in Indy. They said when they opened their medical facility that they would do low cost S/N for the public-Nope. They're too busy spending huge amounts of money on publicity campaigns and salaries to do what's right. Of course, everything that Mama M said also irritates me. They could do so much in this community and they've chosen not to and left it up to the smaller groups to handle the burden. Sad. Here's an interesting link to some other info about them http://www.movetoact.org/objective2.html

Obviously they have their supporters but I think many people that support them just aren't aware of what goes on there. I think that people give them their hard earned money thinking that it's going to go save puppies and kittens lives instead of lining the pockets of their CEO. It would take a HUGE turnaround for me to ever consider giving them money again. I'd rather stick to the groups that I know are doing right by the animals with my donations.

I fully support the comments made before me concerning the lack commitment to the animals of Indianapolis. How can you even begin to call yourself "humane" if you won't accept the neediest creature- a stray or abandoned animal? Not to mention the spay and neuter programs that are always mentioned but never followed thru. I too urge anyone who wants to donate time, supplies, or money to look at one of the many deserving rescues or groups who perform low cost spay and neuter services. They actually have the welfare of the animals of Indianapolis as their top priority and back it up with their actions.

Wow, your guys' input has really helped me come to a decision. I too, am a HUGE supporter of spaying and neutering your pets and of course, that was my main concern with donating to HSI...where would the money go? I certainly don't want it going to their CEO. I thought (rather naively, probably) that the money would go toward building more space for the animals who are coming in everyday or even hiring extra staff to help take care of the puppies and kittens. I do want to donate my money to the investment of S/N programs. I glanced the FBI website the other day (the orginization Mama M volunteered with recently) and I really like what they are doing. The TNR program is so awesome, so I think I will donate to them first. Thanks so much for your help guys!

***That organization's called Feral Bureau of Indiana. http://feralbureau.org/

We love to be of assistance around here!

I have trouble deciding who to donate to as well. I tried to answer your post several times, but I couldn't get it worded correctly! I like to donate to organizations I've worked directly with or have friends who have worked directly with them. That way, I have a good feel for where the money is going. It feels good to know what your donation went for! If you're like me, you don't have a ton of extra cash just laying around so you have to make every donation count!

I have a confession... I really grapple with my donations. I don't have any extra cash lying around either. My biggest dilemma is this: sometimes I have to decide which is right, to give to the needy animal or to give to the person standing right in front of me who is broken and doesn't know how to fix it? I heard someone say once that charity is giving to someone else what you really need yourself. It isn't about giving what you have left over. That's tough... I am torn about giving time or money to IACC. I mean, if anyone needs it, they do and I think I have to put aside what I disagree with and be willing to step in and try to change it. But, we do try to give to those places that will use the least of our donation for "administration" fees. Maybe you can ask them how your donation gets divvied up.

Being yet another person without a lot of disposable income... I tend to 'donate' my time or needed items (aka stuff), it's not too hard to pick up an extra bag of litter, or some treats, or a second bottle of bleach (as I'm getting one for my own use), etc. This way I know it goes directly to the animals and not elsewhere.

Good point as that's needed as much as $$ sometimes. We always need people to come hang out with us at adoption days and walk the dogs and talk to potential adopters. Donating is great no matter what you give.

You're right. I've found my time is just as valuable as my money in some cases! If everyone did something, donated time or money, we could solve a lot of the problems in society. Most of us on here are already doing things, but don't you love to hear people who do nothing complain about the state of our community?! I usually give them suggestions of things to do to help. Some get very quiet at that point. Some people want change until they figure out it may require them to do something!