Sadly, David Martosko's Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF) is an industry front for tobacco, alcohol, and agribusiness interests, and most of their efforts are designed to take aim at organizations that promote food safety, public health, or animal welfare ("Donation questioned," Oct. 19) such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As native of Linn County, I am proud to work for the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

As the nation's most important advocate for local humane societies, the HSUS provides training programs, hosts the largest trade and educational show for shelter professionals, and provides national shelter standards. The HSUS also provides millions of dollars of support for spay and neuter programs, and aids animals during disasters, rescuing thousands of animals from floods, fires, hurricanes, puppy mills, and animal fights.

We also provide no-cost veterinary care to dogs and cats in low-income communities.

Locally, the HSUS runs a 1,120-acre sanctuary facility in Douglas County, the Duchess Horse Sanctuary, home to over 200 rescued horses. In fact, just last year, we worked with Linn County sheriff to provide assistance with the seizure of over 20 neglected horses and the Oregon Department of Agriculture to rescue five horses found abandoned in Clackamas County.

Finally, the HSUS has recently worked closely with the Oregon Humane Society to rescue close to 200 dogs in Harney County and has given out direct assistance to the good work being done by local humane societies such as Heartland Humane Society to help defray the costs it bore while taking in a large number of dogs from a puppy mill.

My family remains in Linn County; therefore, I spend many days visiting my old stomping grounds. I couldn't be prouder to be from any other community in Oregon.

I hope readers can see through the lies and misinformation being spread by Mr. Martosko in Washington, D.C. If you'd like to get involved in our local work, please go to humanesociety.org.

Kelly Peterson, The Humane Society of the United States, Portland