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In 2017, the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reported Total Net Assets or Fund Balances at $273,912,568, with total contributions at $219,969,109. HSUS (The Humane Society of the United States) Ann, ai p-\lPnue Report for 2018, list Total Assets at $284,500,000 and revenue at $177,500,000. Best Friends Animal Society shows on its Independent Auditor's Report, Total Assets at $147,661,205 and Revenue for 2018 at $137,860,369. American's reportedly donated to listed organizations a total of $11.8 billion in 2018 to Animal/Environmental organizations. (This does not include the small, local groups or shelters.) There are an estimated 14,000 shelters and pet rescue groups in the U.S., taking in nearly 8 million animals each year, NPR reported in 2014. (Note: This has probably increased dramatically in five years.) ANIMAL RESCUERS Animal rescuers are not licensed, permitted, monitored or inspected in most cities/states, nor registered on any national registry. Local shelters usually nnlv require proof of IRS tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status to release impounded animals, often free of charge. There is no limit on what they charge for "adoptions" and no follow-up on the ultimate disposition of the animals taken from shelter or other sources. For most smaller rescuers, income from "adoptions" (which are tax-free sales) or donations is self -reported online. There is also no background check, insurance, educational or experience requirement to start "rescuing" and re -homing animals in most jurisdictions. IT IS TIME FOR SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS ANIMAL SHELTERING The world of animal sheltering has become an economic issue, often ignoring animal and human welfare. It places the responsibility for the future of impounded animals with those who have no authority and no strict legal obligations and standards for veterinary or other care and imposes no mandates for public health and safety. Many good-hearted rescuers find themselves in hoc_ si �_ :.:`Dns--caused by the same agencies that are later reluctant to act on behalf of the animals or take legal action because it will mean impounding them and possibly not maintaining or reaching Best Friends"'No Kill" goal.