Editor, The Transcript:

A recent opinion piece published in The Norman Transcript by Dr. Baxter Black (The Dark Side, June 23) falsely claims that The Humane Society of the United States does not do much to help animal shelters.

For more than a half-century, The HSUS has stood as the nation's most important advocate for local humane societies. The HSUS provides training programs, hosts the nation's largest trade and educational show for shelter professional and provides national shelter standards. The HSUS also provides millions of dollars of support for spay and neuter programs and is soon to launch a national advertising campaign valued in the tens of millions that will promote the adoption of shelter animals.

The HSUS 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 around the world. In 2008, we provided more than 26,000 treatments valued at $1.2 million in free services. More than one quarter of all U.S. veterinary students participate in our rural areas program. In total, we provided direct care to more than 70,000 animals in 2008.

Readers can go to humanesociety.org to learn more or to get involved in our work.

CYNTHIA ARMSTRONG

Oklahoma State Director

The Human Society of The United States