KeyBank Helping Anti-Hunters Make Money



Key Private Bank, a division of KeyBank that provides financial management services for affluent individuals, will help fill the coffers of the nation’s largest anti-hunting group.



The company is sponsoring a fundraiser for the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) at the Worthington Hills Country Club in Columbus, Ohio on March 1 at 6:30 p.m. Sportsmen are concerned because the money raised will be invested in efforts to ban hunting in the Buckeye State and beyond.



“The Humane Society of the United States is behind almost every anti-hunting campaign in the country,” said U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Senior Vice President Rick Story. “People who support the group may think they are helping stray dogs and cats, but the money in fact aids HSUS efforts to outlaw outdoor sports, which provide the financial backbone for America ’s successful programs of wildlife conservation.”



The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance explained the controversial nature of the sponsorship to KeyBank officials and asked that it withdraw its support. Mike Sherman, regional public relations director for KeyBank, replied that the company has an obligation to fulfill the sponsorship, but that future sponsorship of such events will benefit only local animal shelters interested in the humane treatment of pets.



The Humane Society of the United States opposes all animal use, including hunting, trapping and fishing. Its budget, which easily tops $100 million, goes towards legislative and ballot campaigns to ban outdoor sports. It also has a legal arm to challenge sportsmen’s rights in court.



Over the years, companies such as General Mills, Accor Hotels, Pet Safe, Sears, and Ace Hardware have learned that a relationship with the Humane Society of the United States is bad business. Those who have entered into promotions with the group have been met by a storm of protest from sportsmen who are tired of seeing American corporations doing business with anti-hunters.



Sportsmen can contact KeyBank and emphasize that support of the Humane Society of the United States will aid a movement intent on banning hunting, fishing and trapping and ending wildlife conservation programs of the state and federal wildlife agencies. Contact Mr. Henry L Meyer III, Chairman & CEO, KeyBank, 127 Public Square , Cleveland , Ohio 44114 . Call (800) 539-6070.