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Person

Wayne Pacelle

Nationality:

American
Born:

1965
Occupation:

Founder and Executive Director, Animal Wellness Action (AWA)

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Wayne Pacelle is the founder and executive director of Animal Wellness Action (AWA), a left-of-center animal rights lobbying and electoral advocacy group. Pacelle was previously the president and CEO of the then-Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), now called Humane World for Animals, and founder of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. He has been highly influential in the animal rights movement, having led efforts to pass state and federal laws and amendments, ballot initiatives, and corporate agreements. 1

Pacelle resigned from HSUS in 2018 amidst allegations from three female employees of sexual harassment and misconduct. HSUS’s board initially voted to retain Pacelle as president and CEO, which resulted in seven board members resigning. Despite the support from the board, Pacelle eventually resigned. 2 3

Education and Career

Wayne Pacelle grew up in New Haven, Connecticut and earned his bachelor’s degree in history and environmental studies from Yale University. He is the founder and executive director at Animal Wellness Action (AWA). He was most notably the president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) until he stepped down amid sexual harassment allegations. He founded the Humane Society Legislative Fund, the 501(c)(4) advocacy arm of HSUS, and prior to that he was executive director of the Fund for Animals. 1 2 4  

Pacelle authored two New York Times bestselling books: The Bond: Our Kinship with Animals and Our Call to Defend Them and The Humane Economy: How Innovators and Enlightened Consumers Are Transforming the Lives of Animals. He has led efforts to pass state and federal laws related to animal rights. 1 2 4

Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)

Wayne Pacelle began working at the then-Humane Society of the United States (HSUS; now known as Humane World for Animals) in 1994 and was president and CEO of the organization from 2004 to 2018. 3 HSUS was founded in 1954 and is a large left-of-center animal activism nonprofit. HSUS campaigns to end animal cruelty and to end human use of animals for food and clothing. 5

In 2005, the Fund for Animals, an anti-hunting organization led by Pacelle, merged with HSUS. Under Pacelle’s leadership, HSUS hired a number of vegan activists with radical backgrounds, placing them in senior positions within the organization to advocate against conventional animal agriculture practices and to campaign for vegetarianism. 6

In 2016, Pacelle reportedly removed HSUS’s head of its “Nebraska agriculture council,” Kevin Fulton, after Fulton protested HSUS inviting animal liberation philosopher Peter Singer to speak at an HSUS conference. 7 Pacelle’s biography on the Animal Wellness Action (AWA) website claims that he tripled HSUS’s budget and net assets while president and CEO. 1

HSUS’s employees have been the center of sexual harassment allegations at the height of the #MeToo Movement, including Wayne Pacelle and vice president for farm animal protection at HSUS Paul Shapiro. Both men stepped down amid their respective allegations. 2 8

Animal Wellness Action (AWA) and Center for a Humane Economy

Animal Wellness Action (AWA) is a left-of-center animal rights-focused political action group founded by Wayne Pacelle. AWA endorses, supports, and seeks to elect candidates that it considers to be pro-animal and to support pro-animal policies, bills, and legislation at the local, state, and national level. 9 AWA maintains a network of campaigns and councils staffed with former state and federal government officials to advance its animal-first policy agenda. 10 11

According to OpenSecrets (published by the Center for Responsive Politics), AWA, through its political action committees, individual members, employees, or owners, and those individuals’ immediate family members, contributed $1,331,462 during the 2024 election cycle, including $312,915 in political contributions, $600,000 in lobbying, and $418,547 in outside spending. 12

The organization has also influenced animal-related legislation, including policies related to FDA modernization and animal testing, humane housing for farm animals, and anti-hunting state ballot proposals. 13 14 15 16 Both Pacelle and AWA have been criticized for working with Republican lobbyists and fundraising for candidates of both parties, despite holding outwardly left-of-center political affiliations. 2 17 18

AWA has two sister organizations, the Center for a Humane Economy and the Animal Wellness Foundation, both charitable nonprofits committed to animal protection. 19

Political and Legislative Influence

Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)

While working for the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Pacelle testified before Congress and fought for animal-rights policy at various levels of government, as well as anti-animal-cruelty corporate agreements and state ballot proposals. 20 1

In 2008, the HSUS’s investigation of animal treatment at the Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company sparked the largest beef recall in American history and calls for changes to the slaughterhouse inspection system. 20 Later that year, Pacelle testified before a subcommittee of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee on a panel with then-U.S. Agriculture Secretary Edward Schafer. 21

In 2006, HSUS supported ballot initiative efforts to prevent the creation of a dove hunting season in Michigan and to prohibit certain pig and veal-calf farming practices in Arizona. 22 23

During Pacelle’s tenure, HSUS advocated for and celebrated the passage of state laws banning the sale of puppies at pet stores in California and Maryland. 24 25

In 2011, Pacelle and Gene Gregory of the United Egg Producers (UEP) agreed to work together in support of federal hen welfare legislation. This agreement expired in 2013 after the bill supported by the UEP and the HSUS failed to pass. 26 27

In March 2016, Pacelle and SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby agreed that the company would phase out its use of orca whales in performance, end breeding of captive orcas, and implement changes including the introduction of humanely raised products to menus at SeaWorld’s theme parks. 28

Animal Wellness Action (AWA) and Center for a Humane Economy

In the November 2018 elections, Animal Wellness Action (AWA) helped defeat U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX). Pacelle and AWA spent $312,000 attacking Republicans that cycle, including Sessions. 29

Through Pacelle’s leadership, AWA chooses political candidates to endorse and provides support financially for elected office in the United States. In 2024, AWA announced that seven of its endorsed candidates won election to the United States House of Representatives, including U.S. Reps. Adam Gray (D-CA), David Valadao (R-CA), Nancy Mace (R-SC), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Derek Tran (D-CA), John Mannion (D-NY), and Don Davis (D-NC). AWA conducted independent expenditure campaigns for each of the candidates. 14

According to an article republished by AGProfessionals, Animal Wellness Action and the Humane Society Legislative Fund combined for a total of $1,200,000 in political spending on federal campaigns in 2020 and $2,000,000 in 2022. 30

Under Pacelle’s leadership in 2024, AWA opposed the passage of the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act, H.R. 4417, a bill it claims sought to federally overturn state laws ensuring the humane housing of farm animals. AWA endorsed and supported several political candidates for election in the United States House of Representatives, including a race in California where AWA helped defeat former U.S. Rep. John Duarte (R-CA) who supported the EATS Act. 14

AWA also supported Proposition 127, a Colorado ballot initiative from the November 2024 election that sought to prohibit trophy hunting of mountain lions, bobcats, and lynxes. The ballot proposal was ultimately defeated. 15 16

In 2022, AWA and its sister organization, the Center for a Humane Economy, took credit for helping pass the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Modernization Act 2.0 through Congress, a bipartisan law that eliminated an animal-testing mandate that had been in place since the 1930s. 31 In response to the FDA’s alleged lack of enforcement, AWA and the Center for a Humane Economy lobbied for the passage of the FDA Modernization Act 3.0 which passed the Senate with bipartisan support in December 2024. This piece of legislation sought to enforce the FDA Modernization Act 2.0 and end the FDA’s animal-testing mandate. 13 The House of Representatives counterpart bill died in committee. 32

Controversies

Sexual Harassment Allegations

In 2018, Wayne Pacelle resigned from his then-position as CEO of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) amid allegations by three female employees of sexual misconduct that Pacelle denied. 2 Pacelle founded Animal Wellness Action in 2018 following his departure from HSUS. 33

Despite the allegations, HSUS’s board voted at the end of January 2018 to retain Pacelle as CEO which prompted seven board members to resign in protest. Several of HSUS’s donors threatened to sever ties with the organization, insisting that Pacelle should resign instead. The Greenbaum Foundation, for example, which had donated nearly $100,000 to the HSUS in 2017, claimed it would likely stop donating to HSUS because of the board’s support for Pacelle. Other donors suspended funding when allegations came to light in October 2017. 3 34 35

Lobbying Controversy

In 2024, Pacelle was the center of controversy again when he hired two Republican lobbyists for AWA despite his largely left-of-center political positions. 17

References

  1. “Our Team – Wayne Pacelle.” Animal Wellness Action. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://animalwellnessaction.org/our-team
  2. Gonzales, Richard. “CEO Of The Humane Society Resigns Amid Allegations Of Sexual Harassment.” NPR. February 2, 2018. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/02/02/582904576/ceo-of-the-humane-society-resigns-amid-allegations-of-sexual-harassment
  3. Paquette, Daniellle. “Humane Society CEO resigns after sexual harassment allegations.” Denver Post. February 2, 2018. Accessed March 24, 2025.  https://www.denverpost.com/2018/02/02/humane-society-ceo-wayne-pacelle-resigns/
  4. “About Us.” Humane Society Legislative Fund. Accessed March 23, 2025. https://humaneaction.org/about-us.
  5.  “Our Mission & Impact.” Humane World for Animals. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://www.humaneworld.org/en/our-mission-and-impact
  6. Berman, Rick. “The Humane Society of the United States: It’s Not About Puppies & Kittens.” American Hunter. March 22, 2014. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://www.americanhunter.org/articles/2014/3/22/the-humane-society-of-the-united-states-its-not-about-puppies-kittens/.
  7. Eule, Joseph. “The Humane Society’s Descent Into Abolitionist Veganism.” Washington Examiner. October 31, 2016. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/weekly-standard/the-humane-societys-descent-into-abolitionist-veganism.
  8. Kullgren, Ian. “Female Employees Allege Culture of Sexual Harassment at Humane Society.” POLITICO Magazine. January 30, 2018. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2018/01/30/humane-society-sexual-harassment-allegations-investigation-216553?lo=ap_a1.
  9. “What We Do.” Animal Wellness Action. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://animalwellnessaction.org/what-we-do
  10. “Campaigns.” Animal Wellness Action. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://animalwellnessaction.org/campaigns
  11. “National Law Enforcement Council.” Animal Wellness Action. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://animalwellnessaction.org/national-law-enforcement-council
  12. “Animal Wellness Action.” Open Secrets. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/animal-wellness-action/summary?id=D000071234
  13. “U.S. Senate Passes FDA Modernization Act 3.0.” Animal Wellness Action. December 12, 2024. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://animalwellnessaction.org/u-s-senate-passes-fda-modernization-act
  14. “Animal Wellness Action Sweeps 7 Congressional Candidates to Victory, Topples 3 Anti-Animal Incumbents and Helps Re-elect 4 Dedicated Animal Advocates.” Legal News & Analysis, Legal Reader. December 6, 2024. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://www.legalreader.com/animal-wellness-action-sweeps-7-congressional-candidates-to-victory-topples-3-anti-animal-incumbents-and-helps-re-elect-4-dedicated-animal-advocates/
  15. “Two D.C.-based Dark Money Groups, With No Professional Wildlife Staff or Experience, Make Up 50% of All Funding for ‘No on 127’ Campaign.” Animal Wellness Action. October 28, 2024. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://animalwellnessaction.org/two-d-c-based-dark-money-groups-with-no-professional-wildlife-staff-or-experience-make-up-50-of-all-funding-for-no-on-127-campaign
  16. “Colorado Proposition 127, Prohibit Hunting of Mountain Lion, Bobcat, and Lynx Initiative (2024).” Ballotpedia. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://ballotpedia.org/Colorado_Proposition_127,_Prohibit_Hunting_of_Mountain_Lion,_Bobcat,_and_Lynx_Initiative_(2024)
  17. “Accused Sexual Predator Hires Two Republican Lobbyists.” HumaneWatch. January 17, 2024. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://humanewatch.org/accused-sexual-predator-hires-two-republican-lobbyists/
  18. “Lawmakers Should Be Mindful of Manipulation by Fringe Special Interest Groups.” AGProfessionals. June 22, 2024. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://www.agpros.com/articles-and-information/lawmakers-should-be-mindful-of-manipulation-by-fringe-special-interest-groups
  19. “Partners.” Center for a Humane Economy.” Accessed March 24, 2025. https://centerforahumaneeconomy.org/partners
  20. “Chino meat plant owner testifies before Congress, admits breakdown in slaughterhouse process.” Press Enterprise. March 12, 2008. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://www.pressenterprise.com/2008/03/12/chino-meat-plant-owner-testifies-before-congress-admits-breakdown-in-slaughterhouse-process/
  21. Nocera, Joe. “A Case of Abuse, Heightened.” New York Times. March 8, 2008. Accessed March 24, 2o25. https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/08/business/08nocera.html
  22. “Arizona voters truly made difference.” AZ Central. January 31, 2007. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://archive.ph/20120721143043/http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/0131wed2-31.html
  23. “Another Corporate Farm Backflips: Marcho Farms to Phase Out Veal Crates.” The Cattle Site. February 1, 2007. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://www.thecattlesite.com/news/14916/another-corporate-farm-backflips-marcho-farms-to-phase-out-veal-crates
  24. “California Becomes First State in U.S. to Ban Sale of Puppy Mill Dogs in Pet Stores.” San Francisco SPCA. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://www.sfspca.org/press-releases/california-becomes-first-state-in-u-s-to-ban-sale-of-puppy-mill-dogs-in-pet-stores/
  25. “Humane World for Animals’s Post.” FaceBook. April 24, 2018. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://www.facebook.com/HumaneWorldforAnimals/posts/10155666002607842/
  26. Charles, Dan. “How Two Bitter Adversaries Hatched A Plan To Change The Egg Business.” NPR. February 10, 2012. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2012/02/10/146635596/how-two-bitter-adversaries-hatched-a-plan-to-change-the-egg-business
  27. “Industry Drops Egg Bill — Battle Continues.” Humane Farming Association. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://www.hfa.org/industry-drops-egg-bill.html
  28. Pedicini, Sandra. “How SeaWorld, Humane Society united.” Orlando Sentinel. April 24, 2019. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2016/04/01/how-seaworld-humane-society-united/
  29. “Conservative Group Hires Animal Rights Operative.” HumaneWatch.org. March 16, 2023. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://humanewatch.org/conservative-group-hires-animal-rights-operative/
  30. Hubbard, Jack. “Animal Rights Extremists Splash the Cash in Congress.” AGProfessionals. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://www.agpros.com/articles-and-information/animal-rights-extremists-splash-the-cash-in-congress
  31. Drake, Tamara. “FDA and Animal-Testing Industry Want to Keep Animal Testing Trade Brisk, No Matter the Costs to Animals and to Patients in Need.” Animal Wellness Action. November 8, 2024. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://animalwellnessaction.org/fda-and-animal-testing-industry-want-to-keep-animal-testing-trade-brisk
  32. “H.R.7248 – FDA Modernization Act 3.0.” Congress.gov. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/7248/text
  33. “Animal Wellness Action.” Activist Facts. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://www.activistfacts.com/organizations/animal-wellness-action/
  34. Paquette, Daniellle. “Humane Society keeps CEO after sexual harassment complaints prompting seven board members to resign.” Washington Post. February 1, 2018. Accessed March 24, 2025.  https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/humane-society-keeps-ceo-after-sexual-harassment-complaints-prompting-seven-board-members-to-resign/2018/02/01/781e9f9c-0769-11e8-b48c-b07fea957bd5_story.html?noredirect=on
  35. Paquette, Daniellle. “Humane Society calls for firing of chief executive after sexual harassment complaints.” Washington Post. January 31, 2025. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/humane-society-donors-call-for-firing-of-chief-executive-after-sexual-harassment-complaints/2018/01/31/695722f8-06c0-11e8-8777-2a059f168dd2_story.html?noredirect=on
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