The Humane Society International (HSI) is the international division of The Humane Society of the United States. Founded in 1991, HSI has expanded The HSUS's activities into Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. HSI's Asian, Australian, and European offices carry out field activities and programs.

Activities

HSI addresses issues such as inhumane practices and conditions affecting companion and farm animals, illegal trade in wildlife, threats to endangered species, slaughter of marine mammals, and the use of animals in research and testing. HSI works with national and jurisdictional governments, humane organizations, and individual animal protectionists in over 35 countries worldwide to find practical, culturally sensitive, and long-term solutions to common animal problems and to inculcate an ethic of respect and compassion for all life.

Methods

HSI cooperates with policymakers on international treaties and free trade agreements to conduct briefings and to help draft legislation, regulations, policy statements, and resolutions affecting animals. HSI supports the efforts of governments, industries and NGOs to promote the protection of animals through trade capacity building projects in developing countries and international campaigns to reduce suffering caused by exploitation of marine mammals, factory farming, the fur trade, trophy hunting

Trophy hunting

Trophy hunting is the selective hunting of wild game animals. Although parts of the slain animal may be kept as a hunting trophy or memorial , the carcass itself is sometimes used as food....

, and animal fighting and cruelty.

HSI represents The HSUS as a regular and active participant in meetings of international bodies such as the International Whaling Commission

International Whaling Commission

The International Whaling Commission is an international body set up by the terms of the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling , which was signed in Washington, D.C...

, the Convention for International Trade in Endangered Species, and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, and enjoys Category I A General Consultative Status with the United Nations

United Nations

The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...

.