Center for a Humane Economy

Background

The Center for a Humane Economy was founded by longtime animal liberation activist Wayne Pacelle in 2019 following his departure as CEO of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). Pacelle resigned from HSUS in 2018 after credible accusations of sexual harassment against him emerged publicly. 

Agenda

Broadly, the Center for a Humane Economy has a radical animal rights agenda. The Center engages in corporate pressure campaigns and legislative advocacy on a number of issues. The Center supports a ban on common, affordable ammunition used by hunters. It also advocates for legislation including a national ban on the use of pork maternity pens, despite veterinarians approving of their use. 

Also known as the Karner Blue Center for a Humane Economy, the organization is affiliated with Karner Blue Capital, an investment advisor in Bethesda, Maryland. In announcing an “Animal Impact Fund” in 2025, Karner Blue Capital stated: 

Rather than focus on venture – a worthy and brisk arena of corporate activity – KBC’s purpose is to influence the biggest companies in the world, which have the largest supply chains, workforces, marketing efforts, and footprints when it comes to animal impacts and environmental effects. KBC and its sister organization, the Karner Blue Center for a Humane Economy (“the Center”), are working in tandem to build a humane economic order.

The Center states that Animal Wellness Action, which can engage in more political activity than the Center, is a sister organization. 

Funding

Tax records reveal that major donors to the Center include:

• The Kirkpatrick Foundation. A foundation run by the animal activist heir to an oil and gas family in Oklahoma. 
• Big Cat Rescue. The group and its co-founder became famous (or infamous) in the Netflix show Tiger King. 
• Laurie C McGrath Foundation. Run by the daughter of a late Southern California construction and real estate magnate. 

The Center also receives significant funds from “dark money” middleman funds. 

Personnel

Wayne Pacelle has been an animal rights activist for 40 years. He joined the Humane Society of the United States in 1995 and became CEO in 2004. Pacelle has said that he opposes hunting for food, opposes fishing, and said that “if I had my personal view” he might envision a future without pets. Along with his sexual harassment accusations, Pacelle’s time at HSUS was marred by controversies including a racketeering settlement and endorsement of Michael Vick. 

Several staff and board members at the Center have previous associations with the Humane Society of the United States.