PITTSBURGH -- The Western Pennsylvania Humane Society said many potential donors are giving to an organization with a similar name, unaware their money is headed somewhere else.

"You think that you're helping animals in your local community," said Lee Nesler of the Western Pa. Humane Society. "You're not. That money is going to the national organizations. It's being used for litigation and legislation. It's not being used for animal care and welfare."

The National organization Nesler is referring to is called the Humane Society of the United States, which is a not-for-profit group dedicated to lobbying for the protection of animals.

The group, which solicits donations through direct mail, calls itself an advocate for local humane societies.

"But we really share nothing else besides the name," Nesler said.

In fact, none of the money sent to the Humane Society of the United States ends up at your local shelter, Nesler said.

But that's not explicitly stated on the Humane Society of the United States' Web site. The site says, "Local humane societies remain independent entities."

"They should put in their literature what exactly the money is going to and then specify that this is a national division that is not local so that people are aware," said animal lover Bob Roberts.

The concern, at least for now, is that every dollar accidentally donated elsewhere is one less spent on those who really need it nearby.

In a statement to Call 4 Action, the Humane Society of the United States said, "The Humane Society of the United States is a separate group from local animal shelters, but we partner with them on many issues. We were founded in 1954 by individuals who felt there needed to be a national group that could complement the work of the local societies, which were often immersed in day-to-day animal care and control operations and did not have the reach or the resources to take on national cruelties or public policy issues."

They also said that, "Our fundraising solicitations ask donors to support our programs, such as our disaster relief for animals, our own network of animal sanctuaries and wildlife centers, and our campaigns to stop animal fighting, puppy mills and factory farming. We also support local animal shelters through direct grants, training, a shelter evaluation and assessment program, a national conference for shelter professionals, and the only magazine devoted to animal sheltering."

The Western Pa. Humane Society said its warning is in no way a reflection of the work that is done by the national group. They said the support the group's work, which includes providing training to local shelters.

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