Microsoft has announced a program to provide funding to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), which has raised a number of concerns.

Microsoft will donate $100,000 to the animal rights activist group from a program called the “IM Initiative.” Microsoft would donate a portion of the advertising revenue from the program every time a Windows Live Messenger has a conversation using IM.

The program allows the user to select from 10 organizations eligible to receive donations. Non-profit groups, such as the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, have urged Microsoft to end its support of HSUS, but the company refused.

“The Animal Agriculture Alliance is highly concerned about Microsoft teaming with an organization whose leaders have such a radical agenda,” says Kay Johnson, executive vice president of the Animal Agriculture Alliance. “Clearly, someone at Microsoft has not done their homework. Otherwise, they would know that HSUS is just like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), but in a nice suit.”

The alliance urges everyone involved in the food chain to contact Microsoft and demand that it terminate support of HSUS. Contact Bill Gates, chairman, Microsoft, 1 Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052; phone (425) 882-8080; fax (425) 936-7329. For a sample letter, visit http://www.animalagalliance.org/images/Current_Issues/061207_Microsoft.pdf.