Group distances itself from pro-gun rally fundraiser

The Longmont Humane Society has issued a statement to separate itself from a pro-gun rights group planning to raise money for the nonprofit, after some people threatened to pull their donations.

The humane society says it is not affiliated with the Rally for Our Rights, a group that is holding a rally in support of gun rights in Longmont on Saturday.

Liz Smokowski, the CEO of the local humane society, said no one from the gun-rights group had spoken to the animal shelter about organizing donations.

“Basically, we accept donations from people from all walks of life, regardless of what their causes are,” Smokowski said.

Rally organizers had posted on the event’s Facebook page that they would accept donations and cash to donate to the humane society at the event, which will take place from 1 to 3 p.m.

The shelter’s statement said they were not aware of the plan to raise money at the rally until it was mentioned in a Times-Call article previewing the rally.

“Please be aware that the day-to-day activities of Longmont Humane Society are in no way influenced by the ’causes’ of our donors,” the shelter’s statement says.

“The focus of our work is the health and welfare of the animals we care for and meeting their basic needs each and every day. Longmont Humane Society is grateful for donations that will help us care, serve and educate to improve the lives of companion animals.”