Charity Navigator has issued a "Donor Advisory" for the Humane Society of the United States.

The national charity watchdog issued the "Donor Advisory" following an earlier move in June that resulted in the repayment of attorney fees to the operator of Ringling Brothers Circus.

Charity Navigator rates organizations on a star basis from 1 to 4 stars. A "Donor Advisory" rating means no stars can be given.

Born Free USA/Animal Protection Institute, Fund for Animals, Animal Welfare Institute, also had their star ratings removed.

In sharp contrast to the action taken against animal rights activists, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance earns a coveted 4 star rating.

USSA issued a statement regarding their rating and the failure of the animal rights organizations.

President and CEO Nick Pinizzotto said, “Our supporters can be fully confident that we manage our organization with the utmost integrity, which includes how we utilize the precious funding they provide. We will continue to make decisions based upon sound science and will not allow ourselves to fall into the pit of extremism and propaganda that others can't seem to avoid."

Pinizotto also assured donors that USSA’s focus is on maintaining a first-class organization that supporters should have tremendous confidence in.