UPDATE
April 19th 2005
1) Iams promised that it would "not contract for, nor conduct, any study involving surgeries to create or mimic diseases" ; nor w[ould] the company use non-surgical methods to induce or simulate diseases that are not acceptable in nutritional or medical research on humans; nor w[ould] the company fund any university positions that may be involved in such activities for the study of cat and dog nutrition." But, none of this is true, Iams has committed funds from November 2002 through October 2005 for an experiment conducted that involves inducing gingivitis "a painful stage of periodontal disease" in 21 beagles by cutting and suturing their gums.
2) In March 1999, Iams claimed to have committed to a moratorium in which "no new studies would be initiated that would result in the end of the life of a dog or cat." However, as evidenced by our 2002-2003 undercover investigation of an Iams contract testing facility, Iams blatantly disregarded this policy when 27 dogs used in its experiments were killed.
3) IAMS Company: Killing dogs and cats to make a better pet food... Unbelievable as it sounds, the Iams Co., manufacturer of the Iams/Eukanuba line of quality dog and cat foods, has been harming and even killing dogs and cats, claiming to make a better brand of pet food. In dozens of painful and invasive experiments, hundreds of dog and cats just like your animal companion, were made to suffer and sometimes die in the name of "nutrition research." These experiments were not designed to help the animals involved. These innocent victims were all healthy animals who were used simply as disposable objects.
10/7/04--Breaking News From PETA.org
Today, Iams announced that it will stop using university and private contract laboratories within two years, but PETA has no intention of ending its campaign. One current Iams study protocol at Auburn University calls for 80 to 120 geriatric beagles to be impregnated and then killed after their puppies are weaned. While PETA's campaign to end Iams' use of animals in painful pet-food laboratory experiments has succeeded in moving the company forward one important step, there is still a long way to go. For more information and to find out how you can support our campaign, please visit http://www.IamsCruelty.com.
When I found out the A.S.P.C.A. was involved with IAMS, I immediately emailed them. The following is our communications via email, along with my communications with IAMS.
For the record; I do not believe using animals in research for any reason is an option.
My email to the A.S.P.C.A. on 5/23/03 -
From what I understand, Iams uses animals in research. They also claim, via their website, that you support this.
May I ask why?
Thank you,
May23 2003
Corey Paul Mondello
Boston, MA
A.S.P.C.A. replied within hours with this email -
Dear. Mr. Mondello,
Thank you for contacting the ASPCA. We understand and value your concern in this situation. As America's oldest animal welfare organization, the ASPCA takes very seriously its commitment to prevent cruelty to animals. The companies we associate with are chosen very carefully to help us further the cause of animal welfare.
The ASPCA desires to work with companies in an effort to reduce, refine and replace animal use in research. We believe that by working together in a constructive manner we can raise awareness of animal welfare issues while continuing to improve the lives and health of our companion animal friends.
The ASPCA is working with the Iams Company to ensure animal welfare in Iams' programs. Independent facilities have been inspected by Iams and the ASPCA to make sure they are complying with the Iams Company's high standards. The Iams Company does feel strongly about strictly adhering to their research policy. I will attach a link to the policy below.
The Iams Company is in the process of establishing an Independent Animal Care Advisory Board. The ASPCA will be involved with this group and will contribute in the evaluation of the Iams Company's research policies as well as participate in unannounced inspections of Iams facilities.
Thank you again for contacting us. I hope the above information helps to assuage your concerns. Please feel free to contact me directly if you have additional questions.
Mindy G. Bough
Manager, Information Support
ASPCA Midwest Office
1-217-337-5030 ext. 215
My email to IAMS on 5/23/03 -
I understand that Iams does painful experiements, under the guise 'research' on animals to try and better your product.
Could you please, if you do, tell me why you do this and forward to me any information you may have aquired while doing this research.
Thank you,
May 23 2003
Corey Paul Mondello
128 Chandler Street
Boston, MA 02116-6033
U.S.A.
IAMS reply email 5/24/03 -
Dear Corey:
On behalf of Iams president, Jeffrey P. Ansell, thank you for sharing your thoughts. I'm glad you wrote to us so that we can update you on the events that inspired your message.
On March 25, we learned that nutritional studies being conducted for us at an independent facility in the U.S. may have violated our company's strict research policy. On March 26, we completed an unannounced visit of the facility to review procedures and ensure the well-being of dogs and cats at the site.
On March 27, we concluded that the facility did not meet our strict standards regarding air temperature, ventilation, resting beds, and socialization (even though the facility recently passed U.S. government inspections). We made the decision to end all research at the facility.
In addition, we worked with the facility to relocate Fifi, Maisy, Mickey, and the 16 other dogs to an Iams animal care center. We have an established program for socialization and employee adoption that will give these dogs the opportunity for a successful transition to a family.
On April 10, we met with PETA to look over the facts and to share our plan for the review of our contract research facilities.
We have now completed comprehensive reviews of all external facilities involved in dog and cat nutritional studies for Iams. This was a major effort which included Iams researchers, P&G veterinarians, non-technical Iams employees who\ served as the "eyes and ears" of our consumers, and where possible, independent animal welfare experts.
All of the facilities reviewed comply with government regulations, and the health of the dogs and cats is not at risk. However, we've decided to consolidate our nutritional studies at fewer contract facilities, and we will focus more on the implementation of our high standards for dog and cat care.
Also, we are establishing an Independent Animal Care Advisory Board which will be in place and active by July 15. Its role will be to:
1. Actively review external facility compliance with the Iams research policy.
2. Participate in random unannounced inspections of external sites.
3. Critically evaluate our research policy and bring new ideas to enhance animal well being.
4. Evaluate our animal care program to ensure the health and well being of dogs
and cats This evaluation will include site visits to Iams facilities.
If you would like to read about our research policy in more detail, it is posted on our website at:
(or go to www.iamsco.com and access this document through the horizontal navigation bar by clicking onto News/Stories.)
We want to advance scientific understanding of how nutrition can help dogs and cats to live long, healthy lives. We only conduct research with dogs and cats that is equivalent to nutritional or medical studies acceptable on people. We are deeply committed to dog and cat well being, and our research policy reflects that commitment.
Thank you again for contacting us with your feedback, and for giving us the opportunity to respond.
Sincerely,
Cindy Achor
Group Manager
Iams Consumer Care
IAMS website states - as of 5/24/03
Update on Iams Animal Research
Dayton, OH, April 25, 2003 - An animal rights group in the U.S. recently made serious allegations about The Iams Company's work with an independent contract research facility. Here are the facts.
On March 27, following an unannounced visit to the facility in question, we concluded that, even though the facility passed U.S. government inspections, it did not meet our strict standards regarding air temperature, ventilation, resting beds and socialization. We made the decision to end all research at the facility, and we moved all 19 dogs involved to an Iams facility where they are being cared for and placed in a pet adoption program for Iams employees.
On April 10, officials from Iams and P&G met with representatives from PETA to review the facts and share our plan for the inspection of Iams contract research facilities.
We have now conducted comprehensive inspections of all external facilities involved in dog and cat nutritional studies for Iams. This was a major effort which included Iams researchers, P&G veterinarians, non-technical Iams employees who served as the "eyes and ears" of our consumers, and where possible, independent animal welfare experts.
Following the inspections, we know that all the facilities comply with government regulations and the health of the dogs and cats is not at risk. However, we have decided to consolidate our nutritional studies at fewer contract facilities, and we will focus on the implementation of Iams high standards for dog and cat care at these facilities.
In addition, we will establish an Independent Animal Care Advisory Board which will be in place and active by July 15. Its role will be to:
1. Actively review external facility compliance with the Iams research policy.
2. Participate in random unannounced inspections of external sites.
3. Critically evaluate our research policy and bring new ideas to enhance animal well being.
4. Evaluate our animal care program to ensure the health and well being of dogs and cats. This evaluation will include site visits to Iams facilities.
The Iams Company conducts and sponsors research to advance scientific understanding of dog and cat nutrition. As stated in the Iams research policy, we only conduct research with dogs and cats that is equivalent to nutritional or medical studies acceptable on people. We are deeply committed to dog and cat well being, and our research policy reflects that commitment.
More informative websites about
IAMS and Procter & Gamble
"Unbelievable as it sounds, the Iams Co., manufacturer of the Iams/Eukanuba line of quality dog and cat foods, has been harming and even killing dogs and cats, claiming to make a better brand of pet food. In dozens of painful and invasive experiments, hundreds of dog and cats just like your animal companion, were made to suffer and sometimes die in the name of "nutrition research." These experiments were not designed to help the animals involved. These innocent victims were all healthy animals who were used simply as disposable objects.
"The extensive line of Aussie hair care products, long touted to be free of animal tests, is now under the ownership of Procter & Gamble."
