Hallo Leute,
iich haber der firma Iams einen Brief geschrieben und diese
Antwort erhalten...
[Dear Sonja:
Thank you for sharing your opinion regarding our animal research policy. We
sincerely appreciate that you have fed Eukanba products over the years.
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.
In addition, we are pleased to announce that we have established an
International Animal Care Advisory Board to evaluate our industry-leading
research policy and advise us on new research alternatives that provide for
advanced levels of dog and cat care.
The Iams International Animal Care Advisory Board, an independent group,
currently consists of seven members, representing various disciplines and fields
of study, including veterinary medicine, animal husbandry, behavior, welfare,
and ethics. They are:
* Mr. Michael Arms of the Helen Woodward Animal Center (a leading
California-based shelter and adoption facility).
* Dr. Kathryn Bayne of the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of
Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC).
* Rev. Kenneth Boyd, a professor of Medical Ethics at Edinburgh University
Medical School, and a research director of the Institute of Medical Ethics,
Edinburgh, Scotland.
* Dr. Stephen Hansen of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals (ASPCA).
* Dr. Robert Hubrecht of The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW).
* Dr. Irene Rochlitz, an independent veterinary consultant in feline welfare,
Cambridge, England.
* Dr. Andrew Rowan of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).
The Advisory Board's first task will be to conduct a comprehensive review of The
Iams Company research policy and steps taken to implement that policy since it
was last updated in June 2002. The Board will also establish a series of next
steps and recommendations. In addition to work with our Board members, we are
actively seeking the perspective of other animal welfare consultants.
The formation of this board was a top priority for us and a major step in our
continued efforts to enhance the health and well-being of dogs and cats around
the world. While we already have an industry-leading policy on nutritional
studies - which requires that our
research be equivalent to nutritional and
medical studies acceptable on people - we believe even more can be done.
If you would like to read about our research policy in more detail, it is posted
on our website at:
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through the horizontal navigation bar by clicking onto News/Stories.)
We are deeply committed to dog and cat well being, and our research policy
reflects that commitment. We value our loyal customers and hope you will
continue feeding Eukanuba to your four cats and two dogs.
Sincerely,
Cindy Achor
Group Manager
Iams Consumer Care
]
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