posted 01-13-2004 04:21 AM         

On behalf of Iams president, Jeffrey P. Ansell, thank you for sharing your opinion regarding our animal research policy. I share my life with a dog and a cat, and I can understand the feelings that compelled you to write to us. Please take a moment to review the following information.

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: www.iams.com/en_US/jhtmls/faq/sw_Faq_detail.jhtml?questionid=167&brandcode=I&localeid=en_US&pagetypeid=FQ (or go to www.iamsco.com and access this document 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 hope you will reconsider purchasing Iams and will share this message with others.

Sincerely,

Cindy Achor

Group Manager

Iams Consumer Care

posted 01-13-2004 06:37 AM         

We shut down one abuse factory. Lets all get together and do it again!!!
I encourage everyone to not stop writing to them. Just because they wrote one letter, doesn't mean they're going to clean up their act.

posted 01-13-2004 07:13 AM         

Thanks for posting this letter Cat. They send out the same letter to everyone, hoping that if they word it properly (and beat around the bush) people will change their minds and purchase IAMS.