Story on Iams and Humane Society

[AlabamaSwamper]

The Humane Society of the United States and Iams: It Doesn't Get Much Worse Than This
On January 7, in a very disturbing move, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) announced that the Iams Company will be the "Grand National Sponsor" of HSUS' "Pet Fest America." According to the HSUS Web site, "Pet Fest America is designed to showcase The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) in a very positive festive atmosphere." This unholy alliance with Iams is the work of Paul Irwin, president and CEO of HSUS.


Click here to watch HSUS President and CEO Paul Irwin sell out HSUS in the Pet Fest America "sponsorship video."

Click here to read Ingrid Newkirk's letter to Paul Irwin.

Click here for more information about PETA's undercover investigation in an Iams testing lab.

Click here for more information about companion-animal food companies that do not conduct laboratory tests on animals.



Iams, which is under public fire for allowing cruelty to dogs in its contract laboratories, is giving HSUS an undisclosed amount of money for the opportunity to sponsor the events and make itself look good. By allowing Iams to sponsor Pet Fest, HSUS has provided cover for a company trying desperately to suppress criticism of its pet-food testing policies and to shift attention away from the suffering and dying animals PETA found in an Iams contract laboratory, the second time in a matter of a few years that PETA has exposed cruelty to dogs and cats used by Iams. HSUS is well aware of what PETA uncovered and well aware of Iams' long history of animal abuse, which includes creating diseases and injuries in dogs and cats to test its foods. By taking money from Iams and allowing it to ally itself with HSUS in this "positive festive" forum, HSUS is aiding and abetting Iams' efforts to sweep cruelty under the rug. It is lending cover and a marketing opportunity to a company that it should be actively opposing-a company that misleads consumers into believing that it cares about cats and dogs. Instead, HSUS should tell Iams to stop laboratory tests on dogs and cats, as some other dog-food companies with fewer resources have done.

This growing financial relationship between HSUS and Iams creates a conflict of interest. Andrew Rowan, vice president of HSUS, is a member of the Iams Animal Care Advisory Board, a supposedly "independent group" whose purpose is to review and evaluate Iams' policies and facilities "to ensure the health and well being of dogs and cats" confined in Iams laboratories. One has to ask how HSUS can be an impartial member of the advisory board of the company that pays for its events.

Other sponsors of the HSUS event include Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), which is partially owned by Iams and whose founder and CEO is well-known big-game hunter Jack Stephens, and Petsafe, maker of "pet containment" and painful "bark control" shock collars for dogs.

Local humane societies and shelters across the country, operations with far less money than HSUS, have had the decency to take a stand for animals and have stopped purchasing and promoting Iams products. Some have even mailed back to Iams the promotional "starter kits" that it gives to shelters to hand out to new companion-animal guardians (to promote Iams foods, of course), along with letters explaining why they will not purchase or promote Iams products until the company stops confining dogs and cats to laboratory cages to test on them, year after year. People who care about animals should never provide cover to those who abuse and kill them.

[daustin]

This is kind of funny. Not only is Iams being boycotted by hunters but is also seemly being boycotted by those who don't like hunting for their lab practices.

Dane

[windy hollow]

the Iams co. is all over the world and just stepping on one toe after the other, but its going to take a big.......huge boycott to get results.

[YGD BUNNYBUSTER]

VERY GOOD POST WITH A LOT OF INFORMATION. A MUST READ
THANK YOU ,SWAMPER. I ENJOYED READING THIS.
BUNNYBUSTER

[windy hollow]

Iams Continues Support of Anti-Hunters

(Columbus) - Despite a flood of contacts from sportsmen across the nation, a major pet food producer is still refusing to end its relationship with the nation’s largest anti-hunting group. Sportsmen are now being urged to voice their complaints with the parent company and local suppliers.

In January, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance alerted outdoorsmen that the Iams Company, maker of Iams and Eukanuba pet foods, joined forces with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), as Grand National Sponsor of the Pet Fest America tour. The tour is a series of animal shows, developed by HSUS, which are being presented in major metropolitan areas, nationwide. They debuted in early 2003 and will continue through April 2004.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest and most vociferous anti-hunting organization.

Thus far, Iams has continued to recite the excuse that it was not aware of legislative issues with the sporting dog community. However, it has shown no intention of ending its relationship with the anti-hunters.

In an effort to make Iams understand the error of backing anti-hunting groups, sportsmen are urged to contact Iams’ parent company, Procter & Gamble, to voice displeasure over the relationship.

Sportsmen are also urged to contact Iams retail dealers.

Some of the nation’s major consumer product and service firms, including General Mills, Accor Economy Lodging, Sears and Ace Hardware have ended relationships with HSUS after thousands of sportsmen levied strong protest.

Take Action! Sportsmen should contact Procter & Gamble and educate the company about HSUS’s goals to end hunting, fishing, trapping and other forms of animal use. Sportsmen should explain their frustration that its pet food company is promoting a program of the nation’s largest anti-hunting organization. Contact President Alan G. Lafley, The Procter & Gamble Company, 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, OH, 45202. Phone (513) 983-1100. Fax (513) 983-9369.

Sportsmen are also urged to contact retailers that sell Iams products. Inform them that you oppose Iams’ promotion of the nation’s largest animal rights organization. Following is a list of some national chains that carry the Iams and Eukanuba brand of pet foods:

Kroger Companies, Don W. McGeorge, President, 1014 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202-1100

Phone: 513-762-4000 Fax: 513-762-1160

Companies Include: Kroger, Fry’s, Smith’s, Ralph’s, Dillions, City Market, Hilander, Baker’s, JayC Food Stores, Kessel, Owen’s

Safeway Inc., Steven A Burd, President, 5918 Stoneridge Mall Rd., Pleasanton, CA 94588-3492

Phone: 925-467-3000 Fax: 925-467-3321

Companies Include: Safeway, Vons, Pavilions

Kmart, Julian C. Day, President, 3100 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, MI 48084-3163

Phone: 248-463-1000 Fax: 248-463-5636

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Lee Scott Jr., President, 702 S.W. 8th St., Bentonville, AR 72716

Phone: 479-273-4000 Fax: 479-273-4053

Target Corp., Robert J. Ulrich, CEO, 1000 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Phone: 612-304-6073 Fax: 612-696-3731

PetsMart Inc., Robert F. Moran, President, 19601 N. 27th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85027

Phone: 800-738-1385 Fax: 623-580-6502

Petco Animal Supplies Inc., Brian K Devine, President, 9125 Rehco Rd., San Diego, CA 92121

Phone: 858-453-7845 Fax: 858-677-3095

Peapod.com, Marc C. van Gelder, President, 9933 Woods Dr., Ste. 375, Skokie, IL 60077

Phone: 800-573-2763 Fax: 847-583-9494

Petfood Express, Michael Levy, President, 2131 Williams St., San Leandro, CA 94577

Phone: 877-472-7777 Fax: 510-346-7788

PetFoodDirect.com, Geoffrey C. Walker, CEO, 203 Progress Dr., Montgomeryville, PA 18936

Phone: 800-865-1333 Fax: 215-699-4774

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers nationally in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and its work, call (614) 888-4868 or visit its website, http://www.ussportsmen.org.

-30-

[Bart Caudill]

Very good Swamper, and Wind Hollow. I fed Iams untill just awhile back, and I wish I had every penny back that I gave that outfit. Just think, they used my money to undermine what I love, hunting. I can tell you this right now, NEVER will there be another pellet of Iams or Eukanuba on my place again. Lately I have been feeding Diamond, and my dogs hunt harder and even have more endurance than that high priced crap. Austa la vista Iams!!! Just my two cents.

Caudill's Crankin Kennel

[windy hollow]

Very good Swamper, and Wind Hollow. I fed Iams untill just awhile back, and I wish I had every penny back that I gave that outfit. Just think, they used my money to undermine what I love, hunting. I can tell you this right now, NEVER will there be another pellet of Iams or Eukanuba on my place again. Lately I have been feeding Diamond, and my dogs hunt harder and even have more endurance than that high priced crap. Austa la vista Iams!!! Just my two cents.

Caudill's Crankin Kennel

now we need to send Iams a message bart email Iams and tell them what you just told us

[DDWBeagles]

Ya know, whenever the "best dog food" thread comes up on this or the other boards, I always seemed to be the ONLY one who used IAMs. Ironicly, now that they support HSUS, it's amazing how many boycotters are out there. Half you folks are just blowing steam. If you weren't purchasing their products before all this, then your opinion isn't hurting their business very much. Companies will sway with the market. Effect the bottom line and you drive change.....and before you blast me, answer the following two questions.

What would you have me switch to? The two local stores here in Richmond that carry Diamond, both want more for Diamond than I pay for IAMs ($17.00 for 20 Lbs). In honesty, I haven't switched yet and have not been given enough evidence to make my mind up. In their original press release as well as their generic email response we all got, sounds like they are just trying to "market to more pet owners". They do support some trialing activities.

Secondly, if you weren't buying IAMs, and most of you weren't, how do you plan to sway company opinion. They go were the money is at. So, you better do a quick inventory and see what Proctor and Gamble products you have in the house. "Just some food for thought"

[windy hollow]

Ya know, whenever the "best dog food" thread comes up on this or the other boards, I always seemed to be the ONLY one who used IAMs. Ironicly, now that they support HSUS, it's amazing how many boycotters are out there. Half you folks are just blowing steam. If you weren't purchasing their products before all this, then your opinion isn't hurting their business very much. Companies will sway with the market. Effect the bottom line and you drive change.....and before you blast me, answer the following two questions.

What would you have me switch to? The two local stores here in Richmond that carry Diamond, both want more for Diamond than I pay for IAMs ($17.00 for 20 Lbs). In honesty, I haven't switched yet and have not been given enough evidence to make my mind up. In their original press release as well as their generic email response we all got, sounds like they are just trying to "market to more pet owners". They do support some trialing activities.

Secondly, if you weren't buying IAMs, and most of you weren't, how do you plan to sway company opinion. They go were the money is at. So, you better do a quick inventory and see what Proctor and Gamble products you have in the house. "Just some food for thought"

by getting the word out to hunters that have dogs and possibly cats that do use Iams. dont you think anyone already paying top dollar for an average dog food would switch if they found out that a company that he or she patronizes was helping to destroy something he or she loved to do? public awareness is the beginning.
I've been busy going to all the gundoggers all over anywhere I can find them spreading the word about Iams and I am getting results now as far as proof when you read the anti's stopped your and my hunting with hounds its too late.
proctor and gamble have been on the hot seat for some time now you wont find anything in my house with proctor and gamble on it.

[kjohns]

DDW, your correct as far as I go. I don't feed IAMS never have and certainly never will now. But everytime I see and Iams or Eukenuba bag in someone's house, you can bet they'll hear from me the information I just read.

What would you have me switch to? The two local stores here in Richmond that carry Diamond, both want more for Diamond than I pay for IAMs ($17.00 for 20 Lbs). In honesty, I haven't switched yet and have not been given enough evidence to make my mind up. In their original press release as well as their generic email response we all got, sounds like they are just trying to "market to more pet owners". They do support some trialing activities.

Whatever it takes. You might as well write a check to the antis. How much of a waste of money will it be to buy any type of dog food for dogs you can't hunt with?

[singleshot]

DDW, I buy my diamond for less than $17.00 for 50 pounds here. My dogs are in great shape!

[Boomer]

"Iams, which is under public fire for allowing cruelty to dogs in its contract laboratories, is giving HSUS an undisclosed amount of money for the opportunity to sponsor the events and make itself look good."

I don't know how long this "undisclosed amount" can last. If they give it to HSUS, it's going to be reported on HSUS' taxes, and available to the public in a few years.

Whenever the topic of food comes up, I've always raved about Eukanuba. I'm at a loss for what to do other than to write a nasty letter to Iams to try and expose HSUS for what it is. HSUS had $96 million in assets as of 2003 ($7 million profit in 2002) and a number of executives making 6 figure salaries with huge benefit/deferred compensation plans on top of that. Their assets were at $38 mil in 1995. They easily outperform the stock market!

HSUS doesn't care about animal welfare. They care about political power and $$$.

[Bart Caudill]

DDW,
Are you sure we were talking about the same dog food? Iams here where I live at Wal-Mart is $28.17 tax and all for 40lbs. Diamond is only $13.65 tax and all for 50lbs, and is beter food, from what I have seen. That is under half the price of Iams. I don't see how it's that much of a price difference from KY to VA Just my two cents.

Caudill's Crankin Kennel

[S.M. Beagler]

Hey Bart, i've heard many good things on diamond dog foods but i never can find it around here. however i'm located about 20 minutes from the sexton bros. dog feed factory. the old man that owns it has a fox hound operation and his hounds look top notch every one of them.. he feeds them 22 % protein 16% fat blend and look great. i've been feeding my dogs that and they also look great. the guy took me a tour of his mill and i'll have to say i was impressed! maybe you guys should all look into that!

[DDWBeagles]

All good comments and I'm not defending IAMS. I just was trying to point out that they do sponsor hunting activities as well. I summed it up as a bad marketing decision. Rountinely, I have several contract workers come in on rebuilds, from England. The topic everytime we chat is how this very thing has happened in the UK. I am a hunter and hear ya loud and clear.
As far as Diamond goes, YES I'm sure it was Diamond I was looking at. I pulled the local stores off their website and the only two stores close to me that carries it, wanted over $22 for the 40 pound Green/Yellow Professional bag. Yikes. Also these stores were more of the "designer pet stores", rather than your local feed and seed. I'll may take a trip up to Fredrickburg this weekend as I see they have a Tractor Supply store that carries it.