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June 3, 2002
The Iams Company Research Policy
Like humans, our canine and feline companions are faced with
many threats to their health. Millions of cats and dogs around
the world suffer from allergies, skin and gastrointestinal diseases,
kidney failure and painful bone problems.
At The Iams Company, we work hard to advance scientific understanding
of how nutrition can help pets resist and recover from such diseases,
and how this understanding helps optimize their health so they
can lead happier and longer lives. Research plays a key role in
accomplishing these goals.
Our research is governed by the following principles.
1. The results must help veterinarians and pet owners worldwide
nutritionally enhance the well-being of cats and dogs, and manage
important pet health conditions.
2. Studies will only be conducted if alternative, non-animal
methods or existing research cannot answer the questions raised.
3. We will ensure the humane treatment of cats and dogs, and
provide for animal well being, socialization and husbandry in
a manner compatible with the company's philosophy, creating
a total culture of care. We will also meet or exceed standards
established by the Animal Welfare Act of the US, the US Department
of Agriculture and Directive 86/609/EEC of the European Union.
4. We will not fund or participate in any study requiring or
resulting in the euthanasia of cats or dogs. We will only conduct
research that is equivalent to nutritional or medical studies
acceptable on people, including: urine, feces, blood and immune
cell analysis, allergy tests, and skin and muscle biopsies,
for which adequate anesthesia and analgesics will be provided
whenever necessary.
5. Research will be closely monitored at internal and external
facilities - with the goal being to eliminate even minor pain
or discomfort and to create enriched environments for the cats
and dogs involved. To enforce this principle, Iams will place,
at these facilities, a company-designated and funded person
responsible for ensuring the well being of cats and dogs. This
trained, qualified person will follow guidelines used at the
Paul F. Iams Technical Center to make certain that cats and
dogs are properly cared for and socialized.
6. We will test our foods on groups of cats or dogs within the
general population who already suffer from target diseases or
conditions. However, we will not contract for, nor conduct,
any study involving surgeries to create or mimic diseases such
as diabetes, stroke, heart disease, kidney disease, or intentional
damage to other organs; nor will the company use non-surgical
methods to induce or simulate diseases that are not acceptable
in nutritional or medical research on humans; nor will the company
fund any university positions that may be involved in such activities
for the study of cat and dog nutrition.
7. We will not use, in any studies, animals that are already
induced with disease or surgically altered through other research;
nor will the company conduct such studies under the auspices
of any industry association or group.
8. Our findings will be communicated to benefit others who are
seeking to improve the health and well being of cats and dogs,
and to help prevent repetition of tests requiring animal involvement.
We are proud that we have led breakthroughs in the health of
cats and dogs, and we are committed to continuing this tradition
with the principles outlined here as our guide.
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