IAMS: Supporting the Vivisection Industry

Not only are animals made to suffer in these experiments, but Iams also supports the vivisection industry by purchasing animals from companies that specifically breed them to sell to laboratories. These animals are no different from your own cat or dog and suffer even more from a barren life. They are deprived of companionship and sentenced to life in cages. They miss out on everything that we know is important to our animal companions the chance to bask in the sun, live as part of a household, or simply be free. After this tragic, empty life one which they were deliberately created for they meet their fate on the cold, operating tables of the laboratory.

Is any of this necessary?

Making dietary improvements in commercial pet foods and nutrition research for animals are important goals. But they can be accomplished without inducing suffering and death, and without perpetuating industries that specifically breed animals for experiments. This research can be done ethically by studying animals who suffer naturally from diseases or conditions which may be improved by enrolling them in the study. Samples and readings can be taken during routine veterinary examinations and can utilize non-invasive to minimally invasive procedures such as ultrasound, x-rays, and blood and urine tests. Autopsies on animals who have died can reveal a great deal about diseases and their progression. It simply isn't necessary to harm animals to find out how to improve their diet any more than this is required to study dietary needs for people.

Iams joins Procter & Gamble

The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) acquired Iams in September 1999. P&G is a multi-billion dollar international corporation that maims and kills hundreds of thousands of innocent animals each year to test household and personal care products on animals. Toxic chemicals are placed into the animals' eyes and lungs and forced down tubes into their stomachs. P&G claims to only test products on animals when required by law, but the company has refused to confirm this policy in writing to In Defense of Animals (IDA). IDA will uphold its boycott of P&G until the company abandons all unnecessary animal tests, including those carried out by Iams/Eukanuba.