Iams Co. endures PETA attacks

Dayton, Ohio-Iams Co. officials steadfastly deny animal activist reports that the pet food manufacturer permits animal abuse during the nutritional testing of its products.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has released surreptitiously recorded video shot by an undercover activist in an Iams-contracted research facility. The footage, available on the group's Web site, shows animals that appear distressed, dogs undergoing muscle biopsies, animals housed in metal-slated, stacked cages and Beagles recovering from surgery on a concrete floor.

Since news of the conditions surfaced, Iams officials have severed ties with longtime contractor Sinclear Research Facility in Columbia, Mo. While the company insists many animals featured in the video are research subjects for other pet food manufacturers contracting at the same site, it acknowledges the lab did not meet its animal welfare standards.

"We don't take this lightly," says Dr. Dan Carey, Iams Research and Development's director of technical communications. "But some of the things they allege are blatant misinterpretation. Huge chunks of muscle taken from dogs, dogs handled inappropriately - these things didn't happen. The dogs were humanely treated."

Moving on

While Iams representatives admit the company should've been aware of conditions at the facility, they have since put a number of safeguards in place to prevent repeat occurrences. The company continues to work with facilities to meet their welfare expectations, Kelly Vanasse, an Iams spokeswoman says, and is enforcing its animal care policy.

"We've hired more people on our end to directly interact with our contracted facilities," she says. "We're staying true to our mission to enhance the well-being of dogs and cats. We're making changes; we're doing the right thing."

Company representatives are also addressing PETA's accusations within the veterinary community.

"We're completely transparent, and we're very proud of the work we do," Vanasse says. "For PETA, this is about publicity. It's about them attacking the number one pet food maker and gaining notoriety from that."