So, I asked and you guys answered: yes, you want to hear what Iams has to say about the “Iams Cruelty” PETA video fiasco from 2003. OK. You got it. I had to recruit Brody to sit with me for moral support, though.
It became quickly apparent after trying to present it in a coherent manner that the intricacies and nuances of something as complex as animal research protocols are not something that can be presented in one post. So I am going to break it down in a few pieces to make it a little more comprehensive, because I think it’s a discussion worth having- and not just as it pertains to Iams, but in general.
Today, a post dedicated solely to the PETA video. Then, a post about the current state of affairs at the Pet Health and Nutrition Center. They’ve come a long way since 2003. And last, a discussion about why research still exists at all.
So if you have 5 minutes, here’s the PETA video discussion. (Last 10 seconds are the best part.)
If you don’t have 5 minutes, here’s the Cliff Notes:
- In 2003, a PETA member applied for a job to develop an animal enrichment and socialization program for Iams research animals at a contract facility. Instead, they used the time to take hours of video of pets not only from Iams but from other companies there.
- The footage, depicting what was fairly standard procedures in an industrial research facility at the time, was edited in a manner to appear as dire and dastardly as possible.
- When Iams responded by addressing every criticism levelled by PETA (cutting ties with Sinclair, ending invasive testing, removing cages, providing socialization, training, and adoption) PETA ignored all of these improvements, because it’s much more lucrative for donation purposes to pretend things are still exactly as they were 10 years ago.
I don’t have any interest in this other than presenting the truth as I saw it. And while the state of affairs in 2003 could certainly use some improvement, they weren’t as horrid as they were made out to be.
In addition, I think it’s important to give credit where credit is due- and what Iams has done in the past decade to create a respectful animal care and use protocol is nothing short of excellent, which I hope you will agree with when you read that post.
Interesting stuff, all of it.
Background: I’m studying for my research coordinator certification right now. Part of that process is studying the history of human subjects research, and how terrible errors and judgements have led us- and still lead us- to the rules and practices that are law today. I am glad that Iams addressed the concerns presented by PETA- they could very easily have stonewalled and dismissed them. I’m much more likely to listen to what Iams has to say because of that. I’d also note that it’s very, very easy to sit in judgement on a situation like this. It’s much more difficult- and worthwhile- to attempt to address things and work to improve the situation going forward.
Wow, that’s a lot of em dashes.
I love the field of clinical research- so fascinating. I remember that you have a really strong background in medical science, which I think probably gives you a lot more perspective than many about how complicated it is to overhaul an entire research program. P.S. I love dashes 🙂
Well said, Dr. V…the cruelties that PETA and other groups try to portray are often NOT the norm. Do bad things happen? Probably, but it’s the individual employees who often perpetuate the problems rather than the companies as a whole. I agree with you that Iams (and many other pet food companies) have done some tremendous research that helps us better understand the principles of animal nutrition and the needs of our companion animals.
Like the news, PETA understands that the public isn’t interested in what companies are doing right…only the horrendous and aberrant activities of a minority. If we as a nation of animal and pet lovers would simply stop giving donations and credence to what many of these groups say, I think we would be in a better place. But sadly, again, just like the news, people don’t tune in for stories on what went right today, only to find out who killed whom and what other crises are brewing.
Well said!!
Hey Doc…this is something I wrote about a little while ago. There is much more to the story of PETA and Iams.
You may find it interesting to check out my article about IAMS and PETA.
Here are some general things that I discovered:
-The video was shot at the Sinclair Research Facility. But, IAMS was one of many companies that leased space at this facility. The dogs in the video weren’t even involved with IAMS. IAMS pulled out of the facility once this video surfaced.
-Every single news story that I could find that condemned Iams was put out by PETA.
My personal thought is that PETA has had a vendetta against Iams ever since Iams sponsored the Iditarod and now PETA will do everything they can to smear the name of Iams.
The Iditarod connection is new to me. Fascinating stuff. I asked them when I was there- how come it’s just you they are targeting? Food trials are nothing new. They didn’t really know.
Oh, and nicely done article too. Thank you for the link!
I’m surprised that people still listen to anything PeTA has to say. While I believe that at one time they had their heart in the right place, they seem to have completely lost their way and are now a detriment to the animal welfare movement, as so many of us end up being splattered with the paint from their brush.
I’m leary of anyone who thinks PETA is a reputable organization…They’re either misinformed or dangerous.
Really interesting… look forward to reading more.
thank you for this important information. I really love how you handled this. It is superb.
I have to say though…part of me was focused on your kitty meowing in the background! 🙂
Caren from Cat Chat http://opcatchat.blogspot.com
Excellent discussion. Can’t wait to see what comes next.
I have worked as a video editor for almost 20 years and I can say that almost any video, photo or audio clip can be manipulated to a certain point of view…Thats why I am very skeptically of any videos like PETA offered as “proof”.
So don’t tell anyone Brody was digitally added to this, OK? 😉
I’m a big fan of Apollo the scene stealer. lol.
I know! He kept photobombing me!
Very informative video. I appreciate you taking the time to do this. And I *loved* seeing (and hearing) Apollo (who never gets enough facetime on the blog). 😉
Well he sure grabbed some face time this time around! 😀
I haven’t seen the entire PETA video, but what you showed really wasn’t disturbing to me, nor would it be disturbing to most vets, I imagine. I’m actually a little surprised after seeing that footage that there would be such a reaction to it, but then again I guess we vets are a little desensitized to anesthesia and recovery. I bet if you took some of the regular Joe volunteers from HSTJ they wouldn’t be all that disturbed either after their experiences with the large spay and neuter clinics.
PETA = people eating tasty animals… if God didn’t mean for us to eat animals, He (or She) wouldn’t have made them so tasty! Ok, that’s my rant against PETA, not against vegetarians 🙂