PETA's Initial Letter

February 4, 2003

Dear Sir or Madam:

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is an international nonprofit organization with more than 750,000 members and supporters dedicated to the protection of animals. Our members are keenly interested in animal-testing issues and frequently contact us with questions regarding the use of animals in nutritional studies conducted by and for the pet-food industry.

We are in the process of compiling a list, for distribution to our members, of companion animal foods and their status with regard to testing using live animals. Can you please let us know if your company engages (whether directly or indirectly) in any testing of its cat and dog food products on live animals including, but not limited to, palatability studies, metabolic energy studies, allergy studies, or any disease-related or injury-related studies whatsoever? If your company does not conduct any animal studies, we would appreciate it if you would please sign and return the enclosed statement of assurance. We have also enclosed two other forms: one specific to palatability studies and the other a more comprehensive indicator of the testing that your company might do. Please be so kind as to complete the appropriate form and return it to my attention.

We would also appreciate your sharing with us any additional information about your products that may be of interest to our members, including details related to ordering your foods and the availability of specialty foods (meatless, kosher, wheat-free, etc.).

I look forward to your response and, should you need assistance, can be reached by phone at 757-622-7382. If we do not receive a response from your company, we will inform our members of that fact and allow them to draw their own conclusions. We hope to make this listing as comprehensive as possible so we thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,



Kate Turlington
Special Assistant to the Senior Vice President
Research & Investigations Department


Attachments: three forms as described above