AR-News: (US)Iams Pulls Sponsorship of Animal Rights Events

[Ronda Roaring]

> U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance
>
> 801 Kingsmill Parkway , Columbus , OH   43229
>
> Ph. 614/888-4868 . Fax 614/888-0326
>
> Web site: www.ussportsmen.org . E-mail: info at ussportsmen.org
>
>
>
> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                        Contact:    Doug 
Jeanneret (614)
888-4868 ext. 212
>
> April 27, 2004
Beth Ruth (614) 888-4868 ext. 214
>
>
>
> Iams Pulls Sponsorship of Animal Rights Events
>
>
>
> ( Columbus )  A leading dog food manufacturer has ended a 
relationship with
the largest anti-hunting group in the country.  The announcement came 
in the
wake of a storm of protests from sportsmen and sportsmen's groups.
>
> In January, the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance alerted outdoorsmen that 
the Iams
Company, maker of Iams and Eukanuba pet foods, joined forces with the 
Humane
Society of the United States (HSUS) as Grand National Sponsor of the 
Pet Fest
America tour.  The tour is a series of animal shows, developed by HSUS, 
which
were being presented in major metropolitan areas, nationwide.  They 
debuted in
early 2003 and ended in mid-April 2004.
>
> Literally a flood of sportsmen's calls, faxes and letters ensued.   
In the
end, the Iams Company, a division of Proctor and Gamble, decided to 
listen to
the sportsmen's point of view and discontinue support to the 
anti-hunting group.
They announced the decision in a letter to Bud Pidgeon, president of 
the U.S.
Sportsmen's Alliance .
>
> "We want to inform you and the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance that the 
Iams Company
is officially announcing that we are not funding the Petfest America 
events with
the HSUS again next year," stated Kelly Vanasse, Associate Director, 
External
Relations.  "We appreciate the feedback we have received from the 
sporting dog
community and apologize for the frustration that this sponsorship has 
caused."
>
> The announcement ended a four month stand-off that caught the company 
in the
middle between hunters and anti-hunters.
>
>  "We are very pleased that Iams has seen the light about this 
situation,"
> said Pidgeon.  "It was a very difficult situation for this company 
that has
been a good supporter of sporting dog events and for those groups 
accepting the
sponsorship dollars.  These sporting dog groups were perplexed at the 
companies'
support of the largest anti-hunting group in the country."
>
> Unfortunately, much of the situation could have been avoided had 
someone
within the Iams company consulted with a group such as the Alliance .  
However,
Iams is not the first company to fall prey to the antis' propaganda.
>
> Some of the nation's major consumer product and service firms, 
including
General Mills, Accor Economy Lodging, Sears and Ace Hardware have ended
relationships with HSUS after thousands of sportsmen levied strong 
protests.
>
> "Part of our work to defend hunting, fishing and trapping is an 
educational
function that transcends the general public to include companies that 
make
unwise decisions," said Pidgeon.  "In this case, it took a long time 
for Iams to
admit their mistake, but in the end and to its credit, the company made 
the
right call and should be recognized for that also."
>
> Sportsmen can thank the Iams Company for ending its relationship with 
HSUS by
contacting President Jeffery P. Ansell, The Iams Company, 7250 Poe Ave. 
, Dayton
, OH 45414 .  Phone (937) 898-7387.  Fax (937) 264-7264.  Toll Free 
(800)
675-3849.
>
>             The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance protects the rights of 
hunters,
anglers and trappers nationally in the courts, legislatures, at the 
ballot, in
Congress and through public education programs.  For more information 
about the
U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance and its work, call (614) 888-4868 or visit 
its
website, www.ussportsmen.org.
>


		
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