July/August 2010 - Dogs Naturally Magazine

Recent developments raise some disturbing questions about the
true motivations behind the decision. In a June 4 th post for Truth-
AboutPetFood.com, Susan Thixton exposes the patent application
by Brenda Bax, the Delta board member and Purina representative.
The goal of the patent is to control marketing of products
through animal welfare organizations. Thixton writes in her
post:
“I am confused and concerned. Why would Purina Pet Food
want to patent a marketing method associated with an Animal
Welfare Organization? Is this patent application a concern to
all Animal Welfare Organizations that do not currently work
with Purina Pet Food? Does this patent provide Purina Pet
Food control over all other corporations working with/
donating to an Animal Welfare Organization?
Is/was Delta Society their first test market and the "wherein the
animal welfare organization must meet a specified requirement to be a part
of the marketing program" was the ban of pets fed a raw diet?”
The full patent application can be read at http://www.faqs.org/
patents/app/20090254418
The implications are frightening to consider and do not bode well
for animals or the people who love them. How will the animals
truly be served if the welfare and rescue groups are turned into
marketing tools for the pet food industry?
Pet owners who have been raw feeding for decades are, as one
put it, “just plain tired of this debate”. Unfortunately, the battle
between pet food corporations and enlightened pet owners is
only in the beginning phase. Decisions made by animal welfare
and rescue groups will continue to be impacted by pressure and
donations from these corporations. All we can do is continue to
care for our pets in the healthiest, most natural way possible. Our
pets’ health will speak volumes.
“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you,
then you win.”—Mahatma Gandhi
Lynne Parker has worked as the advertising and design
manager for a University press for 10 years. What free time
she has is devoted to her dogs and learning more natural,
healthy ways to care for them.
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