Veterinary organizations and partnerships with corporations…how do you feel about that? Is it acceptable to you for a national veterinary organization to accept large donations from…let’s say…two animal drug companies and one pet food company? LARGE donations? If you think that’s a bad idea, and the thought of such mega-million dollar partnerships makes your blood pressure rise, don’t read this article.
Thanks to one of you great supporters out there (you guys ARE amazing!), TruthaboutPetFood.com has learned of a four year partnership program the American Veterinary Medical Association entered into in 2008. It’s called the Platinum Partner Program or P3 for short. Each Platinum Partner – Fort Dodge Animal Health, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, and Merial entered into an arranged commitment to give the AVMA $380,000.00 a year for four years ($1.5 million dollars from each partner). “In return, each company receives a broad range of benefits from the Association.”
From the 2008 AVMA announcement of the P3 partnership…
Regarding Fort Dodge Animal Health…
“One of the benefits of being a P3 member will be increased visibility within the veterinary profession for Fort Dodge, according to Wallace. The company wants to highlight key products and its support for National Pet Wellness Month and other educational campaigns.”
Regarding Hill’s Pet Nutrition…
“Hill’s, located in Topeka, Kan., wants to use the new partnership with AVMA to educate practitioners about the impact of nutrition on health and disease management. In addition, Hill’s is launching a new national conference booth in the convention exhibit hall with a special learning focus. The focus will be on the problem of obesity in America’s pets and ways veterinarians can help resolve it, Dr. Leininger said.”
Regarding Merial…
“It’s a very worthy and good investment that we know pays dividends in the future,” Dr. Little said.”
The old saying “I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine” comes to mind.
Does the AVMA Platinum Partner Program cross a line?
Interestingly, in a letter Answers Pet Food (raw pet food manufacturer) sent to the AVMA regarding a potential policy the AVMA will be voting on soon against raw pet foods, mentions Illinois state law (AVMA is a registered not for profit corporation in Illinois). Quoting from the letter (posted on Facebook)…
“…AVMA has related responsibilities as a Not-for-Profit entity under Illinois State law. Under Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s Consumer Protection Division website it provides guidance and responsibilities of licensed Not-For-Profit Organizations to avoid conflicts of interest in conducting association business and to protect Illinois consumers and businesses victimized by fraud, deception, and unfair business practices. Such a stated role for a Not-for-Profit organization comes with a huge responsibility of ensuring conduct is not prejudicial; presenting unbiased science research and findings; being fair, honest and balanced in the presentation of all facts and debates; ensuring policies do not become anticompetitive; taking on only those issues that properly serve the stated purpose of the organization and much more.”
This says a great deal…”Not-For-Profit Organizations to avoid conflicts of interest in conducting association business” – ” ensuring conduct is not prejudicial” and ” ensuring policies do not become anticompetitive”.
Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan Thixton
Pet Food Safety Advocate
Author, Buyer Beware
Co-Author Dinner PAWsible
TruthaboutPetFood.com
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