ANIMAL AGENCIES.htm

You are at the ANIMAL

(and other alleged ) PROTECTION AGENCIES Section

(and other "great humanitarian" efforts)

WHO/aka: Regional Office for the Americas

525, 23rd Street, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20037 - USA

To WHOm IT MAY CONCERN:

While "surfing the Internet", I came across an article at: http://www.thebluesheet.net/FDC/Weekly/blue/PrevBriefs.htm?Date=38117#04470190023_b

"River blindness: World Health Organization will begin a Phase II trial of Wyeth’s antiparasitic agent moxidectin for the treatment of river blindness (onchocerciasis), Wyeth announces May 4. WHO and the company have had an informal three-year cooperative agreement to develop the animal drug for human use in an oral form for the disease. The trial will be conducted at WHO’s Onchocerciasis Chemotherapy Research Centre in Ghana by the WHO Special Progamme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases. Wyeth anticipates 18 months of enrollment and another 18 months to complete the trial. Currently, Merck’s ivermectin is used as a once a year treatment for river blindness in many endemic areas."

IF this article is "accurate", I'd like to know if you are knowingly spreading disease, health damage and death on a global scale or if you've been "sold a bill of goods" by the manufacturer of this product, which was taken off the market recently by the FDA/CVM due to it's high death/damage toll.

I would not expect you to take the words in an e-mail from a total stranger, so feel free to:

check with the FDA/CVM's website on Adverse Drug Events, which is at: http://www.fda.gov/,

then go to: "Animal Feed & Drugs", at: http://www.fda.gov/cvm/default.html;

on that page click "Adverse Drug Reactions: for: http://www.fda.gov/cvm/adetoc.htm;

scroll down to the area for the "Annual/Cummulative Rprt": http://www.fda.gov/cvm/ade_cum.htm;

scroll down to: the "MN" section there which will take you to: http://www.fda.gov/cvm/ade_cum.htm, and is their report in ".pdf" file format and

you can click on the little binocular icon, then

type in "moxidectin: and it will take you to that section which lists the adverse drug events that have been reported to the FDA/CVM, which I understand reflect somewhere between 1% and 10% of the likely deaths and reactions as that's all which have been reported, because it's only mandatory for the drug company to report; reports by any health care providers are strictly on a voluntary basis.

You can also see the report on "ivermectin" by using their search engine for that item.

If I start reading about another drug/health crisis in Ghana, I'll know you didn't pay any attention to this e-mail. Thank you.

CONTACT: e-Mail ONLY: GingerLSanchez@aol.com

-----Original Message-----
From: GingerLSanchez@aol.com [mailto:GingerLSanchez@aol.com]
Sent: Friday, April 08, 2005 3:45 PM
To: druginfo@cder.fda.gov
Subject: DrugInfo Comment Form FDA/CDER Site

Name: Ginger Sanchez

E-Mail: GingerLSanchez@aol.com

Comments: I'm certain you folks will be very unhappy to receive this "feedback" as it's definitely not what you WANT to hear, but it's becoming more and more obvious with each passing day that EVERYBODY is "asleep at the switch". I am also sending this information to the FDA/CVM as it involves a
known to be deadly animal drug "approved" by them, that was pulled off the market by them, and is now apparently going to be given to PEOPLE in third-world countries. This is your organizations opportunity to do something worthwhile with taxpayer money:

e-mail sent 4/05/05 to postmaster@paho.org

WHO/aka: Regional Office for the Americas
525, 23rd Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20037 - USA

To WHOm IT MAY CONCERN:

While "surfing the Internet", I came across an article at:
http://www.thebluesheet.net/FDC/Weekly/blue/PrevBriefs.htm?Date=38117#044701
90023_b

which states:

"River blindness: World Health Organization will begin a Phase II trial of Wyeth's antiparasitic agent moxidectin for the treatment of river blindness (onchocerciasis), Wyeth announces May 4. WHO and the company have had an
informal three-year cooperative agreement to develop the animal drug for human use in an oral form for the disease. The trial will be conducted at WHO's Onchocerciasis Chemotherapy Research Centre in Ghana by the WHO
Special Progamme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases. Wyeth anticipates 18 months of enrollment and another 18 months to complete the trial. Currently, Merck's ivermectin is used as a once a year treatment for river blindness in many endemic areas."

IF this article is "accurate", I'd like to know if you are knowingly spreading disease, health damage and death on a global scale or if you've been "sold a bill of goods" by the manufacturer of this product, which was taken off the market recently by the FDA/CVM due to it's high death/damage
toll.

I would not expect you to take the words in an e-mail from a total stranger,
so feel free to:

check with the FDA/CVM's website on Adverse Drug Events, which is at: http://www.fda.gov/,
then go to: "Animal Feed & Drugs", at: http://www.fda.gov/cvm/default.html;
on that page click "Adverse Drug Reactions: for:
http://www.fda.gov/cvm/adetoc.htm;
scroll down to the area for the "Annual/Cummulative Rprt":
http://www.fda.gov/cvm/ade_cum.htm;
scroll down to: the "MN" section there which will take you to:
http://www.fda.gov/cvm/ade_cum.htm, and is their report in ".pdf" file format and
you can click on the little binocular icon, then type in "moxidectin: and it will take you to that section which lists the
adverse drug events that have been reported to the FDA/CVM, which I understand reflect somewhere between 1% and 10% of the likely deaths and reactions as that's all which have been reported, because it's only mandatory for the drug company to report; reports by any health care
providers are strictly on a voluntary basis. You can also see the report on "ivermectin" by using their search engine for that item.

If I start reading about another drug/health crisis in Ghana, I'll know you didn't pay any attention to this e-mail. Thank you.

Ginger Sanchez
CONTACT: e-Mail ONLY: GingerLSanchez@aol.com

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In a message dated 4/13/05 10:17:43 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, DRUGINFO@cder.fda.gov writes:

Ms. Sanchez:

Thank you for contacting the Division of Drug Information at the FDA.

At this time, Moxidectin is not approved for use in humans. Please note that the FDA is empowered to approve drug products that have been shown to
be safe and effective for their labeled use, and we can provide releasable information on products approved for use only in the United States.

Since you are seeking information about a drug that is not approved, please understand that this information is confidential according to 21 CFR 314.430, and belongs to the manufacturer/sponsor developing the drug, so we cannot provide it to the public. You may contact the sponsor directly to inquire about products under development.

You may contact the sposor directly:
Wyeth Pharmaceuticals
(Wyeth)
555 Lancaster Ave.
St. Davids
PA
19087
(610) 902-1200
www.wyeth.com

Sincerely,
CDER/DrugInfo - RC

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-----Original Message-----
From: GingerLSanchez@aol.com [mailto:GingerLSanchez@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2005 1:42 PM
To: DRUGINFO@cder.fda.gov
Subject: Re: moxidectin

4/13/05

Dear "CDER/DrugInfo - RC"
at: DRUGINFO@cder.fda.gov

Thank you for your response. Apparently you did not understand my letter [below]: I am not asking you for any information about "moxidectin" as I've learned much more about it from the FDA/CVM ADE reports then I ever wanted to know.

I provided YOU with the information that it's apparently being used or going to be used on HUMANS [which it's not been approved for and was additionally removed from the market for dogs due to the ADE reports], and it would appear from your response that doing so is perfectly acceptable to your organization.

It's been my understanding that the FDA is supposed to know what's going on with FDA "approved" drugs and to then monitor both the drugs and the drug companies when these drugs are being inappropriately used - apparently I am very much mistaken and it now makes perfect sense to me why so many FDA and FDA/CVM "approved" drugs are so deadly for both pets and people.

Thank you and have a nice day [at continued taxpayer expense].

Ginger Sanchez

e-Mail ONLY: GingerLSanchez@aol.com

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In a message dated 4/13/05 12:48:02 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, DRUGINFO@cder.fda.gov writes:

Ms. Sanchez:

We understand your concern. However, please be aware that FDA has strict monitoring and safety reporting procedures set in place for investigational drugs. You may find these regulations in 21 CFR Section 312.32:

http://www.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/cfrassemble.cgi?title=200221

Sincerely,

CDER/DrugInfo - RC

DORIS DAY ANIMAL LEAGUE

from: http://www.ddal.org/

In a message dated 4/1/05 3:45:01 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, Ginger L Sanchez writes:

4/01/05

Holly Hazard

Doris Day Animal League

Dear Ms. Hazard,

Thank you very much for your speedy reply in response to my information request regarding the welfare of companion animals and I am happy to learn that your organization is well aware of the problem.

While I am disappointed that this is not an issue of any interest to your organization, I totally understand the business choices behind the decision. Thank you, again.

Ginger Sanchez

e-Mail ONLY: GingerLSanchez@aol.com

In a message dated 3/31/05 9:15:33 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, holly@ddal.org writes:

Thank you for your interest in our organization. Unfortunately we are not in a position to take on any new issues at this time. As you may imagine, as a non-profit group with a limited budget, we strive every day to make the most of our limited resources and unfortunately, find many more needs for our legislative expertise and staff time than we have resources. We try to prioritize the value of the issue, likelihood of success and value added of our involvement in every issue on which we work.

I am aware that many issues related to veterinary practice are of concern to many people who care about animals. One example is that, because dogs and cats are viewed by our legal system as "property" and have a market value that is insignificant, the recourse for any animal guardian for any veterinary malpractice claim is limited.

We wish you success in carrying this issue forward.

Sincerely,
Holly Hazard

GingerLSanchez@aol.com wrote:

3/31/05

I am writing in the hope that your organization's "mission" is accurately stated:

"Our Mission

The Doris Day Animal League's overriding mission is to reduce the pain and suffering of non-human animals through legislative initiatives, education, and programs to enforce statutes and regulations which have already been enacted protecting animals. We strongly encourage the spaying and neutering of companion animals."

There's no doubt that your organization does a great deal of good work regarding the protection of companion animals, but there is an area of growing concern that you may not be aware of that also falls into the category of "protection" that NO ONE seems to be interested in:

the failure of veterinarians to provide vital information to pet owners regarding the known [to them] dangers/risks and symptoms/conditions caused by and/or associated with the wide-spread and casual prescribing/dispensing of both canine NSAIDs [non steroid anti inflammatory drugs - for minor pain, arthritis, surgery, etc.] and "vaccinosis" [over vaccination].

I fail to see the point of all the "good work" being done to save and protect companion animals only to have them die horrific and agonizing deaths because "responsible" pet owners got their pets examined,spayed/neutered and vaccinated without ALL of the vital information of the known risks/dangers being provided.

Because your organization is involved in "legislation" regarding "animal protection issues", I ask that you look into this situation and consider doing "the right thing" here. PLEASE visit my website: http://rimadyldeath.com and advise IF you are interested in "stepping up to the plate" on these nation-wide issues. Thank you.

Ginger Sanchez

CONTACT: e-Mail ONLY: GingerLSanchez@aol.com

Website: http://rimadyldeath.com

The Humane Society of the United States

It would appear from your website that there is no e-mail contact listing available/provided for regular pet owners to make contact with your organization, other than submitting donations, so I am sending this e-mail in the hopes you will forward it to the appropriate person/entity in the event it's of no interest to you:

Are you able to tell me IF/WHEN you will provide information regarding RIMADYL toxicity and if NOT, WHY NOT?

Ginger Sanchez
Seattle, WA - USA
e-Mail [ONLY]: GingerLSanchez@aol.com
(single phone line is dedicated Internet connection ONLY]
Website: http://rimadyldeath.com

Hi, Jean! "this" [above] just came in - can you BELIEVE IT? Think you can get a refund on the "chinese watch"? LMAO I'm trying to decide if I have the 'nerve' or whatever to write back and request that they also include www.srdogs.com or BETTER YET MY website as a 'useful contact' to address questions about Rimadyl - think they'd go for it? {ROFLMAO] probably not, since I can't PAY them for it! I wonder how much it costs Pfizer?

Ginger,

Thank you for the reply email. I can certainly understand your displeasure. Frequently, individuals are upset when we cannot make their issues one of our top concerns. Unfortunately, we are an organization with limited resources and a limited spectrum. We do our best to work on those issues that cause the highest level of suffering in the largest number of animals. These decisions are not easy to make, but we simply cannot make every single animal issue a priority. In the thousands of calls, letters, and emails that I have answered, yours is the first that I have heard about Rimadyl. However, I receive calls daily about the suffering that goes on in puppy mills, the millions of dogs that are euthanized in shelters annually, and the animals that are beaten, shot, left out in the cold (or heat), chained up, or abandoned.

I can appreciate your passion for this issue, especially if you believe that you lost a friend because of this drug. Ultimately, the number of animals killed or otherwise harmed by Rimadyl is a small number compared to those animals harmed by puppy mills, the pet overpopulation, dog fighting, abuse and neglect, or any of the other issues that are our top concerns.

Let me be clear that we have no financial relationship with Pfizer. As a matter of policy we do not endorse any commercial product or service. When I provided a link to their web site in the previous email, that was for reference purposes only.

If Rimadyl were an over-the-counter drug, we might stand differently on this issue because it would be a consumer decision. Since Rimadyl requires a prescription, it is purely a veterinary issue. If you are looking for action to be taken towards Rimadyl, I recommend that you contact veterinary organizations such as the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, your state veterinary licensing board, or the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine.

I hope that this email has clarified our position.

Sincerely,

Adam Goldfarb

Outreach Assistant, Companion Animals

The Humane Society of the United States

2100 L St., NW

Washington, DC 20037

301-258-3065

12/16/04

Adam Goldfarb

The Humane Society of the United States

Dear Mr. Goldfarb - First, let me apologize for having sent the previous e-mail to you, it was an accident and not intended to be sent to you. Second, I want to thank you very much for responding nevertheless. Third, since we are now, although accidently, into an e-mail correspondence regarding the issues of interest to the Humane Society and regarding RIMADYL, I am taking this opportunity to provide some relevant information to you; naturally, what you choose to do or not do regarding same is entirely your decision:

Your website begins by stating: "Promoting the protection of all animals". Your section entitled "About Us", [above the donations area] states: "The HSUS is dedicated to creating a world where our relationship with animals is guided by compassion. We seek a truly humane society in which animals are respected for their intrinsic value, and where the human-animal bond is strong."

There is no doubt in my mind that your organization is accomplishing a great deal of good with respect to "animal welfare", but it is either totally unaware and/or ignoring an area of great public interest, which has been sadly out of control for a very long time and continues to run amok unabated: that being the death/damage caused by and/or associated with the casual and/or inappropriate prescribing/dispensing/using/selling of animal drugs by veterinarians and other animal health care providers, assumed to be primarily due to a lack of full disclosure of the known risks/side effects by the drug industry and FDA.

You state: " We do our best to work on those issues that cause the highest level of suffering in the largest number of animals. These decisions are not easy to make, but we simply cannot make every single animal issue a priority. In the thousands of calls, letters, and emails that I have answered, yours is the first that I have heard about Rimadyl."

and also: "Ultimately, the number of animals killed or otherwise harmed by Rimadyl is a small number compared to those animals harmed by puppy mills, the pet overpopulation, dog fighting, abuse and neglect, or any of the other issues that are our top concerns." For me, personally, these two statements impact me in the same manner as: "I was only following orders" and the similarities of attitude are clear and both unacceptable and painfully unbearable; certainly not in keeping with the HSUS claims of compassion.

I totally support the positions/stands you and HSUS have taken on the issues your organization has chosen to become involved in, i.e. the puppy mills, the pet overpopulation, dog fighting, abuse and neglect via "the millions of dogs that are euthanized in shelters annually, and the animals that are beaten, shot, left out in the cold (or heat), chained up, or abandoned. ", but "saving" them only to then introduce the ones that are saved to ultimately then suffer a needless and horrific death due to Rimadyl, or other dangerous drugs, appears very counterproductive and shortsighted to me, notwithstanding their apparent "statistical insignificance" in the eyes of your organization, HSUS.

The very statement of this being the first e-mail you've ever had regarding RIMADYL should be a clue that "something's missing" from the "big picture", and to state: "Ultimately, the number of animals killed or otherwise harmed by Rimadyl is a small number compared to those animals harmed by puppy mills, the pet overpopulation, dog fighting, abuse and neglect, or any of the other issues that are our top concerns." leads me to believe that you do have some knowledge that there's a problem with RIMADYL, and/or other animal drugs, but that it isn't of sufficient "statistical" significance to bother taking a look at - every life should be of value and worthy of protection, particularly if one is going to continue to claim that they are dedicated to "Promoting the protection of all animals".

As the address you sign off with at the bottom of your e-mail is Washington, D.C., hopefully you are aware of what's taking place regarding the currently ongoing investigations and scandals surrounding the drug industry, the FDA and the issues of undisclosed drug risks/side-effects, etc. on "humans/people". It would be very naive to assume that it's not happening on an even larger scale with "animals". The FDA/CVM "statistics" generated by ADE [adverse drug event] reports, which they admit are barely the tip of the iceberg, can be found at their website as well as at some of the sites listed below for you.

EVEN IF your organization was interested in Rimadyl-related issues, I would certainly not expect you to drop everything and take on my personal case, but IF your organization is dedicated to protecting 'all' animals, I hope you'll consider at least getting "educated" on RIMADYL, and the other dangerous animal drugs, and be able to provide animal lovers who visit your website and/or contact HSUS with more than a referral to a one-sided informational site for the drug company that makes their money from these products.

In the event you have any interest in learning more about the "big picture", I am providing you with websites to visit:

IMPORTANT LINKS:

http://www.aligus.com

http://www.dogsadversereactions.com , http://home.insightbb.com/~e.murray/index.html

http://www.thepetguardian.com

http://www.srdogs.com

http://www.vetabusenetwork.com

And, of course, you are certainly more than welcome to visit my website as well: http://rimadyldeath.com. I will assume that if I do not hear any more from your organization, HSUS, on this matter that it's due to the "statistical insignificance" of these animals lives.

Ginger Sanchez

e-Mail [ONLY]: GingerLSanchez@aol.com

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