Congressman Phillips informed me that you are responsible for CEGE’s testimony at the upcoming congressional hearings and are the person to contact. My name is Stephanie Barlow, and I’ve been elected the lead committee member on genetically modified animals for the upcoming hearings.

Members of congress have had people in their constituencies contact them about the possibility of genetically modifying pets to reduce allergies. Some people are excited about the possibility and are encouraging their representatives to support such efforts. Others are quite concerned about tinkering with pets, either on principle or because of the potential consequences.

I believe you've already been told that one of your tasks is to prepare a presentation for us? To help us fully consider the topic, we would like you to address the following questions in your presentation:

• What is an allergy?
  
  • Why do only some people have allergic responses to certain things?
    
    
• Why are cats allergenic?
  
  
• What is the process of making hypoallergenic pets?
  
  • What genetic techniques can be used to make pets hypoallergenic?
    
  • Are there other ways to achieve the same results (e.g., selective breeding)?
    
    
• Is this safe for the animal? What side effects may there be to genetically modifying an animal?
  
  • Would there be risks to the gene pool?
    
    
• What ethics are involved in the genetic modification of animals?
  
  
• Ultimately, do you recommend genetically breeding animals to reduce allergens?

As you were probably informed, we have chosen to hear testimony on the specific example of genetically modified pets to understand the technologies and issues surrounding applications of biotechnology in regard to animals. We are still interested in the general issue of genetic modification of animals. Please plan your presentation accordingly.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Congresswoman Stephanie Barlow
R-California