We are a people of many races, religions, and beliefs. The encapsulated melting pot. But our single greatest attribute is our passion. Can you imagine the world without this? No love, no joy, no fashion, architecture, or giggling? I think I could live without anything else before I could give up passion.
One of the things we are most passionate about is our animals. Kids and animals they sell almost every product on t.v. (pulling out the beer commercials, although if its not boobs its dogs in them too).
SO, what happened when the slugs at the FDA didn't get answers or take action fast enough against chicken jerky treats that are believed to be the cause of thousands of deaths and illnesses in dogs and cats?. Well, in the USA a few people decided to take action and help pets. They invoked their First Amendment right and opened their mouth and took action. They posted warning labels on jerky products that are still sitting on shelves for sale in stores.
I LOVE IT!!
It may not be completely legal, nor welcomed in the stores that are being paraphernalia-ized, but the intent is so spot on, and so clearly centered on protecting pets that I want to give a big high five AND thumbs up to the Animal Parents Against Food and Pet Treats Made in China for having the gumption, passion, and follow through to help those who cannot help themselves.
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| Animal Parents Against Pet Treats and Food Made in China applied warning cards to pet treats at BJ's Wholesale Club Read More: http://supermarketnews.com/center-store/pet-activists-distribute-jerky-warnings-shelf#ixzz2jz8frH9L Photo courtesy SN Supermarket News, Julie Gallagher |
Ok, the official advice of this vet is;
- Buy products made in the USA, with all USA ingredients.
- Buy from a large, established pet food manufacturer.
- Follow the AVMA Pet food Recall and Alert page.
- Seek veterinary attention if you believe your pet is sick.
- Call the product manufacturer, be persistent and proactive for your pets health, and the others that might have been exposed.
- Report any concerns to the FDA, use their online reporting form.
- In the event that your pet is affected be a voice, take a stand, and ask for help. I have seen many clients compensated for their pets care. I understand that it is not about the monetary compensation but it will help your pet get better and it will help the pet food industry understand how passionate we are about our pets health and safety.
Could there be a glimmer of hope that these illnesses and deaths might be less likely to recur? Hopefully. The FDA is currently proposing that all pet food manufacturers be required to meet the current Good Food Manufacturing Practices Rule and therefore be subject to higher standards and better written procedures to insure better quality control and oversight of the foods being fed to US pets.
If you have any pet related questions you can find me at Pawbly.com, where I answer questions for free, or visit me on Twitter @FreePetAdvice
