Investigators: Rat poison found in recall pet food
February 2nd, 2008 Posted in Reptile PetsState officials and scientists say rat poison has been found in the food thats now killed at least 16 cats and dogs. Investigators say they found traces of the toxin “aminopterin” in pet food samples. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the substance is used as a cancer drug in the U.S., but a more powerful dose is used as a pesticide to kill rats in other countries. Investigators believe the source of the poison was wheat imported from China and used by MenuFoods in nearly 100 brands of pet food. A local pet lover, Richard Martin, believes it was the poison laced pet food from MenuFoods that killed his cat Togo. Martin says hes devastated but disappointed over what may have killed his cat. “Im the one that gave him that food,” Martin says. “He looked at me and trusted me. He ate it not knowing it was going to kill him. Its just a very awful situation to go through.” Veterinarian Byron Emswiller at Desert Dunes Animal Hospital says knowing the chemical thats making the animals sick is helpful in treating them, but also says its a scary situation. “Most of us rely on our food chain to be in good order,” Dr. Emswiller says. “And once it turns to be sour everybody begins to panic and thats what we have is a massive panic.” Federal officials are not saying how the poison got into the pet food. Many pet owners are looking to join a class action lawsuit.
Tags: amp, animal hospital, animals, cats, cats and dogs, dogs, hats, loc, love, Pet, pet food, pet lover, pet owners, sap, vet, veterinarianRelated posts
Tags: amp, animal hospital, animals, cats, cats and dogs, dogs, hats, loc, love, Pet, pet food, pet lover, pet owners, sap, vet, veterinarian
