Pet Food Recall: PETA Wants Dry Dog & Cat Food Tested for Rat Poison

On Friday it was determined that rat poison was found in the pet food that has been blamed for the deaths of at least 16 cats and dogs, but scientists said they still don't know how it got there and predicted more animal deaths would be linked to it.  The Associated Press reports that after the announcement, the company that produced the food expanded its recall to include all 95 brands of the 'cuts and gravy' style food, regardless of when they were produced. The company also said it would take responsibility for pet medical expenses incurred as a result of the food.

Pet Food Recall: PETA Wants Dry Dog & Cat Food Tested for Rat Poison

Now PETA has issued a press release that asks if dry food should also suspected in the poisonings and is demanding that Menu foods and Iams immediately recall all dry foods until they are tested for safety. 

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"Iams and other companies should be held responsible for the companion animal deaths if they had knowledge of the food contamination issue and refused or neglected to alert the public immediately," says PETA Vice President Bruce Friedrich. "PETA has called for investigations and, if appropriate, cruelty charges against Menu Foods in Canada and Iams in Ohio."

The release adds: Consumers are now worried that their animals may have become ill after consuming dry pet food manufactured by Menu Foods, prompting PETA to demand the company immediately recall all dry pet food products until they have been chemically tested for safety. The Seattle-based law firm that is handling a class-action lawsuit against Menu Foods has said it is receiving numerous reports from people attributing their animals' illness to dry food.

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Menu Foods, already facing lawsuits, said Friday it is testing all the ingredients that go into the food.  "We have a lot of work to do, and we are eager to get back to it," Henderson said. "This is a highly unusual substance."

When asked whether there would compensation for medical bills for sick pets, Henderson said "to the extent that we identify that the cause of any expenses incurred are related to the food, Menu will take responsibility for that."

A complete list of the recalled products along with product codes, descriptions and production dates was posted online by Menu Foods and is available here. The company also designated two phone numbers that pet owners could call for information: (866) 463-6738 and (866) 895-2708.