Dog Chicken Jerky Treat Lawsuits Filed Over Pet Deaths, Injuries

A number of dog owners are claiming that contaminated chicken jerky treats from China sickened or killed their pets, resulting in lawsuits against Nestle Purina and several large retail stores that sold the products.

About 1,000 dogs have reportedly been injured or died after eating the treats, according to a report by NBC News. The products in question are Waggin’ Train and Canyon Creek Ranch, brands produced by Nestle Purina, and Milo’s Kitchen Home-style Dog Treats, produced by the Del Monte Corporation.

Dog owners from eight states have filed lawsuits, including Dennis Adkins of Illinois, who alleges that his 9-year-old Pomeranian, Cleo, died in March after eating Waggin’ Train “Yam Good” dog treats produced by Nestle Purina Pet Care Co. In another case, Maria Higginbotham, of Washington, said that Chik n’ Biscuit dog treats sickened her two rat terriers, Bandit, 3, and Kali, 8. In other reports, Dwayne and Kaiya Holley of New York, said that Waggin’ Train Yam Good treats bought from Wal-Mart led to the death of their of their 5-year-old Yorkshire terrier, Bootsie, in March. The terrier, the Holleys say, died from kidney failure.

Chinese Dog Jerky Treats Cause International Concern

Problems associated with pets consuming the chicken jerky dog treats has been an issue since November 2011, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about reports of dog illnesses associated with the treats made in China.

The FDA warned that it has seen an increase over the last year in the number of complaints it received of dog illnesses associated with consumption of chicken jerky products imported from China. These complaints have been reported to FDA by dog owners and veterinarians, and the agency indicated that it is working to determine why these products are associated with illness in dogs.

To date, scientists have not been able to determine a definitive cause for the reported illnesses. FDA continues extensive chemical and microbial testing but has not identified a contaminant. Results of inspections from the Chinese plants have not been released, and the agency has indicated that teting has not identified any problems with the treats.

The U.S. is not alone in their concerns about the dog treats produced in China. According to the Australian Ventinary Association (AVA), in late 2008 Sydney veterinary specialists began treating small and medium-sized dogs with unexplained acquired Fanconi-like syndrome. Signs included lethargy, loss of appetite vomiting, polyuria and polydipsia. 

Specialists submitted a short report to the Australian Veterinary Journal describing a suspected link with a pet food treat with ingredients sourced from China.  The AVA later issued a press release encouraging pet owners to keep an eye on their pets if they fed their dogs KraMar Supa Naturals Chicken Breast Strips.  They added, “While no definite cause has been proven, KraMar’s voluntary recall was the best course of action under the circumstances while we investigate further to try and find the answers.”

In response, the makers of the treat, the KraMar Pet Company Pty Limited, recalled the product in December of last year.

Pet owners can report complaints about a pet food product electronically through the Safety Reporting Portal or you can call your state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators.