Feb 29
We Killed Your Dog But We’re Not Sorry
Apparently, it’s not illegal to make pet food from contaminated ingredients that are known to cause cancer — though it will cost you $3.1 million in lawsuit settlements, plus attorney fees.
While it might have been a temporary lapse in administration, Diamond Pet Foods neglected to test for aflatoxins in at least 12 separate shipments of grain at the Gaston, South Carolina, plant in 2005. This is not to be confused with the incident of toxic pet food manufactured with the poisonous chemical, melamine, in China during 2006.
A veterinarian made the connection to the company’s food after the puzzling death of a canine patient. It was only after the Food and Drug Administration released its own report on the incident that Diamond admitted the oversight, but was clear to point out in the settlement agreement that they didn’t do anything unlawful.
Jeffrey Thompson, Diamond’s attorney, contends that the company has “taken care of its customers since the very first day that they found out about this, and I think the settlement that we’ve entered into continues to do that.”
Typically, insurance companies request a like-kind settlement from the insured to balance risk. Around 1,200 claimants have filed suit, demanding compensation for veterinary bills, recalled food, and of course, the death of their furry companions. You can’t put a meaningful price on friendship, but a sincere apology would certainly be nice.
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February 29th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
A sincere (or even an insincere) apology is too much to ask for in this case, probably, since it would lead to being construed as an admission of guilt. It’s sad. Hopefully the insurance companies are able to help the people who have lost their pets, if Diamond won’t do it.
Jerry