LiveSmart WM Chicken/Brown Rice Recall...

http://www.smartpakcanine.com/PetFoodRecalls.aspx

LiveSmart Weight Management Chicken and Brown Rice Recall

On Friday, April 20, SmartPak initiated a voluntary recall of a single production run of the LiveSmart Weight Management Chicken and Brown Rice Dog Food.

The particular lot of food recalled included rice protein concentrate that was supplied by Wilbur-Ellis, the same company that supplied rice protein concentrate contaminated with Melamine to Natural Balance. This was the first time that our supplier purchased and used rice protein concentrate from Wilbur-Ellis. No previous lots were affected, nor do we use rice protein concentrate in any other formulas of LiveSmart dog or cat foods.

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Royal Canin CANADA Recalls...

Royal Canin Canada Recalls Additional Cat and Dog Food Due to New Toxin
April 20, 2007

These differ from the products pulled from the US.

Medi-Cal/Royal Canin Canada Voluntary Product Recall:
http://www.medi-cal.ca/
April 20, 2007 -
Medi-Cal/Royal Canin Canada Voluntary Product Recall (all date codes of):

ROYAL CANIN VETERINARY DIET CANINE EARLY CARDIAC EC
ROYAL CANIN VETERINARY DIET CANINE SENSITIVITY RC (Rice and Catfish)
ROYAL CANIN VETERINARY DIET CANINE SKIN SUPPORT SS
ROYAL CANIN VETERINARY DIET FELINE HYPOALLERGENIC HP
ROYAL CANIN VETERINARY DIET FELINE SENSITIVITY RD (Rice and Duck)

Royal Canin has discovered a new contaminant in rice gluten. This contaminant is cyanuric acid, which is chemically related to, but distinct from, melamine. Consequently, we are recalling all date codes of these dry products.
We cannot express how devastated we are to notify you of this new finding, and we offer you our sincere regrets and apologies. The steps we are taking are driven by our philosophy of putting pets first.

ALSO:

Medi-Cal Feline Dissolution Formula canned diet on April 10, 2007 because one production lot (January 08 2009) contains contaminated wheat gluten. This product is produced for Royal Canin Canada by the Menu Foods Ontario plant. Medi-Cal Feline Dissolution Formula canned diet is Royal Canin’s only wheat gluten-containing canned product.

ChemNutra CEO to Testify...

Steve Miller, CEO of ChemNutra, is scheduled to testify before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on Tuesday, April 24 at 9:30 am Eastern time.
The Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations will hold a hearing titled “Diminished Capacity: Can the FDA Assure the Safety and Security of the Nation’s Food Supply?”
ChemNutra was the middleman that sold wheat gluten containing melamine to Menu Foods and other companies. Full subcommittee schedule is here: http://energycommerce.house.gov/membios/schedule.shtml

(Note: Windows Media Player is required for all Committee video and audio Web casts.)

Royal Canin Recall...

http://www.royalcanin.us/

ROYAL CANIN SENSIBLE CHOICE® (available in pet specialty stores nationwide)

- Chicken Meal & Rice Formula Senior DRY DOG FOOD
- Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Puppy DRY DOG FOOD
- Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Adult DRY DOG FOOD
- Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Senior DRY DOG FOOD
- Rice & Catfish Meal Formula Adult DRY DOG FOOD

ROYAL CANIN VETERINARY DIET™ (available only in veterinary clinics)

- Canine Early Cardiac EC 22™
- Canine Skin Support SS21™
- Feline Hypoallergenic HP23™

ALL PRODUCTS WITH AN EXPIRATION DATE OF APRIL 19TH, 2008 ARE MADE WITHOUT CHINESE SOURCED VEGETABLE PROTEINS AND ARE SAFE.

We are taking this proactive stance to voluntarily recall these products to avoid any confusion for our customers about which Royal Canin USA products are safe and which products may be affected.

Pet owners should immediately stop feeding their pets the Royal Canin USA dry pet food products listed above. Pet owners should consult with a veterinarian if they are concerned about the health of their pet. No other Royal Canin diets are affected by this recall and CONTINUE TO BE safe for pets to eat.

In addition, Royal Canin USA will no longer use any Chinese suppliers for any of our vegetable proteins.

This decision to recall some of our dry pet food products is driven by our philosophy that the “Pet Comes First”.

Blue Buffalo Spa Select Dry Formula for Kittens Recalled...

Due to the melamine found in the Wilbur-Ellis rice protein, Blue Buffalo has recalled one production run of their Spa Select Kitten dry food marked “Best Used By Mar. 07 08 B.”
Of the 4,752 bags produced in this one run, we were able to prevent the majority from ever entering retail distribution.
FDA confirms that Blue Buffalo is one of four other companies that received this supply.
http://www.bluebuffalocompany.com/

Be Aware!

FDA April 18 Updates

FDA expands pet food recall

POSTED: 12:36 p.m. EDT, April 18, 2007

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/04/18/pet.food/index.html?section=cnn_latest

Story Highlights:

• Recall is expanded to products containing rice protein with melamine
• Previous recalled food contained wheat gluten with melamine
• Menu Foods adds one of its Natural Life brand products to the recall

"The nationwide pet food recall was expanded Wednesday to include products containing rice protein laced with melamine, a toxic agent, the Food and Drug Administration said."

What is MELAMINE:
White or colorless crystals used in the production of synthetic resins for plastic tableware and other products.
Melamine can cause mild irritation of the eyes, skin, nose and throat in humans.
Chemical linked to bladder cancer in male rats. Female rats suffered chronic inflammation of their kidneys.
Sources: OSHA, CDC



FDA: Pet Food Recall
Updated: April 18, 2007
http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/petfood.html



Update on Hill's Products:
April 18 - Update: Hill's products not affected by rice protein concentrate recall.
http://www.hillspet.com/Menu_Foods/HillsProductsNotAffectedByRiceProtein_04182007_en.htm

FDA Recalls Pets Chews

FDA Issues Health Hazard Alert for Pet Chews Due to Contamination with Salmonella...

http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01600.html

American Bullie A.B. Bull Pizzle Puppy Chew and Dog Chew (made from all American beef pizzle)

Following is a list of the affected products:

A.B. Small Chew, small, 3-4 inch
A.B. Puppy Chew, 4-6 inch
A.B. Dog Chew Medium, 6 inch
A.B. Dog Chew Large, 10 inch
A.B. Dog Chew XL, 13 inch
A.B. Dog Chew Mega, 16 inch
A.B. Dog Chew Jumbo, 26 inch

WARNING: Salmonella can potentially be transferred to people handling these pet treats, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.


Be Aware!

Natural Balance Pet Food - Further Recall

http://www.naturalbalanceinc.com/press_release.html

Venison and Brown Rice Treats for Dogs (New)
Venison and Brown Rice Canned Formula for Dogs (New)
Venison and Brown Rice Dry Food for Dogs
Venison and Green Pea Dry Food for Cats

The problem stems from melamine found in the rice protein concentrate (described by the company as rice gluten) used by Natural Balance. They confirmed that FDA testing has found melamine in the rice protein concentrate. The ingredient was produced by a US vendor, according to Natural Balance. Natural Balance recommends avoiding all rice protein in their products.

They have also confirmed that customers are reporting “a few cases” of kidney failures, which their original announcement described as “kidney problems”.

The items recalled are packaged (but not manufactured) by Diamond Pet Foods. The problem was discovered Friday and the FDA is testing all other ingredients and formulas. In the packaging process, the final food is run through Diamond Pet Foods machinery, but are overseen by Natural Balance quality assurance staff.

Natural Balance says it will reimburse the pet parents for medical expenses related to the melamine toxin.

Go to the link posted above & read the press release!

Menu Foods Updated Recall

Menu Foods Refines Recall List
http://www.menufoods.com/recall/Press%20Release%2004172007.htm
Menu Foods has previously recalled wet cat and dog food produced with adulterated wheat gluten supplied by ChemNutra Inc. Over the past several days, Menu Foods continued a detailed analysis of production records at its Emporia, Kansas, plant as part of the US Food and Drug Administration’s ongoing investigation of this adulterated wheat gluten. As a result of this work, Menu Foods advises the public:
> One additional item has been added to the recall list and is shown below
> Two additional production dates of eight varieties of pet food have been added to the recall list.
These eight varieties of pet food had previously been withdrawn from the market and should already be off the retailer shelves.
An updated list of the recalled products, including this addition, is available at the Menu Foods website at http://www.menufoods.com

Be Aware!

Homemade Recipes...

Something tasty for your dogs and cats:

http://www.cooksrecipes.com/category/pet-recipes.html

NEW PET FOOD ALERT April 17

http://www.naturalbalanceinc.com/

"We are receiving consumer complaints regarding the Venison & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food, and Venison & Green Pea Dry Cat Foods. We do not know what is wrong with the food at this time, but we have heard that animals are vomiting and experiencing kidney problems. Although the problems seem to be focused on one particular lot, as a precautionary measure, we are pulling all dates of Venison & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food and Venison & Green Pea Dry Cat Food from the shelves.
Please discontinue feeding all Venison and Brown Rice Dry Dog Food, and Venison and Green Pea Dry Cat Food."

They will continue to update their website as more information becomes available & we'll continue to update here!

Be Aware!

Retailers Urged to Check Pet Food Again...

Associated Press article:

Go to: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/P/PET_FOOD_RECALL?SITE=NYNYP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

For all the latest headlines regarding Pet Food Recall, go to Associate Press:

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/external/search.hosted.ap.org/wireCoreTool/Search?SITE=NYNYP&query=Pet%20Food%20Recall

Check this link daily!

Be Aware!

Hearing on Contaminated Pet Food

Listen to the Live Conference today:

Senate Appropriations Subcommittee -
Hearing on Contaminated Pet Food

The recent recall of contaminated pet food is the subject of a Sen. Appropriations Subcmte. hearing. Govt. officials, veterinarians and industry experts discuss the role of the Food & Drug Admin. in the inspection process and whether regulations need to be updated. Sen. Herbert Kohl (D-WI) chairs the hearing.4/12/2007: WASHINGTON, DC: 2 hr. 3 min.: C-SPAN

Go to: http://www.c-span.org/search/basic.asp?ResultStart=1&ResultCount=10&BasicQueryText=Pet+Food+REcall

Canadian Pet Food Recall...

Menu Foods voluntarily recalls additional pet food made with ChemNutra wheat gluten

TORONTO, April 10 /PRNewswire/ - Prompted by reports from the US Foodand Drug Administration as to the presence of melamine in cans of cuts andgravy pet food produced in Menu Foods' Canadian production facility, MenuFoods undertook an accounting of all recalled wheat gluten supplied byChemNutra Inc. to Menu Foods in the United States. As the result of that review, Menu Foods has identified a singleinterplant transfer of the ChemNutra supplied wheat gluten, shipped fromMenu Foods' plant in Emporia, Kansas, to its plant in Streetsville,Ontario. This wheat gluten was subsequently used in the production of petfood in December, 2006 and January, 2007, which is being recalled by MenuFoods. The new varieties in the United States and Canada have been added tothe recall list. The latest recall group is listed below, and a completelist of recalled products, including the new items can be reviewed athttp://www.menufoods.com/.

ALSO...

Three great dogs who never had a home of their own are in need...

>>> URGENT <<<

Having exhausted all of the usual channels, we -- I need to reach out to everyone on behalf of Rhett, Ruby & Rose.

They were rescued late last year. They had been living on some property owned by a pipeline company. The employees took up a collection from time to time to buy them dog food and the night watchman befriended them and tried to teach them the basics - sit, down, stay (they know sit anyway). But about the time the weather turned really cold and snowy (was it November? December?) a neighbor got annoyed with them and started shooting at them. We rescued them and managed to place them with Paws In The City. PITC has been boarding them since -which is very, very, very expensive. They're having trouble finding foster homes and every group I know is saying adoptions are slow - PITC can't afford to keep boarding them and their other options are slim. Ok, their options are none!

Do you know ANYONE who could foster one, two, or three of them? I've tried all the groups, my friends and contacts, and anyone I think might help to no avail. They are on our website (http://www.companionsforife.org/) and in our newsletter and on My Space. All they need is to learn the basics - how to walk on a leash, crate training, what toys are, etc. They love people and they love other dogs. The male is a little shy, but considering the amount of buckshot in his backside I think I can understand that! They're eager to learn, and once they do, they can be adopted out through PITC. They are SO close to being ready for permanent homes - so very, very close!! Also, they do have heartworms but I have a private donor willing to pay 100% of their heartworm treatment. Can you imagine never having had a real home? Please forward this to anyone you know who might be able to help. For more info, email info@companionsforlife.org.

"If all the beasts were gone, man would die from loneliness of spirit,

for what happens to the beast happens to the man."
--Chief Seattle

Jacksonville Humane Society Needs Help...

www.jaxhumane.org

The tragic fire started just before 2 a.m. Saturday, April 7. The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department's firefighters faced 30-foot flames in order to save animals.
It has been reported that all but two of the dogs were rescued, but many of the cats did not make it out as the roof caved in directly over the cattery. Fire investigators said it appeared the fire was accidental and began in the laundry room.

Leona Sheddon Speaks
"Knowing that animals that were here in our care died in our care in a no-kill shelter breaks our heart," executive director Leona Sheddon said. Sheddon added that about 200 animals were in the shelter when the fire broke out.
She praised the fire department for saving as many lives as they did. "We thank ever so much the extra effort the fire department made in saving all the animals they could. In fact, several firefighters suffered injuries in saving animals, and certainly they are heroes to us."

If you can help - please visit their website for the latest information www.jaxhumane.org

...Thank You

Pet Food Recall Update

ASPCA: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals:
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=recall

ALSO: Be sure to check the following news articles...

CNN:
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/04/05/pet.chews/index.html

Wal Mart Pet Food Recalled:
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/P/PET_FOOD_RECALL?SITE=NYNYP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

ChemNutra:
http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/chemnutra04_07.html

Homemade Pet Food?
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/H/HOMEMADE_PET_FOOD?SITE=NYNYP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Pet Food News:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17967533/

Be Aware!

Pet Food Recall Update!

RECALL OF PET FOOD INFORMATION
As of March 31, 2007

PLEASE READ!!

American Medical Veterinary Association
http://www.avma.org/aa/menufoodsrecall/default.asp

Hill’s Pet Nutrition (Science Diet – Hill’s Prescription Diet)
http://www.hillspet.com/zSkin_2/index.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474395182112&bmUID=1175394758218

Menu Foods Recall Information
http://www.menufoods.com/recall/

Menu Foods: Cat Products Recall
http://www.menufoods.com/recall/product_cat.html

Menu Foods: Dog Products Recall
http://www.menufoods.com/recall/product_dog.html

Menu Foods: FAQ re: Recall
http://www.menufoods.com/recall/FAQ_Consumer.htm

Nestlé Purina PetCare Company
http://www.purina.com/

http://www.haveaheartforpets.org

CEUs and Red Dogs

The Texas Animal Control Association is now offering CEUs to certified animal control officers attending Top Dog Speaker Series events! This is a huge step forward for our Top Dog program and is surely responsible for the long waiting list for this month's event!





Also, we have a new featured pet(s). Ruby, Rose, and Rhett have never had a home of their own. They scraped out a living on some property owned by a pipeline company until recently when Paws In The City stepped in. But PITC doesn't have any available foster homes and Ruby, Rose and Rhett are languishing in a commercial boarding facility.




All these friendly, happy, wonderful pooches need is a foster home to help teach them the basics - what it's like to be indoors, how to ride in a car, the joy of playing with toys and the peace of a place where they are loved. Please check out the Featured Pet page on our website to learn more about these three very special dogs!