Petco has become the first national pet specialty retailer to end sales of pet treats made in China. The decision was prompted by continuing reports of illness and deaths associated with the products.
Between 2007 an 2014, at least 5,600 dogs illnesses and 1,000 dog deaths were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The chicken, duck, or sweet potato jerky treats have also sickened 24 cats, and three people.
“As a trusted partner for pet parents, we believe this is the right thing to do, and we’re proud to take this step in the best interest of pets,” said Jim Myers, Petco CEO. “What we feed our pets matters, and this milestone supports the company’s steadfast commitment to putting our customers, partners, animals and the communities we serve first.”
Pet treats made in China will no longer be sold at Petco’s 1,300 stores or through its website. Petco has not carried any dog or cat food items from China for several years.
Discontinuing the sale of pet treats in China will allow for the expansion of safe and healthy alternatives that are made in the U.S. or in other regions around the globe, the company said.
Made in Japan was a big joke when I was a kid, but China takes first place now, and it is a tragic first place. There have been problems with pet food from China through the years , so why wasn’t something done then? Big bucks swept the issue under the proverbial rug, so now another thousand or so folks have lost their loved one.