Pet-food recall: Pet Connection database down
By Gina Spadafori
April 6, 2007
- If you have a sick pet or a question on your pet’s health, call your veterinarian.
- If you’re new to the site, please check out our general information page (includes links to recalled foods).
- If you’d like suggestions on what to feed, click here.
- If you want to report a sick or deceased pet, click here.
- If you want to know what you can do, please read our call to action
- If you want to read all our recall-related blog posts, click here.
Looks as if someone got to our PetConnection database last night, since the numbers didn’t change overnight and test entries can’t be added this morning.
All entries prior to the tampering are safe, and the Black Dog guys are looking at the problem. I suspect we may never recover entries made in the last 12 hours or so, but prior entries are saved and we’ll be able to accept future ones soon.
Update: The Black Dog guys say [tech-babble-babble-babble-I-don't-get-babble-tech-babble], and the database is safe, including the recent entries. All will be fixed within a few hours. And by the way, Black Dog Studios is named for a dog, a black one, of course. I’ve put his puppy picture up, even though he’s almost three years old now. Henry is Director of PR and Marketing at Black Dog.
Also: Can I get some help from you all? E-mail me links for the morning news round-up. Anything from last night forward, including the AC360 transcript, news articles, etc. Put in the subject field, “4/6 newswrap” and e-mail to me. Christie and I are both swamped with deadlines for other projects this morning (my book editor is running out of patience!), and I could use the help. So go be a Web crawler for us and e-mail me the links. I’ll get a news wrap-up posted ASAP.
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|Technorati Tags: pet food recall, dogs, cats,veterinarian, veterinary
If this is the result of tampering, I would like to know who is trying to prevent the numbers from being heard. More attempts to sweep this recall under the rug?
Comment by CatLady — April 6, 2007 @ 8:31 am
I guess I’m not as conspiracy-minded as some. Personally, I’d put it to a teen hacker trying to strut his/her stuff. But who knows?
In any case … we’ll get it up and running ASAP, and all the previous entries are safe.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — April 6, 2007 @ 8:33 am
Better have Black Dog back up constantly all information on this site. Double and triple back it. Probably have but I’m not surprised some cracker or hackers might try to take this place out who are working for you know who. Beef up the firewalls. Big Time. I’m surprised there hasn’t been denial of service attacks on this site to be quite honest.
Comment by Steve — April 6, 2007 @ 8:37 am
Comment by Gina Spadafori — April 6, 2007 @ 8:33 am
Gina there is no conspiracy. Cyber attacks are not uncommon. Unethical people try to do this stuff to websites all the time they don’t like.
Get everything backed up ASAP today.
Comment by Steve — April 6, 2007 @ 8:39 am
Unbelievable!
Comment by Linda — April 6, 2007 @ 8:41 am
Unbelievable!
Comment by Linda — April 6, 2007 @ 8:41 am
Not really.
Cyber officials: Chinese hackers attack ‘anything and everything’
BY Josh Rogin
Published on Feb. 13, 2007
http://www.fcw.com/article9765.....rintLayout
Comment by Steve — April 6, 2007 @ 8:46 am
Thanks for the suggestion. We’ve backed up everything, just in case. We also had a little suspicious activity yesterday — maybe a trial run? — and changed all the passwords.
Before this started, our passwords were pretty easilly “guessable” if you knew us (names of our pets, of course!). Now, we have to refer to a piece of paper to enter them ourselves, they’re so complicated.
Goes with the territory, I guess. :)
Comment by Gina Spadafori — April 6, 2007 @ 9:01 am
How interesting.
Comment by Pamela J. Betz-Baron — April 6, 2007 @ 9:03 am
I’l agree with Josh,
that was my 1st.thought..
if i was a lackey (as they’r refered to by my russian friends)i’d want to stop you? whose
got the most to lose from the revelation of
dirty business?
Comment by johnypaycut — April 6, 2007 @ 9:04 am
Comment by Gina Spadafori — April 6, 2007 @ 9:01 am
Read that article I posted. Also be aware if this is a slow and low approach from someone who is hostile to this Web Site and setting us up for a surprise, things could get more sophisticated. If they hacked in last night and have access, its EXTREMELY SERIOUS.
Anyway whoever it is now knows we are on to them. Wherever they are.
Comment by Steve — April 6, 2007 @ 9:09 am
Steve I figured it might be Chinese hackers but I didn’t want to type in the words.
Comment by Linda — April 6, 2007 @ 9:10 am
Qui bono? That’s Italian investigative lingo for “Who profits?”. Who’s been reporting 16 pet deaths since the start of this toxic meltdown and has an incentive to see this database disappear?
Comment by Sandro — April 6, 2007 @ 9:12 am
Comment by Sandro — April 6, 2007 @ 9:12 am
Yes indeed Sandro. Amazing they may be taking this route forgetting that experienced and expert investigators and law experts happen to be pet lovers too.
Comment by Steve — April 6, 2007 @ 9:22 am
I would move the sql database backup off the hosting computer completely and keep it totally separate somewhere safe. And backup regularly.
I frequent a domain talk forum and the number one by far problem is Asian hackers trying to steal creditcard numbers. Many registrars have blacklisted most of these offending countries.
Comment by Gary — April 6, 2007 @ 9:27 am
Best bet is to back up this entire site since March 16 onto a completely separate system or removable media just to be safe. Or have it backed up to server who specializes in this kind of security.
Comment by Steve — April 6, 2007 @ 9:28 am
Comment by Gary — April 6, 2007 @ 9:27 am
You and I think alike Gary. You beat me to it.
Comment by Steve — April 6, 2007 @ 9:29 am
Also make sure the programs have the lastest release, as they are constantly finding weak spots in the previous code.
Comment by Gary — April 6, 2007 @ 9:30 am
LOL Steve!
Comment by Gary — April 6, 2007 @ 9:31 am
I like your backuping the entire site better Steve, that way, all you have to do is re-upload it.
Comment by Gary — April 6, 2007 @ 9:33 am
Comment by Gary — April 6, 2007 @ 9:31 am
Your Hired. Could be a subtle warning shot also. A hint or message someone is trying to get across.
However this is no time to take chances.
When do criminal investigations begin into this scandal?
Comment by Steve — April 6, 2007 @ 9:35 am
Actually it wouldn’t hurt to report this hack attempt to the proper authorities. Cyber Crimes Division. Just so it’s on record.
Comment by Steve — April 6, 2007 @ 9:40 am
Well I suppose if a criminal has enough money and clout, they can buy almost anything - including hackers.
Comment by Linda — April 6, 2007 @ 9:44 am
Comment by Steve “Actually it wouldn’t hurt to report this hack attempt to the proper authorities. Cyber Crimes Division. Just so it’s on record.”
Now that, is sound advice.
Comment by Sandro — April 6, 2007 @ 9:44 am
Comment by Linda — April 6, 2007 @ 9:44 am
Thats right. Were in the big time now. The Big Leagues.
Comment by Steve — April 6, 2007 @ 9:45 am
The FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center have set up a clearinghouse for triaging cyber crime complaints called the Internet Crime Complaint Center, or IC3.
http://www.ic3.gov/
Comment by Steve — April 6, 2007 @ 9:51 am
Steve,
Boy this is the scariest thing I’ve come across in years!
Comment by Linda — April 6, 2007 @ 9:57 am
Yes, I would report the hack attempt and also the webhost can usually do tweaks on their end. I know the domain registrars block certain IP numbers from offending countries.
Comment by Gary — April 6, 2007 @ 9:59 am
Here’s a new link to add.
The ASPCA has their newest addition to this
http://www.aspca.org/site/Page.....name=press 040507
Comment by Peg — April 6, 2007 @ 10:16 am
Hysterical pet owner that I am, I do not think this attack was random.
I do, however, think that this attack on the database might be good news, means we have struck a nerve.
And the attack is also newsworthy and that fact can be used to get the story out there.
By all means inform the cybercrimes units. Don’t expect a lot of help but do the notification.
Hang in there.
Comment by E. Hamilton — April 6, 2007 @ 10:58 am
To Whom It May Concern:
Please add Natural Life Pet products to your safe list of foods!
Natural Life chose to send all our formulas to an outside laboratory for testing as a precautionary step to ease the minds of customer and vendors.
We tested for unknown toxins, Aminopterin, and Melamine. All test results were negative!!!
This information will be published in a press release and be available on our website later today/early Monday.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Kaleb Terlip
Chief Operating Officer
Natural Life Pet Products
terlipk@nlpp.com
1-800-367-2391
Comment by Kaleb Terlip — April 6, 2007 @ 11:13 am
Comment by E. Hamilton — April 6, 2007 @ 10:58 am
These attacks can be traced to a location so it’s going to be interesting to see where this originated from. As well any further attempts.
Comment by Steve — April 6, 2007 @ 11:36 am
Let the games begin.
I posted last night that links to info should not, repeat NOT be posted here, until the page is saved and archived.
This site and others are sure to be watched, it is how scammers know what to hide , or delete, and what we are up against is no better than scammers.
I wondered what little treat we would get for Friday, guess we know now, huh?
Comment by E. Hamilton — April 6, 2007 @ 11:52 am
links to info should not, repeat NOT be posted here, until the page is saved and archived.
Comment by E. Hamilton — April 6, 2007 @ 11:52 am
Exactly. Just taking a link to an unknown source can be high risk now since it is a well known fact that can launch trouble.
Comment by Steve — April 6, 2007 @ 12:06 pm
I am trying to keep track of when symptoms occurred. Some animals have (self-reported, I know) become sick or died after minimal exposure. Others have reported many cans/pouches eaten then all of a sudden there are problems.
Others have the food in their possession and believe to have fed it to pets with no symptoms showing.
This information if correct, points strongly to an additive placed into the recipe at the manufacturing plant. No?
Comment by DeeAnn — April 6, 2007 @ 12:09 pm
Comment by DeeAnn — April 6, 2007 @ 12:09 pm
Hard to say at this point. It seems we are dealing more with a French Connection like scenario then we are an honest and transparent distribution system with the appropriate legal checks and balanced installed along the route.
Comment by Steve — April 6, 2007 @ 12:20 pm
Can we get more information on the size/weight of pets from people and compile a definitive database?
I do not want a cover up to take place, in other words for Menu Foods (and the others) to place blame somewhere else if that is not the case.
I am trying to keep track of when symptoms occurred. Some animals have (self-reported, I know) become sick or died after minimal exposure. Others have reported many cans/pouches eaten then all of a sudden there are problems.
Others have the food in their possession and believe to have fed it to pets with no symptoms showing.
This information if correct, points strongly to an additive placed into the recipe at the manufacturing plant. No?
Comment by DeeAnn — April 6, 2007 @ 12:21 pm
Yes, it does DeeAnn. I am really starting to think most of our pets have some level of toxin or poison in them. I think Lois mentioned this a few days ago. I also think this has been going on longer than we are being told.
Comment by Jackie — April 6, 2007 @ 12:23 pm
GOD, I miss my BABY GIRL, my cat 13 who died of kidney failure Feb. 17th/07 her body is not buried yet till the Spring.. I have panic attacks.. I Cry all the time.. plus I’m wooried about the GRAVity of this Situaltion.. a 911 for our Furry Babies/ and Families.. I miss her so so much.. LETS Get to the Bottom of this.. Our loving Pets Deserves positive chanes ,answers, and justice.. and Healing.. Now!!
God Bless..
Comment by kelly — April 6, 2007 @ 12:24 pm
Kelly, (((((HUGS)))) to you.
Comment by DeeAnn — April 6, 2007 @ 12:27 pm
That leads to another question. . .has toxicology tests been done on pets that have eaten the tainted food, but who are not in renal failure? So far, it doesn’t sound like we can even determine at what level the melamine becomes toxic, right?
Comment by Jackie — April 6, 2007 @ 12:30 pm
What about the conficasted shipments on hold right now. FDA, tell us are the melamine crystals in that raw product?
If not, did it get adulterated after entry but before delivery to the pet food companies?
We want/need answers.
Comment by DeeAnn — April 6, 2007 @ 12:32 pm
Comment by DeeAnn — April 6, 2007 @ 12:32 pm
Well if there is any integrity left in the process they will wait for a full report from the culprits. If in fact the FDA is holding contaminated product and the company under scrutiny supplies flimsy reports, that may be all they need for a criminal investigation. And any other steps that are appropriate to insure this stuff doesn’t sneak around the established protocols of international shipping. Bottom line is China has them a major credibility crisis.
Comment by Steve — April 6, 2007 @ 12:43 pm
Cuddles was on the kithchen floor by her food very very very weak.. the day before I noticed shewas getting sick here and there, yelloe bile.. peeing, drinking more water.. I gave her a shower, and she didn’t struggle like normal, then, I blowed her fur dry.. and didn’t run away.. I was concerned.. the next morning her fur was more matt. I guess she did not prune herself to make her fur fluffy.. I left for a few hrs the nshe was on the floor.. I panicked called a freind.. I took the day oof work, I held her on the floor all night, then took her to bed by 10: am dhe had a seizure and died..I prayed and Cried and cried.. my only family with me she’s all I had.. she also had some blood/foam from her mouth.. she tried to walk and couldn’t..the yellow bile.. she loved wet pet food.. But 3 days earlier she was jumping on the couch,chasing a ball, then 3 days later.. seizure and died.. NOT FAir Let’s please please Get to the bottom of this.. I miss my Cuddles with All my Heart&Soul..
god bless;
Love Kelly
I made front page news with this story..
the media wanted to HELP
Comment by kelly B — April 6, 2007 @ 12:45 pm
Kelly, sorry to hear of your loss.
My heart goes out to you.
This may sound hard and please forgive me but do you still have your Cuddles body? Am I reading that correctly?
If you do have the body, and are willing, maybe you can help a lot of pets and pet parents.
Make the loss of your pet mean something besides pain, maybe turn it into hope.
Would you be willing to do that?
The news story, what paper, where?
Kelly, please let us help you and help us get these jerks.
Do NOT, DO NOT post your contact info here , but if you are willing to help we can work out some sort of way to get our emails to each other and I will pay to have Cuddles shipped to a testing facility and returned to you ready for burial or cremation.
I am sorry to have to be so blunt , in your time of grief, but this may be a chance that we can’t pass up.
Comment by E. Hamilton — April 6, 2007 @ 2:59 pm