Pet-food recall: Too little, too late from the HSUS
By Gina Spadafori
April 18, 2007
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The Humane Society of the United States just now (11 a.m. PT) sent me a media release dated yesterday about their new pet-food recall hotline. Geez, and we thought the media was slow to react! That release isn’t yet on the HSUS Web site, and the only other one they’ve sent out was on March 29.
Call the new hotline — 1-800-HUMANE-1 — and you have to listen to a recorded message from the top dog at HSUS before you can get any information. After hearing how concerned the HSUS is, and how hard they’re working, you can choose from several options. Option No. 1 goes to “current” information on the recall. As of this writing, that was last updated six days ago.
Check out their assets on Charity Navigator. Don’t you think they could find some money to do something better than this? C’mon HSUS! You can do better than this, and you should have been doing so, all along.
I hate to criticize charities, and the HSUS has some good work over the years. But this isn’t on their Greatest Hits list — although I bet it pops up in fund-raising letters, nonetheless.
I’ve been extremely disappointed with the lack of interest many animal groups have shown in this issue, with the ASPCA the notable exception.
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The Humane Society has been off my list for charity just because of the inaction and late reponse.
Also not too thrilled that they could not find someone to get up and say that the 16 deaths STILL being reported was inaccurate and insulting.
Saw the 16 deaths today, reported as a fact, yet again.
Sigh.
Comment by E. Hamilton — April 18, 2007 @ 12:24 pm
I’ve been wondering the same thing about HSUS. Their size, their instant-recognition is what’s good about them - they have the power to get people’s attention and make changes, especially legislative ones. So where have they been for the past month? Maybe they’ll step up to the plate now and be involved - the way they should have been from the beginning.
Comment by cerridwen — April 18, 2007 @ 12:32 pm
I’m not only disappointed in the lack of concern of the charities, (and the newsmedia) but just people in general that I meet. They act as if all is fine in their pet world - and I think the sky is falling - go figure.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 18, 2007 @ 12:32 pm
Linda MS - everything is fine in their pet world, because ignorance is bliss.
I’d rather know, and think the sky is falling.
Comment by Marcy — April 18, 2007 @ 12:35 pm
Well, here’s a pet food retailer that seems to be taking this situation seriously: Waggin Tails. I get their email newsletter, and I just got a very long message from them on the recall - not the first one I’ve received, either. Here’s an excerpt:
What is safe to feed?
After reviewing all information around both the Menu Foods recall, as well as this weeks Natural Balance recall, we are left to try and answer the question of “What IS safe to feed our pets?” This is not an easy thing to answer with complete certainty. Our opinion of this situation is that the pet food industry has been without scrutiny far too long. As these events continue to unfold, we do believe that the manufacturers with a total commitment to quality and safety will come out on top. Those whose commitment is less than that, will not. We go back to what we said in our first email, which is that this is a result of economy minded manufacturers sourcing economy ingredients. We have been forced to make a lot of decisions around what products we feel comfortable carrying and which we do not. Again, not easy, but based on information to date, we feel confident in our next steps. At this point, here is our position on what we refuse to sell.
1. We will not sell foods using any ingredients from outside the US, with the exception of meat from New Zealand. Nothing in any of the recalls has been related to meat source, so we feel confident in this part of our decision.
2. We will not sell foods made outside the US 3. We will not sell foods made at Menu Foods
4. We will not sell foods made by a company that will not disclose this information.
5. We will not sell foods with any ingredients known to be suspect.
We feel that this is the appropriate next step to take with all our pet’s health and safety in mind. It will most likely not be the last step we take. Based on this decision, we have provided a list of foods that we are currently carrying below. We do invite any specific questions and ask for your patience in response. The level of communication is at a volume that is far beyond our current capabilities. We will continue to update you with any new information about the recall or regarding decisions we make about the products we carry.
Sincerely,
John Gigliotti President and Founder
Waggintails.com
Current List of Food Products Sold At Waggin Tails
Abady-All products
Artemis-All products
Avo Derm-All products, except Avo Select Cuts feline formulas
Back to Basics-All products
Blue Buffalo-All products
Bravo-All products
ByNature Organics dry and canned only-not pouches
California Natural-Dry products only
Canidae-All products
Canine caviar-All products
Chicken Soup-All products
Dr. Harveys-All products
Eagle-Dry products only
Evo-Dry products only
Felidae-All products
Fromm-Dry Food Only
Honest Kitchen-All Products
Innova-Dry products only
Merrick-All Products
Nature’s Variety-Dry products only
Newman’s Own Organics-Dry products only Pinnacle-Dry products only
Premium Edge-All products
Red Barn-All products
Sojourner Farms-All products
Solid Gold-All products
Steve’s Real Food-All products
Tripett-All products
Timberwolf Organics-All products
Wellness-Dry products only
Wysong-dry products with the exception of some cans not made at Menu Foods
http://www.waggintails.com/
Comment by cerridwen — April 18, 2007 @ 12:40 pm
I’ve been wondering since back in March why the major animal welfare groups have been either silent or tragically late in jumping on board this issue. I disagree that the ASPCA has been a notable exception in their coverage of this pet food scandal. They were VERY late to send out any alerts at all and even later in providing updates on their website. In the first two weeks of the recall, about all you could find on their website was a blurb for people to call their poison control center for information — for a charge of $55.00!!!
I wrote the following post regarding the lack of action by our animal welfare agencies on March, 26, 2007 — TEN days after the first recall was announced:
Tell me why–please, help me understand–why the folks at the ASPCA, the HSUS, Pasado Safe Haven and all the other organizations whose jobs it is to protect and serve the animals–WHY they are doing seemingly very little, or in some cases, absolutely nothing, to help spread the word to uninformed pet parents about this food recall? Why aren’t they pounding on the Associated Press’ doors, demanding accurate news reporting? Why aren’t they plastering info and daily updates on the recall on their website’s homepages, to help keep this crisis alive and in the forefront so that corporate lawyers and media shills (like the AP) cannot succeed in burying it by continuing to under-report the facts (”15 confirmed deaths” ?!!!!)? At the very LEAST, why hasn’t the ASPCA sent out one of their routine email alerts about the food recall? Four months ago, they let us know about the dangers of poinsettias. Three months ago they warned us of the poisonous potential of xylitol. And, just last month, they alerted us to the recall of peanut butter and Wild Kitty raw food -– even though no pet deaths had been reported from either.
So why, then, have there been no ASPCA email alerts about this recall? Why is there ZERO mention of it on the ASPCA’s animal poison control webpage? Why is the ONLY mention of the recall on the ASPCA’s homepage confined to a very small, obscure reference, placed, as they say, below-the-fold on their webpage? Check out the HSUS’ webpage and any reference to the recall is even more obscure. Check out Pasado’s webpage and you’ll find NOT ONE WORD. Ditto for Cesar Milan’s Dog Psychology Center webpage and Animal Planet’s, too. Zip, nada, nothing.
How do these people–the people who put greed for donations, sponsorships and advertising dollars over the lives of the very animals they claim to serve -– how do they sleep at night? Their inexcusable silence is contributing, no doubt, to yet more senseless harm and death to our pets. They won’t be getting any more of my hard-earned dollars, not one dime, until they step up to the plate and start doing their jobs… IF they ever do. Even my own local humane society shelter is guilty of doing nothing to help inform the pet parents in our community. I am so disappointed, disappointed in each and every one of them.
Comment by Nikki — April 18, 2007 @ 12:49 pm
In all fairness to the Humane Society, I believe they have enough to do taking care of so many unwanted animals. Those animals are there because of irresponsible pet owners that do not spay or neuter their animals and let them run wild. I don’t think this is their job. Please support your local Humane Society, you are really supporting the animals. Do your part and they wouldn’t have to do what you get so upset about. No, I don’t work for them. I have just adopted many pets through them.
Comment by SMITH111 — April 18, 2007 @ 12:56 pm
The Humane Society of the United States has nothing to do with your local shelter. “Humane Society” is a generic label, as is “SPCA.”
Local shelters go CRAZY when people tell them, “I already gave to you,” when in fact they gave to a national organization thinking there was an affiliation. There’s not.
The HSUS does assist shelters with various programs, but your local Main Street Humane Society is not a local franchise of the HSUS.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — April 18, 2007 @ 1:21 pm
The Humane Society had the media recognition and did not bother to use it.
It is not MY job to research food contamination and pull tainted pet food off the store shelf BUT I DID IT.
Gina, this is not her job either, but she did it.
How many others DID something? Sadly, the Humane Society made the choice to remain silent.
The Humane Society is OFF my list and will not get another dime from me.
They could have stepped up, they did NOT!
This situation is make or break.
The Humane Society showed their true colors and shame on them.
Comment by E. Hamilton — April 18, 2007 @ 1:28 pm
cerridwen,
I appreciate that someone is making an attempt to say OUT LOUD where they are drawing the line between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ pet food. For those of us who are not vets and who are not food scientists or animal nutrition specialists or who have connections to such members of society, it can be helpful. It’s been very very difficult to weed through all of this non-transparency and making a decision. It has become very difficult to keep pets. I’ll think long and hard before I do it again.
Comment by Cynthia — April 18, 2007 @ 1:44 pm
In light of this my small seven year old dog who was extremely fit and healthy became sick virtually overnight eight months ago. I have been researching for several months what might have made him ill (food/shots/other) to find a root cause to be able to successfully treat him vs just trying to manage the symptoms somewhat unsuccessfully. During my research I stumbled on a book which I found interesting. I’d really like to uncover what is truly allowed in our Dog foods as this was an eye opener: “Food Pets Die for shocking facts about pet food” by Ann Martin.
Comment by AnimalLover — April 18, 2007 @ 1:51 pm
I am sure all of us have wondered about the “silence” from the “celebrity world” concerning the PET FOOD RECALL. I am not a celebrity; but I am humane, aware, and concerned pet owner.
I was in the doctor’s office just the other day looking at an OPRAH magazine cover, which contained Oprah and three beautiful white dogs. I thought to myself, “Oprah must be an animal lover. Why is she not speaking out? Is it because of sponsors, advertising, etc.?”
Betty White…remember Betty White from GOLDENGIRLS…does commercials for PET MEDS. She is a well known pet lover and activist.
I noticed on NANCY GRACE the other night there was a commercial with Sarah McLaughlin, my favorite musician, begging people to donate to the HUMANE SOCIETY. Just to watch it broke my heart, as they were rescuing abused and injured pets. However, there was no mention of the PET FOOD RECALL.
I so respect the HUMANE SOCIETY in my area, as I have donated to them. I have spoken with several foster parents, who care of animals, train them, and then give them up when an appropriate home is found. They are so dedicated, and I know these wonderful people are all over our country. I thank all of them.
As I write this, I wonder how overburdened our system truly is…how much trouble are we and our beloveds truly in? Are our pets dying and being sickened to wake up a society from its stupor of denial? Are our pets “sacrificial lambs” on a world altar of global trade?
Are these so-called celebrities afraid to speak out, due to economic repercussions? Could it be that they are so sheltered from the facts, they truly do not realize (real eyes) the truth…just what this really means…not only for our pets but for humans?
I have asked myself these questions, and I have no answers. However, I am afraid that this is just the tip of the iceberg.
I want to thank PET CONNECTION and everyone here. I want to thank all reporters, politicians, and vets, who are working to help our pets and us.
Comment by Pam Williams — April 18, 2007 @ 1:52 pm
Comment by Pam Williams — April 18, 2007 @ 1:52 pm
A lot of TV Networks and Record Labels and probably even Management Companies have been rumored to have recently introduced clauses into these Actors and Musicians contracts that holds them liable for any economic losses to the company due to what they say.
That might explain the silence.
Comment by Steve — April 18, 2007 @ 2:01 pm
Steve
re: TV, Record Labels
Maybe we’ll get lucky and they’ll muzzle their political statements, too. (Add humorous laugh here!)
I suppose if I had to choose between job and lives, well as for me, I’ve left many, many jobs while working QC. I was raised with honesty and integrity and a deep appreciation for life. During those fits of anger at the companies I’d worked for and quit, I would frequently end up living in my car. And to emphasize my love for my German Shepherd, we both spent several nights sleeping in the car during a hurricane because no one would shelter us.
Comment by Kathi — April 18, 2007 @ 2:31 pm
Note. I drove 150 miles away from hurricane.
Comment by Kathi — April 18, 2007 @ 2:33 pm
I’m driving to Berkeley to buy some TimberWolf Organics and even though it is not certified I am trying it.
I shudder to think of all the water my pets were drinking and I didn’t realize that they could have had a problem. I switched foods. My Snoopy was on green bag Innova lamb and rice and he was thirsty all the time, even in the middle of the night - he weighhs 90 lbs, and then his stools were so loose and I couldn’t get them to firm, so I started home cooking. All is fine now.
This is a terrible worry. I feel as if we have been lied to and duped and I’m afraid for them and afraid too that I may have been killing them.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 18, 2007 @ 2:39 pm
LindaMS:
You aren’t alone….we are all afraid for our pets because we are all trying our best but nobody (NOBODY but the pet food CEOs) knows what’s in these pet foods & it’s downright scary. What you think is a truly premium food today may be one of the “big five” that we’ll hear about when they get damn good & ready to tell us.
Each & every food I’ve picked lately is either made at Diamond or has pulled something sneaky by changing ingredients on their website, etc. I don’t trust anyone but my poor dog needs to eat & I need to be assured that I’m not killing her.
Comment by Jan — April 18, 2007 @ 2:51 pm
Linda,
Natura (innova maker) posted this on their site:
Rice Protein Used in Karma is 100% Safe - April 18, 2007
This is to confirm that the organic rice protein concentrate used in our Karma 95% organic formulation IS NOT PURCHASED FROM WILBUR-ELLIS, and Natura Pet Products is not one of the five pet food makers cited in the USA Today article. Natura guarantees that the organic rice protein concentrate used in Karma is not sourced from China and that it is 100% safe and absolutely free from melamine contamination.
Peter Atkins
President
Have you contacted them with your complaint about your dogs consuming so much water? Maybe they should know.
Comment by Cynthia — April 18, 2007 @ 2:54 pm
Comment by Kathi — April 18, 2007 @ 2:31 pm
Well, needless to say a couple major celebrities could give this effort a MAJOR BOOST.
I do admit though I hope it’s soon.
Comment by Steve — April 18, 2007 @ 3:01 pm
Thank you cerridwen for posting the e-mail from Waggin’ Tails. It is evident they have no more knowledge than we do, but what is also evident is their concern to present all their current information to customers in an honest, forthright, pro-active way; and I applaud their stance on what they will and will not sell. They clearly understand the seriousness of this matter, the confusion of their customers, and the importance of being as cautious as possible when feeding pets. I will remember their pro-active stance when the next time comes that I want to order pet supplies online. Sure, their e-mail is a marketing technique, but they do seem motivated to do the right thing.
If only other players in the pet food industry were as forthright! Not to mention the FDA.
As for the HSUS, ASPCA et al, I wonder if they get huge contributions every year from certain pet food companies? I would assume they benefit every year from corporate contributions and maybe they are stepping lightly so as not to offend their contributors.
Comment by JM Leong — April 18, 2007 @ 3:02 pm
I should but my dog was using the Lamb and Rice Innova the Green Bag, not Karma.
I will call. His stools were so loose, and I gave him slippery elm and pumpkin - he has had digestive issues - so I figured it was him, not his food.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 18, 2007 @ 3:04 pm
Let me tell you since I switched, Snoopy is fine, his coat is shiny and his stools are firm and he is not drinking all that water.
Gads, I’ll call them tomorrow. I threw the bag out. Never figured it was really the food. I thought he just had developed an allergy to it or something.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 18, 2007 @ 3:06 pm
Sorry, don’t mean to repeat myself. It’s just worry. Sorry.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 18, 2007 @ 3:07 pm
RE: Comment by Pam Williams — April 18, 2007 @ 1:52 pm
Just to set the record straight, the wonderful commercial about abused, neglected and shelter animals featuring Sarah McLaughlin is an ASPCA promo and NOT HSUS. Understandable mistake.
Comment by Barb — April 18, 2007 @ 3:08 pm
cerridwen:
I got the same email from waggintails…
it impressed me that they would take the time to email their customers, and have the guts to discontinue anything that they felt would be “risky.”
Not too many seem to be willing to take a stand like this right now.
Funny thing is, if they would do it…they would earn the respect of their consumers, and would take in more business. Bad marketing on their part.
I plan to keep on buying from waggintails, as long as they keep this attitude of caring about my pets and I.
Thumbs up to waggintails! :)
Comment by Marcy — April 18, 2007 @ 3:09 pm
The ONLY way I will ever believe any pet food company, or charity, or organization is for them to stand up today, ON THE TV NEWS and admit that the 16 deaths was wrong, has been wrong for weeks and is insulting to pet owners.
Get up, admit that the spin was wrong, admit that keeping silent was wrong, admit that the deaths are still going on, admit it now, today or lose any credibility FOREVER..
Use your media power to stop the dying and lying or you will wear the same brand as the killers.
THE HUMANE SOCIETY IS NO DIFFERENT FROM THE POISON SELLERS IN MY EYES!
No DIFFERENT!
Comment by E. Hamilton — April 18, 2007 @ 3:14 pm
RE: Waggin’ tails letter: Fairly impressive! And to me it’s absolutely A-OK that they’re going to get a major surge in business because they were the first on the block.
Are you getting this yet pet food companies?
Comment by CathyA — April 18, 2007 @ 4:22 pm
to clarify: The Humane Society of the United States has been providing information and updates to pet owners since the first recall announcement.
Visit http://www.hsus.org/petfoodsafety for more information and updates.
Comment by on behalf of The HSUS — April 18, 2007 @ 5:32 pm
I won’t stop contributing to my local Humane/SPCA, who are actually spending their time and money to save pets.
But as for the HSUS, they’ll never see another dime from me. They’re not cleaning kennels or placing pets - they’re sitting in a nice office. Yet it takes them a month to put up week-old information?
I’d tried to email them about it, but found out you can’t contact them via e-mail. And if you click on “pets,” there’s nothing at all about the pet food recall in their FAQ.
Yes, they have done meaningful work in the past. But their current inaction makes it hard not to think they’re less concerned about their donors’ pets’ welfare than with keeping pet food suppliers happy so they can continue to get cheap deals on potentially poisoned food.
Comment by Laura — April 18, 2007 @ 8:10 pm
Oh, and by the way, same goes for American Humane, who fill my inbox with their alerts about baby seals, but can’t be bothered with dead cats and dogs. Nice.
Comment by Laura — April 18, 2007 @ 8:12 pm