FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 14, 2012

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Ilka Daniel, Director of Animal Protective Services - (772) 388-3331 ext. 28

Janet Winikoff, Director of Education - (772) 388-3331 ext. 18

Humane Society Recommends Vigilance Concerning Dog Treats

(Vero Beach, Florida) – The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County (HSVBIRC) is asking pet owners to be on the alert after The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about Chinese-imported chicken and chicken jerky treats for dogs. Although the FDA’s warning was issued last November, The HSVBIRC only recently learned about the FDA’s concerns.

While no companies are named and no recall has taken place, The HSVBIRC is providing the link to the FDA’s Pet Food Recall list which was last updated in January and is recommending increased vigilance. Families with pets should be checking the FDA’s site regularly for any pet food or pet treat recalls or dangers. The pet food recall update page is located at: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/newpetfoodrecalls/

The following is abbreviated text from the FDA's November 2011 press release:

"The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is again cautioning consumers that chicken jerky products for dogs (also sold as chicken tenders, strips or treats) may be associated with illness in dogs. In the last 12 months, FDA has seen an increase in the number of complaints it received of dog illnesses associated with consumption of chicken jerky products imported from China."

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