A distressing report from CBS News in Pittsburgh has brought to light a heartbreaking incident involving a dog’s death, suspected to be linked to a newly opened bag of Kinetic Dog Food. This case raises significant questions about pet food safety, manufacturer responsibility, and the critical need for thorough investigations, particularly concerning brands like Kinetic dog food that are trusted by pet owners.
The beloved dog fell “violently ill” within 24 hours of consuming the suspect pet food. Despite receiving veterinary treatment, the animal tragically succumbed to its illness two days later. The specific Kinetic dog food product and lot number were not disclosed in the report. However, the bag of food was found to be two months past its expiration date. Interestingly, the pet owner had multiple dogs, but only the one who ate the suspect food became ill; the other dogs reportedly smelled it and walked away, a detail that hints at a potential issue beyond simple expiration.
While the expiration date was noted, experts suggest that a dry pet food being slightly past its best-by date is unlikely to be the sole cause of such severe and rapid illness. The primary concern often lies with potential contamination, improper storage leading to mold or bacterial growth, or other manufacturing issues. This incident underscores why pet owners must remain vigilant about the quality and condition of their chosen Kinetic dog food, even if it seems minimally expired.
Kinetic Pet Food’s Response: Blame, Condolences, and a Call to Destroy Evidence
In response to the tragedy, Kinetic Pet Food issued its condolences to the affected family. However, the company also directed blame towards both the distributor and supplier, stating they were responsible for not adequately monitoring stock and failing to destroy expired products. Kinetic further claimed to have terminated its relationship with these third parties.
What followed, however, has raised significant concern among pet food safety advocates. Kinetic reportedly instructed both the distributor and supplier to destroy the suspect food and provide photographic proof of its destruction. While the proper disposal of expired pet food is generally advisable, ordering the destruction of a product linked to a pet’s death before a complete investigation is highly problematic. This action risks eliminating crucial evidence that could help identify the actual cause of contamination or adulteration.
If the Kinetic dog food in question was contaminated, regulatory authorities would need to test unopened bags from the same lot to determine the exact nature of the hazard. If these bags are destroyed as requested by the manufacturer, a proper and comprehensive investigation could be severely hampered, making it impossible to ascertain what truly led to the dog’s death and prevent similar future incidents. This situation highlights a critical flaw in immediate responses to potential pet food safety crises.
Navigating Pet Food Regulations and the Power of Consumer Action
Current pet food regulations, specifically those from the FDA, require a “responsible party” to report potential contamination within 24 hours. However, the FDA primarily classifies the manufacturer as the ‘responsible party,’ meaning retailers or distributors are not legally obligated to report suspect pet food. Furthermore, there are currently no explicit regulations mandating that distributors hold suspect pet foods until proper testing can be completed. This regulatory gap can create significant challenges in conducting thorough investigations, as seen in the Kinetic dog food case.
In this specific instance, the affected pet owners have taken proactive steps by sending the suspect Kinetic dog food for independent testing. Such actions are crucial when official channels might be slow or hampered by regulatory limitations. Pet owners are strongly encouraged to file adverse event reports with both the FDA and their state’s Department of Agriculture (e.g., PA Department of Agriculture) to ensure such incidents are officially documented. These reports contribute to a larger database that can help identify patterns, trigger investigations, and potentially lead to recalls.
Becoming an informed and active participant in pet food safety is paramount. Resources like TruthaboutPetFood.com and the Association for Truth in Pet Food empower consumers by providing critical information and advocating on their behalf with regulatory authorities. Understanding what’s in your pet’s food through resources like Petsumer Report, which details ingredients and potential risks, can also help pet owners make safer choices.
Ensuring Pet Food Safety: A Call for Greater Scrutiny
The incident involving Kinetic dog food serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in ensuring pet food safety. While Kinetic expressed condolences, their subsequent actions regarding the destruction of potentially crucial evidence raise serious questions about transparency and accountability. It emphasizes the need for manufacturers to prioritize thorough investigation over immediate liability management.
For pet owners, this situation underscores the importance of vigilance. Always check expiration dates, monitor your pet for any unusual symptoms after eating new food, and do not hesitate to report adverse events to relevant authorities. Support for organizations dedicated to pet food safety, such as the Association for Truth in Pet Food, is vital in advocating for stronger regulations and greater oversight within the industry. By remaining informed and proactive, pet owners can collectively push for a safer and more trustworthy pet food market.
A graphic representing the Association for Truth in Pet Food banner
Ultimately, the goal is to prevent future tragedies and ensure that all pet foods, including those from brands like Kinetic dog food, meet the highest standards of safety and quality. Your active participation and awareness are essential in safeguarding the well-being of our beloved canine and feline companions.
