1,600 Canadians file claims over tainted pet food
About 1,600 Canadians believe their pets were sickened or killed by tainted pet food and have filed claims in a $24-million settlement with Menu Foods, according to a lawyer involved in the action.
In March 2007, Menu Foods Income Fund recalled about 60 million cans and pouches of its "cuts and gravy" style food, sold under 95 brand names after it received reports of kidney failure and death in cats and dogs.Canadians who believe they are eligible had to file a claim by Jan. 27, and lawyer Luciana Brasil, who represents class members, said 1,585 people in Canada did so. About 23,000 people in the U.S. have made claims.
A claims administrator will now assess all the claims, determine who is eligible for compensation and then determine the amounts pet owners will be paid.
Pet owners will be able to receive 100 per cent for "economic damages" they incurred related to the recalled products, provided they have documentation. If they don’t have documentation, they can receive compensation of up to US$900. However, it’s difficult to tell how long the appeals process will take, but pet owners will likely have to wait until at least the second half of 2009, if not into 2010 to receive money.
Related folder:
Dossier AllAbout Pet Food
