Australia needs tougher pet food standards after 21 dogs die

[Catherine]

Twenty one dogs died after eating meat from the same company. The meat was contaminated with a toxin from plants the the animals had eaten before being slaughtered.  Dogs in a number of households died. Some people lost multiple dogs. 
There are pet food standards in Australia, but at this time compliance is voluntary. In 2018 a senate committee recommended that pet food standards become mandatory and part of consumer laws.  The recommendation was supported by the Pet  Food Industry Association of Australia, the RSPCA and the Australian Veterinary Association.  It was rejected by the government  because the laws are meant to protect humans.


https://www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...dog-deaths

Sadly the failure to enforce standards has cost people their pets. Pets are part of our families, so this is a big loss for people. 
Hopefully this tragedy will lead to the enforcement of tougher standards. It should not be possible to sell animals that have been exposed to toxic plants. 
Perhaps the presence of toxic plants needs to be regulated. Animals should not be allowed to graze on plants that can potentially harm animals or humans. 
It is an area that needs to be regulated better.

Maybe in the face of 21 dead dogs, something will be done to make things safer.