Push for pet food industry overhaul after dog food death crisis

AUSTRALIA’S pet food industry should be made to comply with mandatory standards and a new complaint system established to allow owners to dob in dodgy brands, a new report has found.

Sully the Golden Retriever with owners Chloe Stapleton, 4 and Isabella Stepleton, 6. Unlike many other dogs Sully survived megaesophagus. Picture: Tony Gough

AUSTRALIA’S pet food ­industry should be made to comply with mandatory ­standards and a new complaint system established so owners can dob in dodgy brands, says a Senate committee report.

Earlier this year the Herald Sun revealed a top shelf dog food brand had been linked to a spate of nationwide dog deaths.

The revelation sparked a federal Parliament inquiry, which has urged an overhaul of the unregulated industry.

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On Tuesday, the Senate committee handed down its final report containing seven recommendations, including compulsory pet food ­standards.

It also urged mandatory pet food labelling requirements, which would detail all ingredients including preservatives and additives.

The consumer watchdog should also establish a complaint system for owners to flag concerns about dodgy products, and state and territory governments should work ­together to investigate adverse pet-food events, according to the report.

Rooney the 7 year old dalmatian had to be put down.

Centre Alliance senator Stirling Griff said the report showed the system was “inadequate” and in urgent need of review.

“Pet food should be regulated to the same standards as human foods. I can’t see why we can’t replicate that process,” he said.

The inquiry revealed more than 140 potential toxic agents were being examined by ­authorities after more than 100 dogs became ill or died after eating dog food brand Advanced Dermocare.

Vets are still yet to establish the exact link.

Australia’s pet food industry is currently self-regulated by a voluntary code. Manufacturers are not required to disclose ingredients or where they are sourced.

Advance Dermocare dry dog food.

In March, Advanced Dermocare manufacturer Mars Petcare Australia voluntarily recalled bags of the premium dog food from 500 stores after a sudden spike in potentially deadly megaesophagus cases.

The disease causes an animal’s oesophagus to become abnormally enlarged, which can lead to a loss in ability to swallow or absorb nutrients.

At least 19 dogs — including a Victoria Police squad dog — have died since eating the food.

The potentially toxic dog food is among several brands blamed for making pets sick.

Woolworths brand, Baxter’s and another brand, Applaws, have been heavily criticised by owners after mould and plastic was reportedly discovered in packets of the dog food.

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@AneekaSimonis