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Bad Pet Food Award OK'd

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The Associated Press

Published: October 15, 2008

CAMDEN, N.J. - A federal judge Tuesday approved a $24 million settlement for owners of dogs and cats who were sickened or died after eating pet food contaminated with an industrial chemical.

The ruling by U.S. District Judge Noel Hillman clears the way for U.S. pet owners with claims to start receiving checks next year. A Canadian judge has scheduled a hearing for Nov. 3 to determine whether the settlement also can apply in that nation.

Under the deal, pet owners have until Nov. 24 to file claims.

The settlement is to compensate owners for many expenses that include cost of the food, medical and burial expenses for their animals, value of the animals or the cost of replacement pets, checkups for animals who ate the food but did not get sick, replacing carpets ruined by sick pets, and the time owners took off work to seek treatment their for animals.

Sherrie R. Savett, a lead lawyer for plaintiffs in the case, has said she believes that more than 1,500 animals in the United States died after eating the food last year.

Lawyers said more than 10,000 people have filed claims. Of the claims analyzed, the average is nearly $1,500.

If money is left over after pet owners are paid, it will go to animal-welfare charities.

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