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The Honourable Charles Strahl, PC, MP

Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6

Dear Minister:

As you are aware, the recent pet food contaminations have resulted in the needless suffering and deaths of many beloved pets. The recall of the affected products has, in the eyes of the pet-owning public, come too late. Settlements in the various lawsuits that have resulted will never assuage the anguish felt by consumers who find that their intended kindness has sickened or killed a beloved pet.

We, the public, have lost faith in the pet food industry. Almost 50% of Canadians own a pet and we support a billion dollar industry.

You have recently stated that pet food is regulated by three Agencies:

1. Industry Canada / Health Canada: which has regulations regarding labelling and health related claims.

2. Canadian Food Inspection Agency: which, by virtue of other programs unrelated to pet food production certifies that BSE-susceptible specified risk materials are not being used in the manufacture of pet food.

3. Canadian Veterinary Medical Association: which certifies whether the pet food meets the minimum nutritional standards of the National Research Council of Canada.

In reality, none of these Agencies routinely inspects pet food manufacturing facilities, monitors the quality of the ingredients, or has written protocols to minimize the inherent dangers of pet food manufacturing.

You have said that “There is no regulation that would have saved this particular problem here in Canada.” (Hansard, Number 126 Thursday, March 22, 2007). In fact, there are no regulations whatsoever with regard to quality of ingredients, good manufacturing practices, standard operating procedures, post-marketing analysis of product or even consumer safety.

We are asking that you revisit your thoughts on pet food regulation. It is self-evident that an industry that is self-regulated is an industry without restraint. We need someone to inspect, verify and audit pet food manufacturing facilities and to ensure the strictest controls for pet food production and incoming ingredients are being met. We are asking for this issue to be brought forward and legislated. We await your response.