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The Honourable Charles Strahl, PC, MP

Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6


Dear Mr. Strahl,

 

As you are aware, the recent pet food contaminations have resulted in the needless suffering and deaths to 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 well-loved animal.

 

Canadians have lost faith in the pet food industry.  Almost 50% of Canadian homes have a pet and we sustain a $1.4 billion dollar industry in this country.

 

Recently, you stated that pet food in Canada is regulated by three agencies; Industry Canada/Health Canada, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.  In reality, none of these agencies routinely inspect pet food manufacturing facilities, monitor the quality of ingredients, or have any written protocols to minimize the inherent dangers of pet food manufacturing.

 

You said in the House of Commons “There is no regulation that would have saved this particular problem here in Canada” (Hansard, No. 126, Thursday, March 22, 2007).  

 

In fact, there are no regulations whatsoever with regard to quality of ingredients, manufacturing processes, standard operating procedures, post-marketing analysis of product or even consumer safety in Canada.

 

It is self-evident that an industry that is self-regulated is an industry without restraint.  Canadians need and want the pet food industry regularly inspected, facilities and nutritional claims audited, and government assurance the strictest controls for pet food production and ingredients are being met.

 

In your role as Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and considering your responsibilities as head of the Canadian Food and Inspection agency, we are demanding that you respond to our wish to have the pet food industry regulated in Canada. 

 

Sincerely,

 

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Cc:  Mr. Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada

Bloc Q, Liberal, NDP, new Quebec leader, etc.

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