REMOVAL OF DOG TOY FROM PETCO SHELVES PROMPTED BY KIAH-TV NEWSFIXER

KIAH-TV NEWSFIXER
Published 02/24/2012 - 9:48 a.m. CST

HOUSTON, TX - An investigation by KIAH-TV’s “The NewsFixer” has led to a removal of a dog toy that threatened the health of a Houston canine. The toy “Snuggling Furry Friend,” sold as a private brand under the Petco label, was found to contain traces of Trimethyl Benzene, Arsenic, Cadmium and Lead, along with Naphthalene, the main ingredient in moth balls.
The toxins were detected in the Petco toy by an independent laboratory after a NewsFix viewer, Mark Smith of Houston, told the station his Chow Mix “Charlet” became sick after first chewing on the toy in December 2011. After inquiries by “The NewsFixer,” Petco agreed to pay for Smith’s veterinary expenses. Petco said it would also test all similar toys sold in its retail outlets for toxic substances.

Petco representative Lisa Epstein said, "We did, in fact, direct our stores yesterday (2/23) to remove the Lambswool Tug with Squeaker Dog Toy from our shelves, pending the results of random sample tests that will be conducted and analyzed at an accredited laboratory. The decision to take this action was out of an abundance of caution – and it is not a product recall."

“We’re pleased we could help one of our loyal viewers,” said NewsFix News Director Gary Jaffe, “And we’re proud that ‘The NewsFixer’ has continued to be an effective and relevant investigative force in the community.”

Previous “NewsFixer” investigations have revealed wasted resources by the City of Houston, and have prompted hastened municipal cleanup in residential areas.