Companies pay us to be accredited or when you click a link, call a number or fill a form on our site. But Hartz attorney kicked a few potential jurors off because they had pets. Were going to continue to monitor this situation closely, Owens said. Bowers contacted a few attorneys to see if theyd take his case. Last summer, the ASPCAs Animal Poison Control Center also studied its data on topical flea and tick products. The contents of this site may not be republished, reprinted, rewritten or recirculated without written permission. Biospot Caused Seizures, Death, Suit Says... By Lisa Wade McCormickConsumerAffairs.com. But I still wanted a trial by jury. Requiring these label changes, however, isnt the only action the EPA said its taking to ensure the safety of dogs and cats the use topical flea and tick products. From the data we have collected, the adverse reactions tend to be mild, like skin sensations and stomach upset, the ASPCAs Dr. Steven Hansen said after the organization released its study. The products named include Hartz Ultra Guard flea and tick drops and Summit VetPharm's Vectra 3d. A 72-year-old dog owner has won what may be a landmark decision against the countrys leading maker of pet care products and fueled the ongoing debate over the safety of topical flea and tick treatments. Bowers, however, repeatedly told ConsumerAffairs.com that he used the Hartz flea and ticks drops as directed when he applied them to Diesel. The agency started that probe last April, saying it had received more than 44,000 reports of adverse reactions associated with spot-on flea and tick products. 305 talking about this. People have applied the wrong spot on products to the wrong animal. By 4 oclock the next morning, Diesels kidneys had shut down. Hartz products keep pets happy, healthy, and thriving. DO NOT USE ON CATS For more information, call our experts at 1-800-275-1414. Unsubscribe at any time. Both base their decisions on a thorough review of detailed information on the product’s safety and effectiveness provided by the manufacturer or other product sponsor. During the trial, Hartz also cross-examined Bowers about Diesels death. All positive reviews › Julie B. All I said to them was: thank you, thank you, thank you. The EPA emphasized these are only the first steps the agency is taking to address growing concerns about topical flea and tick products. On that warm summer night in Texas, Bowers applied Hartz Ultra Guard Pro Flea and Tick Drops to the 14-month-old, 68-pound, Diesel. Our pets, which most of us consider family, are dying in agony, suffering from seizures, burns, chemical toxicity EVERY DAY. Date of recall: 1/4/16 UPC code(s): 3270012599 / 3270096037 Manufacturer of item: Hartz Reason for recall: EPA requires new label for package with the pesticide active ingredient in this product. The Hartz Flea & Tick products are killing animals. The determined pet owner, however, didnt give up or back down. That figure represents an increase of about 53% from 2007, the EPA said. Add to Wish List. An analysis of records in our database reveals the majority of complaints weve received about topical flea and tick products are ones made by Sergeants Pet Care Products, Inc. That Nebraska-based company makes flea and tick products under its name and the Sentry name. Were not banning any products or removing any today, but that is certainly something that we will be more than willing to do as we move forward and gather more data. Shop Target for Hartz. In the end, a jury of three men and three women heard the case. How are ratings calculated? Keep the product package after use in case side effects occur. Join sheryl and 1,244 supporters today. She also told me they may not make it. Hartz and other makers of fleas and tick products often cite the misuse of these treatments for adverse reactions. This irritated me. Keep multiple pets separated after applying a product until it dries to prevent one animal from grooming another and ingesting a drug or pesticide. I am still watching her behavior closelyshe is still suffering right now. The judge said well have to reschedule for another appearance, Bowers said. Symptoms of poisoning include poor appetite, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive salivation. They got one of those stainless steel tables and took him back to an exam room. And he was up against Hartz savvy attorney, who he learned had taken a special course on flea and tick products to prepare her for the case. March 9, 2010 The agencies work together to ensure adherence to all applicable laws and regulations. We urge pet owners and other to exercise caution and be careful when using them. To address these labeling flaws, the EPA said it will immediately require companies that make topical flea and tick products to take the following action: • Make the instructions on the labels clearer to prevent possible misuse. She said thats your privilege. It took about a … Avoid contact with eyes, skin or clothing. Diesel was laying on the floor. I kid you not, that is the thing that saved my case, he said. It is extremely unfair to manufacture and distribute a product that can cause horrific conditions, she says. The NAPCC charges a fee for consultation. Sharees family gave the dog some cool water and tried to comfort him until the vets office opened a few hours later. For a wide assortment of Hartz visit Target.com today. We applied it as directed and later that Friday night, my dog started foaming at the mouth and whining as though he was in pain, she said. She was healthy and active until that time. The EPA launched its probe last April amid reports of a significant increase in adverse reactions linked to the treatments, including burns, neurological problems, and even deaths. Dianes pets arent the only ones whove experienced what many consumers call horrific reactions from the various spot on -- or topical -- flea and tick products on the market. The plain-spoken Texan went straight to the source. On that warm summer night in Texas, Bowers applied Hartz Ultra Guard Pro Flea and Tick Drops to the 14-month-old, 68-pound, Diesel.I nipped off the top of the tube and put it on his back, Bowers recalled. The vet, he said, took one look at the Hartz Ultra Guard Pro Flea and Tick Drops and shook his head. Back in Texas, Bowers warns pet owners to be earthly aware of any topical flea and tick products they put on their animals. I rinsed off the med on his neck with blue dawn. The court wanted Bowers and Hartz to resolve the case through mediation. I used the topical flea/tick stuff but my dogs were … sheryl Carattini started this petition to Walmart and 4 others. R.A. bathed the dog four times to try and relieve these problems. Adverse reactions reported range from mild effects such as skin irritation to more serious effects such as seizures and, in some cases, the death of the pet, the EPA said. I had no witnesses, Bowers said. Causes moderate eye irritation. When we got to the vets office, he couldnt walk. I was told I had to be out by the end of the month, Diane told us in late July. Why has the FDA ignored all of this? And this time, Hartz did respond to the court, he said. Choose from contactless Same Day Delivery, Drive Up and more. That study revealed the likelihood of severe adverse reactions was significantly less when dogs and cats were treated according to directions. Thats good, but Im still dealing with the stress caused by seeing my pets in so much pain and the guilt of knowing that I did that to them. To report problems with spot-on flea or tick products, contact the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) at 1-800-858-7378. She couldnt pay her entire rent for July and feared she and her young daughter would be evicted from their home. If we see a problem, we can take appropriate action, Owens said, adding that action can include pulling a worrisome product off the market; • Restrict the use of certain inert ingredients that may contribute to adverse reactions. I caught up with three jurors in the hallway after the hearing. ConsumerAffairs.com also heard from a Florida pet owner, who said her 14-year-old dog suffered serious neurological problems from Sergeants Gold Flea & Tick treatment. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kids with greater self-control are more likely to be healthier in middle age, study finds, One in four doctors experience social media harassment, study finds, Eating one avocado a day can improve gut health, study finds, Sleep, exercise, and healthy eating can boost young people's mental health, Eating more meat could worsen childhood asthma symptoms, study finds. My Cat was given the drops HARTZ Flea and Tick ultra Guard pro. Asked if Bowers case marked the first time a consumer has successfully sued Hartz over one of its topical flea and tick products, Isenhower said: Yes, we believe so. Hartz UltraGuard Flea & Tick Cat and Kitten Collar, White 1 ea. Wash your hands immediately with soap and water after applying a product, or use protective gloves while applying. After deliberating for less than 30 minutes, the jurors ruled in Bowers favor. We found a number of current labels have insufficient warning labels on themthe warnings were buried in the text of the label and not noticeable. I nipped off the top of the tube and put it on his back, Bowers recalled. If your pet needs immediate medical care, call your local veterinarian, a local animal emergency clinic, or the National Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435. We dont have very many cases of true neurological issues when these products are properly used. 5.0 out of 5 stars Works for My Dogs. From social media to consumer reports, the stories and be read & seen.Â, These products should not be sold, any where! Hartz has a comprehensive line of products for cats and information about cat health, nutrition, and training your cat. Theyre pet owners who say theyve witnessed horrific reactions from these products in their dogs and cats, including burns and welts on their skin, drooling excessively, shaking uncontrollably, whimpering in agony, losing control of their legs, or even dying. Follow the directions exactly. Diesels health continued its rapid decline during the ride to his vets office, Bowers said. At 7 a.m. the following morning, Dianes dogs sat in their veterinarians examination room. The skin where Diane applied the flea and tick product turned scarlet. The trial took less than two hours, Bowers said. Bowers then sent the company a letter about Diesels death. Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2019. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from … How are ratings calculated? I think this case will make pet owners wonder why they have not gone forward with their cases in small claims court, Bowers said. Our analysis also uncovered another trend among pet owners: theyre clamoring for the immediate removal of these topical flea and tick products -- regardless of the brand -- saying theyre toxic and poisonous. And, even worse, pets can bring ticks into the home, exposing you and your family to illness from a tick bite. ConsumerAffairs.com has a comprehensive small claims court guide. A Texas jury awarded Frank Bowers $4,440.75 in the small claims court action he filed against Hartz Mountain Corporation. FULL BODY PROTECTION One collar provides full body protection for up to 7 months, protecting through warm … I picked Diesel up around 7am and took him out in the country and buried him on my daughters 10 acres. The agency said this will allow for post-marketing product surveillance. And a pet’s constant scratching can cause permanent hair loss or other skin problems. FDA is responsible for regulating animal drugs; however, some products to control external parasites come under the jurisdiction of EPA. They realize this is serious problem they need to address, Owens said. If your pet experiences a bad reaction from a spot-on product, immediately bathe the pet with mild soap, rinse with large amounts of water, and call your veterinarian. For Bowers, the jurys decision brings closure and a sense of justice to an emotional issue that started at 8:30pm on August 7, 2008. He was shaking and having spasms of some kind. See All Buying Options. Hartz ® UltraGuard Pro ® Flea and Tick Drops are held to the same EPA registration standards as those products commonly sold by veterinarians. I told him what it was and went back to the store to get a tube to show him. About two months later, someone (from Hartz) called me and told me it was my fault (that Diesel died) or neglect that caused the death and they were not responsible. Bowers called his daughter, who told him to immediately take the ailing dog to the vet. 96 List Price $15.99 $ 15 . Texas also allows jury trials in small claims court actions. Hartz UltraGuard Flea & Tick Powder for Cats Caution. Find quality, affordable supplies for dogs, cats, birds, small animals, reptiles, and fish. It was a close call. Before a pesticide can be marketed, EPA must “register” it. Its not an exclusive thing; we are seeing larger dogs affected, too. The companies are accused of negligence, violating New Jersey's consumer fraud law and liability for creating an "unreasonably dangerous product." She also asked the jurors if theyd had any problems in the past with pet medications. Their poor backs were red and it seemed to be eating at their hair, she said, adding she carefully followed the directions on the package. More than an itchy annoyance to some dogs and cats, flea bites can cause flea allergy dermatitis -- an allergic reaction to proteins in flea saliva. Write a review. Recall & Remove Hartz Flea & Tick Products from Shelves. And then I looked at the jury and smiled. And fleas can live inside a warm house year-round no matter where you live. And they just said: we did our job. The reforms were announcing today address those problems, Owens added. 5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful! I said then this mediation is over. Their reaction was very positive. By joining, or logging in via Facebook, you accept Change.org’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. At Hartz we love our pets and our products prove it! He said: Oh, my God. He took matters into his own hands and represented himself in court, specifically Small Claims Court, Precinct 3, in Travis County, Texas. There were also no vets on the jury. For over 90 years, Hartz has made pet products with love, for people like you who love their pets. These are products designed to kill fleas and ticks and they do their job. The EPA will post its findings about topical flea and tick products, and any regulatory action it may take, on its Web site. Earlier today, the EPA met with companies that make topical flea and tick products to discuss these required changes. If the label says use weekly, don't use it daily. Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations. The nightmare started with a product a North Carolina pet owner thought would protect her beloved dogs from fleas and ticks. Anemia and -- in rare cases – death can be a result of fleas feasting on a pet's blood. The agency told ConsumerAffairs.com that it planned to release its findings last fall. In spite of the jurys decision, Isenhower defended the safety of Hartz flea and tick products. The agency said pet owners should continue to carefully follow the labels directions when using topical flea and tick products and watch for any adverse reactions in their dogs on cats after applying these treatments. For more information, call our flea & tick experts at 1-800-275-1414. And Thanks to some medication and lots of prayers and tears, Dianes dogs survived the ordeal. We are not aware of any verdict against Hartz flea & tick drops. He wanted to know why Diesels health deteriorated so quickly. She was given this medication (Hartz Ultra Guard Flea and Tick drops) as prescribed. They were easily overlooked. 1.0 out of 5 stars Hartz is dangerous for dogs and cats Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2018 This product was deemed ineffective towards dogs with a recall. We concluded that the existing warning labels are not working and do not provide adequate protection, said Steve Owens, assistant administrator for the EPAs Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances. Voluntary Recall: Hartz Ultraguard Rid Flea & Tick Shampoo for Cats 15 oz. I chose not to ask them any questions, Bowers said. He lost an animal of value and all costs hes out are awarded to him.". The agency confirmed that in 2008 it received more than 44,000 reports of adverse reactions associated with these products, which are applied by squeezing the contents of a vial or tube to the skin between the animals shoulder blades or along the back. I am completely heart broken. Before the trial, each side had a chance to question a pool of potential jurors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in most parts of the U.S., the greatest chance of infection by a tick bite is spring and summer. At that point, I said my dog is dead and I need you pay. The judge then told me to shut up. Hartz UltraGuard Collars provide head-to-tail protection from fleas and ticks for up to 7 months. Hes glad they did. She said no. Bowers filed his case again on July 28, 2009. Directions For Use. Before an animal drug is allowed on the market, FDA must “approve” it. Caution. I just literally went numb, Bowers added. Pet owners should also talk to their veterinarians about the best methods to protect their dogs and cats from fleas and ticks, the EPA said. The vets he wanted to call as witnesses also couldnt make it to court that day. This painful chapter in Bowers' life happened in less than 35 hours from the night he applied the flea and tick drops to the morning of Diesels death. Hartz UltraGuard One Spot Flea and Tick Drops for Cats: Kills and prevents flea eggs and flea larvae for up to 30 days Stops the flea life cycle and prevents re-infestation for 30 days Use monthly Do not use on kittens less than 12 weeks old Tick and flea drops for cats contains 3 monthly treatments. It cost me $500 to save my cats life after using this product on him. All positive reviews › Lissa Christensen. I bathe them every time I see them scratching. The six-member jury deliberated less than 30 minutes before reaching a unanimous decision in favor of Bowers, who was widely considered the underdog in the case. It is critical for pet owners to keep their cats and dogs apart after these products are used. Whether you prefer protection in the form of collars, drops, shampoos or sprays, all Hartz® UltraGuard® solutions are fast acting and powerful on pests, yet gentle on dogs and puppies. In this David-versus-Goliath court battle -- believed to be the first small claims court action of its kind --- Bowers alleged that Hartz Ultra Guard Pro Flea and Tick Drops caused the death of his beloved Olde English Bulldog, Diesel. They’re easy to put on and have a water-resistant design that stays effective even after rain showers and baths. The horror unfolded within minutes after Diane S. applied Sergeant's Gold Flea and Tick Squeeze-On For Dogs on her Shih Tzu-Maltese named Tipsy and her Shi... Read the label carefully before use. Their job need you pay and ingesting a drug or pesticide letter about Diesels.! Are seeing larger dogs affected, too supplies for dogs, are susceptible. 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