But it is still good news. On my Black Friday for Pets trip to Walmart in Oldsmar, FL today the manager agreed to remove all jerky treats from China from store shelves. Three employees were busy removing them as we left the store.
Fellow pet lover Elizabeth, my daughter and myself met at Walmart as planned at 11 AM. My words were rolling around in my head – I was hopeful I would get everything out as I had planned. A few minutes after 11 we walked in the door and asked to speak to the manager. Max quickly arrived and asked us what he could do for us.
We explained we were here to address our concerns about the safety of several products sold in Walmarts. We shared it was jerky pet treats imported from China. We quoted Dr. Dan McChesney’s recent statistics – the FDA is receiving 40 complaints a week when there is no media reports, dramatically higher when the media reports a story of a sick or dying pet. This Walmart manager asked us what we wanted him to do about it. We told him we wanted him to remove the treats from store shelves. And he agreed.
This was not what I expected. To be honest, we all just stood there…kinda dumbfounded for a moment or two. And I didn’t even get through my entire speech. Max walked us back to the pet section, and he wasn’t too happy there was so many of these treats for sale (that he had to remove). An entire end cap (end of aisle) was full of Waggin Train treats, with many more hanging in the aisle. We showed him on several bags “Product of China”.
He asked if that was all, we said yes, thanked him and left the store. About ten minutes later, Elizabeth went back in and found three Walmart employees removing the treats – just as Max had promised.
Max stated the treats might have to be put back on shelves tomorrow, depending on what Corporate Walmart says. But for today, in this one store, they are gone.
As small as it might be, as short lived as it might be, I consider this a victory. One day, one store, just might save a few lives.
Here’s hoping more stores do the same – and they will be permanently removed until proven safe.
Update: As of 6 PM there were still no jerky treats imported from China in this one Walmart. The Walmart manager told me pictures are not allowed inside of Walmart (I so wanted everyone to see this).
Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan Thixton
Pet Food Safety Advocate
Author, Buyer Beware
Co-Author Dinner PAWsible
TruthaboutPetFood.com
PetsumerReport.com
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Bon
November 23, 2012 at 6:24 pm
I am SHOCKED-Walmart complied! I am totally shocked – and yes the stuff will more than likely be back on the shelf in a day-but for one day-they weren’t
Flick, Dot and Buzz
November 23, 2012 at 11:10 pm
Awesome work Susan, that’s HUGE… if a chain as large as walmart can be convinved to drop the Waggin’Train line, Purina might be forced to stop making money off Chinese imports… Great work Susan!
Flick, Dot & Buzz
http://www.flickdotbuzz.com
Mary Kay
November 24, 2012 at 2:55 pm
All I ever get from Walmart and other retail managers is until corporate tells us to remove the treats, there is nothing we can do about it. I always think of what a great publicity move it would be if Walmart or one of the other retailers would choose to voluntarily remove the treats. Just think of the advertising – We are putting our customers’ pets first & until the FDA finds out what is wrong with the treats, Walmart (or whatever store) will not be caring any jerky treats made in China.
Bon
November 24, 2012 at 4:10 pm
THAT would truly be a positive step in the right direction!
Lita and Cookie's Mom
November 25, 2012 at 1:56 pm
That’s one small victory for our pets, Susan. You are such an inspiration in your dedication to making our pets’ lives safer . The truth lives on your website, and some people just can’t handle the truth. You are to be commended for not backing down and for remaining true to your mission. We all appreciate your efforts,Susan. Keep up the good work.
Wanda Horner
November 25, 2012 at 8:04 pm
Susan you are doing a wonderful job! Hopefully this may get the ball rolling & ALL Wal-Marts will eventually remove the Waggin Train Treats.
Wanda Horner
Pacific Sun
November 29, 2012 at 4:01 pm
Overall, how did the protests go Nationwide? Just curious.
Susan Thixton
November 30, 2012 at 7:57 am
Pacific Sun,
To our knowledge, the store I went to was the only store to remove the treats. But that was only for a day. That Walmart has already put the treats back on the shelves. It was worth a try, but basically the treats won again. They remain on store shelves – permanently destroying the kidney’s of who knows how many dogs.