LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – A Los Angeles County pet owner has filed a class-action lawsuit against a Chicago pet treats manufacturer alleging it misrepresents its products.
Stephanie Marracco filed a complaint on behalf of herself and all others similarly situated on June 7 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California against Whitebridge Pet Brands LLC and Does 1-12 alleging violation of the California Unfair Competition Law and the California Consumers Legal Remedies Act.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that since 2013, she purchased pet food and treats manufactured by the defendant for her dogs on multiple occasions. The suit states these treats were labeled as "Made in USA." However, the plaintiff noticed that the treats she purchased contained ingredients that were not from the U.S., such as tapioca starch. The plaintiff holds Whitebridge Pet Brands LLC responsible because the defendant allegedly failed to label its pet treats properly, which is purportedly misleading and could cause harm to certain pets.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks an injunction ordering the defendant to stop its violations of California law as alleged herein; monetary relief for the class in the amount by which defendant has been unjustly enriched by its alleged illegal conduct; award of costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees; pre- and post-judgment interest; and such further or different relief as the court may deem appropriate. She is represented by Eustace de Saint Phalle and Joseph R. Lucia of Rains Lucia Stern, PC in Los Angeles and by Dargan Ware of Davis & Norris in Birmingham, Alabama.
U.S. District Court for the Central District of California Case number 2:16-cv-04009-FMO-AJW