CINCINNATI (Legal Newsline) – An Ohio consumer claims that two brands of dog food contain excessive levels of heavy metals
Lisa Hodge, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, filed a complaint on April 9 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Western Division against Champion Petfoods USA Inc. and Champion Petfoods LP citing the Ohio Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
According to the complaint, the defendants sell dry dog food under the Orijen and Acana brand names and that the packaging states the products are "biologically appropriate," have "fresh, regional ingredients" and use ingredients "deemed fit for human consumption."
The plaintiff alleges that in June 2016, she purchased the defendants' Orijen Original dog food because she believed that pet food was a healthy and a quality product for her pet. She alleges the products contain excessive levels of harmful heavy metals, including arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury.
The plaintiff holds Champion Petfoods USA Inc. and Champion Petfoods LP responsible because the defendants allegedly misrepresented the quality of the products.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment for actual, compensatory, and consequential damages; pre- and post-judgment interest; attorneys’ fees; costs and expenses; and any other relief as the court deems just and appropriate. She is represented by Richard S. Wayne, Joseph J. Braun and Christopher S. Houston of Strauss Troy in Cincinnati.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Western Division case number 1:18-cv-00248-TSB