Pet Supplies

Pet Supplies

The numbers say it all: according to the American Pet Products Association, 62% of U.S. households (72.9 million homes) include a pet.  It has been estimated that in 2012, $52.87 billion was spent on pets in the U.S. Unfortunately, many pet care products (from pet nail trimmers to pet tote/carrying bags) are made with vinyl components that may contain detectable levels of phthalates. Phthalates are "plasticizers" which are added to plastic components and materials in consumer products to increase their flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity.  Phthalates are known to the State of California to cause birth defects and other reproductive harm. 

The Chanler Group's clients regularly investigate the presence of phthalate chemicals such as di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate ("DEHP"),  butyl benzyl phthalate ("BBP"), and Di-n-butyl phthalate ("DBP") that are often found in consumer products. 

Our clients have obtained settlements with numerous companies that sell pet supplies containing phthalates, securing reformulation agreements that virtually eliminate the presence of DEHP, BBP, and DBP in these products. To date, our clients continue their efforts to protect the health and safety of California consumers and their pets by investigating pet supplies for the presence of lead and phthalates.

To review legal agreements which The Chanler Group's clients have reached with companies in this industry, please see the cases below. 

firm casework - enforcement

January 28, 2019
DEHP
Out-of-Court Settlement
On January 28, 2019, citizen enforcer Laurence Vinocur and settling party Hyper Pet LLC (“Hyper Pet”) entered into an out-of-court settlement agreement. Vinocur had alleged that Hyper Pet sold vinyl scrubbers containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (“DEHP”) in the State of California without providing the requisite health hazard...
January 2, 2019
DEHP
Out-of-Court Settlement
On January 2, 2019, citizen enforcer Laurence Vinocur and settling party Multipet International, Inc. (“Multipet”) entered into an out-of-court settlement agreement. Vinocur had alleged that Multipet sold pet carriers with vinyl/PVC components containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (“DEHP”) in the State of California without...
July 6, 2017
DEHP
Consent Judgment
The parties involved in the case Brimer v. Petedge Massachusetts Business Trust, et al. executed a Consent Judgment on July 6, 2017.  In this matter, citizen enforcer Russell Brimer alleged that Petedge Massachusetts Business Trust and Petedge, Inc. (collectively, “Petedge”) sold pet waste bag holders containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)...
April 21, 2017
DEHP
Out-of-Court Settlement
On April 21, 2017, citizen enforcer Laurence Vinocur and settling party Boss Pet Products, Inc. (“Boss”) entered into an out-of-court settlement agreement.  Vinocur had alleged that Boss sold pet waste disposal products containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (“DEHP”) in the State of California without providing the...
April 26, 2016
DEHP
Consent Judgment
The parties involved in the case Wozniak v. Harbor Freight Tools USA, Inc., et al. executed a Consent Judgment on April 26, 2016.  In this matter, citizen enforcer Paul Wozniak alleged that Harbor Freight Tools USA, Inc. and Central Purchasing, LLC (“Defendants”) sold certain products containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (“...
June 11, 2015
DEHP
Out-of-Court Settlement
Citizen enforcer Dr. Whitney R. Leeman and settling party Premiere Living Products, LLC (“Premiere”) entered into an out-of-court settlement agreement on June 11, 2015.  Leeman had alleged that Premiere sold pet baskets with vinyl/PVC handles and storage baskets with vinyl/PVC handles containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (“...
April 24, 2015
DEHP
Out-of-Court Settlement
On April 24, 2015, Anthony E. Held, Ph.D, P.E. and settling party STA Elements, Inc. (“STA”) entered into an out-of-court settlement agreement.  Held had alleged that STA sold pet carriers with vinyl/PVC carriers containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (“DEHP”) in the State of California without providing the requisite...
March 20, 2015
DEHP
Out-of-Court Settlement
Citizen enforcer Dr. Whitney R. Leeman and settling party Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc. (“Doskocil”) entered into an out-of-court settlement agreement on March 20, 2015.  Leeman had alleged that Doskocil sold vinyl/PVC pet tie-out cables containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (“DEHP”) in the State of California...