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

Moore, et al. v. Rhode Island Textile Company
October 24, 2014
DEHP, Lead
Out-of-Court Settlement Agreement
Whistleblowers John Moore and Mark Moorberg and settling party Rhode Island Textile Company (“Rhode Island”) entered into a Modified Settlement Agreement on October 24, 2014, which modified the original December 2012 Agreement.  The Modified Agreement resolved the plaintiffs’ allegations that Rhode Island sold shoe horns and tie-out cables...
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Held v. Ethical Products, Inc.
June 3, 2014
DEHP
Consent Judgment
The parties involved in the case Held v. Ethical Products, Inc. executed a Consent Judgment on June 3, 2014.  In this matter, citizen enforcer Anthony Held, Ph.D., P.E., alleged that Ethical Products, Inc. (“Ethical Products”) sold pet carriers with vinyl/PVC components containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate in the State of California...
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Held v. United Pet Group, Inc.
May 21, 2014
DEHP
Consent Judgment
The parties involved in the case Held v. Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. executed a Consent Judgment on May 21, 2014.  In this matter, citizen enforcer Anthony Held, Ph.D., P.E., alleged that United Pet Group, Inc. (“United Pet Group”) sold pond nets with vinyl/PVC hand grips containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate in the State of...
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Leeman v. Partrade Trading Company, LLC
April 9, 2014
DEHP
Consent Judgment
The parties involved in the enforcement action Leeman v. Partrade Trading Company, LLC executed an agreement on April 9, 2014.  In this matter, citizen enforcer Whitney R. Leeman, Ph.D., alleged that the defendant Partrade Trading Company, LLC (“Partrade”) sold hand tools with vinyl/PVC grips containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (...
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Held v. Universal Screen Arts, Inc.
January 23, 2014
DEHP
Out-of-Court Settlement Agreement
Whistleblower Anthony Held, Ph.D., P.E. and settling party Universal Screen Arts, Inc. (“Universal”) entered into an out-of-court Settlement Agreement on January 23, 2014, which resolved Held’s allegations that Universal sold a dog leash with vinyl/PVC coated handle containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (“DEHP”) in the...
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Englander v. PetSmart, Inc. and LittleGifts, Inc.
January 15, 2014
DEHP
Consent Judgment
In the enforcement action Englander v. PetSmart Inc., et al. whistleblower Peter Englander resolved his allegations against the defendants PetSmart, Inc. (“PetSmart”) and LittleGifts, Inc. (“LittleGifts”) when the parties executed a Consent Judgment on January 15, 2014.  In this case, Englander alleged that PetSmart and LittleGifts sold hand...
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Held v. Miller Manufacturing Company
January 7, 2014
DEHP
Out-of-Court Settlement Agreement
Whistleblower Anthony Held, Ph.D., P.E. and settling party Miller Manufacturing Company (“Miller”) entered into an out-of-court Settlement Agreement on January 7, 2014, which resolved Held’s allegations that Miller sold stable forks with vinyl/PVC handle grips containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (“DEHP”) in the State...
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Leeman v. Marshall Pet Products, Inc.
December 12, 2013
DEHP
Out-of-Court Settlement
Whistleblower Whitney R. Leeman, Ph.D.’s allegations against settling party Marshall Pet Products, Inc. (“Marshall”) were resolved on December 12, 2013, when the parties entered into an out-of-court Settlement Agreement.  In this matter, Leeman alleged that Marshall sold pet grooming tools with vinyl/PVC grips containing the phthalate chemical di(2-...
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