Reps. Mayes, Bieda, Byrum, Constan, Cushingberry, Dean, Espinoza, Farrah, Gonzales, Green, Hammel, Hopgood, Johnson, Robert Jones, LeBlanc, Lemmons, McDowell, Polidori, Proos, Sak, Shaffer, Sheltrown, Spade, Tobocman, Vagnozzi and Wojno offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 64.

            A resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to take action to investigate and provide remedies for those injured by the recent contamination of pet food and deaths of family pets.

            Whereas, On March 16, 2007, Menu Foods announced a precautionary recall of cat and dog food it manufactured between December 3, 2006, and March 6, 2007. Over 60 million containers of dog and cat food were recalled under nearly 100 brands. The recall was prompted by consumer complaints received by the manufacturer and reported instances of cats and dogs developing kidney failure after eating the affected product; and

            Whereas, Reports suggest hundreds of family pets have died after eating the contaminated food. The United States Food and Drug Administration has received more than 8,000 complaints and Menu Foods has received over 300,000 complaints; and

            Whereas, This incident has far-reaching financial and emotional impacts on pet owners in Michigan and all of the United States. Pet food manufacturers and suppliers must take responsibility to inform and assist consumers quickly when a tragedy such as this one occurs. Immediate action to determine the cause and remedy the situation is necessary. Aggressive research and reporting are imperative to prevent future mishaps; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to actively investigate fully on the terrible deaths of family pets due to contaminated pet foods; and be it further

            Resolved, That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to ensure that pet food manufacturers and suppliers be held civilly liable; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.