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Dog-Lover Says Treats May Kill Pets

CHICAGO (CN) - Sergeant's Pur Luv dog treats can leave indigestible "rock-hard chunks" inside a dog, injuring or killing it, a class action claims in Federal Court.

Lead plaintiff Edgardo Duran sued Sergeant's Pet Care Products.

The complaint states: "Sergeant's manufactures, markets, and sells Pur Luv pet treats, a semi-soft chew treat for dogs. In marketing materials and packaging for Pur Luv treats, Sergeant's describes itself as 'providing the products you need for the health, well-being and happiness of your pet' and describes the treats themselves as 'nutritious.' Sergeant's website depicts stethoscope-adorned veterinarians and claims to be 'pet health central.'

"In truth, however, Pur Luv pet treats are not wholesome and healthy for dogs. The treats can cause serious injury, illness, and even death in dogs. Specifically, certain parts of the treat tend not to dissolve or otherwise break down after dogs ingest them, but instead persist as rock-hard chunks which can cause bowel obstructions and other serious injuries.

"Many dog owners have watched their pets suffer after consuming Sergeant's Pur Luv treats, and many dogs have required expensive, life-saving veterinary care. Despite these widespread problems, Sergeant's continues to sell Pur Luv pet treats without any warnings or notice of the treats' inherent danger."

The complaint cites numerous bad reviews on Amazon.com. It cites one Amazon reviewer as saying: "After hundreds of dollars on X-rays, urgent care vet visits, etc. - we finally found out the source for all my pup's pain were these treats. The centers DO NOT dissolve in their stomach, and if they do not vomit them back up, they get constipated and cannot excrete, which leaves them in tremendous pain. [...] I thought it'd be a good alternative, as he likes to chew and there is no rawhide in them, but the center does not break down, and he had one part lodged in his small intestine and another stuck in his stomach. I cannot express how awful it is to see your pup in pain, and it is not worth the risk to try these products. I hope in some way I can save another pup from having to go thru the pain and experience mine went thru - and the owner lots of spendy vet bills." (Brackets and ellipsis in complaint.)

Duran claims that "no reasonable person would feed treats to their dog knowing that doing so would lead to a substantial risk of injury to, or death of their dog. Pur Luv treats are accordingly worthless, and any consumer who purchased Pur Luv treats has sustained economic damages in the amount of the purchase price."

The complaint does not say if Duran has a dog, or whether his dog suffered from eating Pur Luv treats, only that he purchased the product.

He seeks an injunction, restitution and damages for violations of consumer laws.

Duran is represented by Joseph Siprut.

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