Glad the iradiation will be banned. Seems strange that other western countries don't do it and yet Australia did.

Please do not be lulled into a false sense of security other countries do irradiated both people and pet foods. And truth in labelling does not seem to exist in too many places at all.

And yet another victim of Orijen died today. Our darling Hali lost the battle against the effects of Orijen after a valiant effort that lasted 11 mths. Run free baby girl you will always be in our hearts.

Irradiated dog food to be labelled - to be formally announced on AQIS website

To read formal letter from AQIS re cat food irradiation ban in Australia and a move to label irradiated dog food as unsuitable for cats please follow link below:

Ltr fm AQIS 29.05.09 irr'n catfd ban_dogfd label.bmp - File Shared from Box.net - Free Online File Storage

R.I.P. Hali ... and all who have gone before you.

Another sad update to the Orijen story - Gus the lovely Birman that was shown in the video that started this thread has lost his battle against the affects of Orijen. May Rosella, Maurice and Pierre find some peace - I know how hard this is for you but I hope and pray you are all able to keep moving forward despite Gus's light fading from your world.

Our thoughts are with you

Jo, AJ and the fluffybutts.

And we have had another Orijen death Ginger has gone to join her brother Smokey who was lost to the effects of Orijen in March this year. Our thoughts are with her family who did all they could to support their cats and get them through the nightmare that was Orijen in Australia.

Jo

For those of you who don't visit the Itchmo forum here is a link to a thread that has been posted on there by someone who has done some digging

In the public interest - Orijen irradiation



The OP, "Public Informer" has invited cross-posting so here it is.

Documents released under the Australian Freedom of Information act that indicate that Champion not only knew about the irradiation they denied knowing about prior to their food going on sale here, they were actually contacted by their importer to discuss whether to go ahead with the irradiation. According to the importer they agreed to the irradiation and to the costs involved.

No surprises there really. Just makes me even more determined to see justice done one way or another.

I've just read right through this truely horrific thread. My heart goes out to all of you & your beloved cats. I hope that justice will prevail & that those affected cats still fighting their terrible illnesses improve & regain a quality of life.

__________________
Mum to Saffy, Tilly, Sox, Mia and Munch

i cant believe it you cat is gorgeous poor baby i felt so sorry for her/him!! i hope she gets beter plz keep us updated!! x

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I have just received an email from the veterinary neurologist in charge of all the affected cats who has a research paper on the issue about to be published. Dr Georgina Child has said I can quote her:

I sent Georgina Child a link to all this FOI info and she replied as follows:

QUOTE:
The information you have sent really says it all. The import certificate issued in Aug 07 lists both the importer and exporter (Champion) and I would assume both parties would have received a copy-it clearly states the food has to be irradiated. Do we know if exporters receive a copy of the import permit? The emails indicate that someone OKed it at Champion
The letter to Diana Mick says it all. It would behoove them to pay all costs for affected cats and stop playing the blame game. It is a small world these days and they should be reminded that Nth American cat owners (and pet food buyers) will be well aware of Champions problems and behaviour in Australia. Veterinarians also recommend food and also talk to each other (eg I am a member of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine). As a comparison we had a little cat recently that ate a whiskas cat toy and required $10,000 worth of Sx and care. The company paid within a week with no questions asked.
Please quote me anytime and use my name at will. As always I support your efforts.
Needless to say I have had no communications from Champion for some time. On the self promoting side ANVC asked for reimbursement for the money spent on some of the blood tests done initially in the US (Michigan at ANVC instigation and expense). They were not reimbursed in full (sent approx $600 from memory). Champion has not paid for (or offered to pay for) any of the pathologic tests we have done although are happy to quote the findings.
I will send them a copy of the paper when it is out-and will circulate it to my contacts in the US and Canada as well. The company is identified.

Hope this helps

Georgina
UNQUOTE

So as we can see, Champion are happy to bignote themselves announcing findings of studies etc on their website but are not prepared to either reference and acknowledge the providers of that information nor pay for the costs involved. And I still have not received a reply to my questions emailed 14 July nor to the phone call I made at my expense on 29th July. Meanwhile I have just incurred a further $200 in vet fees for treatment for a UTI due to my cat's hind limb paralysis which has rendered her for the time being at least faecally and urinary incontinent. This is the 2nd UTI in 3 months. She is recovering but it is slow and I pray she will make a good recovery as have many of our cats over time. Many have not, some have died.

Please think of us all when you sprinkle kibble into your cat's bowl and say a little prayer.
Thank you

OMG your poor cats

I really feel for you

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R.I.P Kaydee my beautiful baby girl. 15.04.2004 - 01.05.2011