A parliamentary inquiry into Australia's $4 billion pet food industry has been approved following a recent dog food recall and a series of reports that plastic, metal, and mould have been found in some pet foods.
Mars Petcare, which was implicated in a recent spate of dog illnesses, has reportedly voiced its support for Australian pet food regulation.
Mars Petcare's Advance Dermocare dry dog food was linked to dozens of cases of megaesophagus, a syndrome that affects the normal function of the oesophagus.
Although Mars Petcare said at the time that it had not found a link between the debilitating condition, the company recalled the product in March.
Mars Petcare now says it supports the introduction of regulation that would strengthen the industry and achieve the best for pets, according to ABC Online.
In 2012, a review into the pet food industry was launched after a number of cats and dogs become ill from eating pet food, and at the time it was decided that self-regulation was the right model.
Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud, who has announced his support for an inquiry, said he wrote to all of Australia's states and territories on 7 May this year asking them to consider regulating the industry, with only the Queensland, Tasmanian and South Australian ministers so far advising him their support.
“Having a pet die is an absolutely terrible thing. It can be like losing a family member,” the minister said. “The thought of those dogs in pain or dying is unacceptable."
“I’ve asked the states and territories to join with me in reviewing the appropriateness of the current approach.
“I welcome the inquiry into the industry and call on Labor to support it. Let’s shine a light in. Scrutiny is only ever a good thing and I look forward to the inquiry’s recommendations.”
