Yup, that’s it. Sally & Stephen Miller, the owners of ChemNutra, got a slap on the wrist for their part in killing thousands of pets in 2007.
A federal judge today sentenced two Nevada business owners to three years probation for distributing a melamine-tainted ingredient that triggered a massive pet food recall in 2007 and caused the deaths and illnesses of thousands of dog and cats nationwide.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Maughmer also ordered Sally Qing Miller, 43, a Chinese national, and her husband, Stephen S. Miller, 57, to each pay a $5,000 fine. In addition, Whipple ordered the Miller’s company, Chemnutra, Inc., to pay a $25,000 fine.
The idea of these people getting off with a lame 3 year probation and a $5,000 fine is more than an insult to everyone whose lives they affected. And, we’re talking about thousands of lives – pets and their people.
According to government officials though, we should all be jumping up and down now that justice was served . . .
“Today’s sentence sends a strong message that we will work tirelessly to stop dangerous goods from entering the American marketplace,” said John Morton, the Department of Homeland Security’s assistant secretary for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). “ICE will continue to aggressively pursue individuals and organizations involved with illegally importing tainted or substandard goods that may jeopardize the safety of our families, communities and pets.”
“We commend the action of the U.S. Attorney’s Office against those companies and individuals responsible for many animal injuries and deaths from melamine contamination of pet food. The FDA will support strong enforcement of the law to protect the health and safety of our pets,” said Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein, principal deputy commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Read the rest of Chemnutra Owners Sentenced for Melamine-Tainted Pet Food at Consumeraffairs.com
Right! I’ll sleep better at night now knowing my government works so hard to keep us all safe!. Not!
Tell me, if you lost your pet because he or she ate the deadly pet food, how much did you have to pay in vet bills? And what about those of you who have pets who survived, but have lasting health problems as a result? I’m not talking about the emotional cost right now. We all know that’s huge and can’t begin to be measured. But I bet many of you have paid more than $5,000 in vet bills.
And the people who caused it, got a slap on the wrist.
Technorati Tags: pet food recall, ChemNutra
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
What really was a sucker punch was reference to the Class Action suit being part of their punishment.
I’d venture to guess the vetting of the claimants has yet to provide funds to them for anything.
According to what I’ve understood, Chemnutra’s insurance paid, not the Millers. So, they really didn’t suffer much and still claim 500,000 net worth.
I hope their current insurer’s pay close attention to all the documentation instead of the idiocy spouted at very damaged animals & people.
The Government Sentencing Memorandum acknowledged the damages done by these people and the complaint documented the end run around the import process… there’s nothing about this situation that speaks to justice or compensation for the victims.
IMO there is nothing by the District Attorney or the Court which exemplifies “vigorous” prosecution. It’s as bad a public relations act that by our legal system destroys any hope of stopping adulteration for profit by businesses or individuals in positions to perpetrate such acts.
“Because of the neglect of these defendants, because they failed to exercise foresight and vigilance, the public suffered greatly. Thousands of innocent pets became seriously ill and many suffered death. It is impossible to talk about this case without realizing that the defendant’s criminal conduct posed and caused substantial physical injuries, death, and psychological injuries.”
The District Attorney apparently voiced words but provided no actions to prosecute within the framework of the damages of which they spoke.
T
Our cat died after eating tainted food. We spent over $6000.00 in vet bills trying to diagnose what was wrong with her and we only found out after the recalls began and the food we were feeding was recalled. So, the Millers get individual fines each of $5000.00 which is less than what we paid to try to help our cat and we are only one family. We put our cat through numerous tests and procedures, many of them very frightening and painful for her and we lost a special member of our family because of these people. The visions and sounds of what she went through right before she died will never leave our minds. All Im seeing now are statements being made by the Millers about how they are struggling and how they are the victims. These people have no sense of decency nor compassion. What I want to know is how do we find out which pet food companies use the Miller’s new business, EOS Direct (thats right, they have already been back in business for quite some time now) because I do not want to purchase any food from any company who chooses to do business with them.
People can still sue them in small claims court in their own jurisdiction. You don’t need an attorney for that. And with the results of this case as mentioned above they will be found guilty
Just have your receipts or evidence of what you fed as being part of the recall and any medical bills up to the limit of your small claims. It doesn’t have to be over for them EVER. Those are damages that they OWE.
There IS good news for those that lost pets. For those who have pets that suffer still.
Susan Thixton will be making a VERY exciting announcement very shortly.
Robert, Im not so sure that is right. I thought if you tried to go thru small claims, they just direct you to the class action suit….Im not an attorney so I dont for sure.