A Central Texas man fought a giant pet product company and won a landmark case.
Frank Bowers applied Hartz flea and tick treatment to his dog Diesel at his Lake Travis home in August of 2008. His 14 month old dog had a severe reaction and died of kidney failure the next day.
Bowers filed against Hartz Mountain Corporation in Travis County small claims court. In January, a jury awarded him a $4,440.57 dollar settlement.
“I didn’t win for myself. I won for all of those who have lost, and those who have lost have lost a lot,” said Bowers.
The EPA is investigating flea and tick treatments after numerous complaints similar to Bowers.
However, Hartz is confident in the quality of its topical flea and tick products. In a statement the company said safety was its top priority.
The pet product giant also said the case was without merit and the allegations were not supported by evidence presented in the trial.
Hartz said they did not appeal the decision because of the time and cost involved.
