Title: An act relating to adulterated pet food.

Brief Description: Concerning adulterated pet food.

Sponsors: Senators Jacobsen, Murray, Rasmussen and McDermott.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Agriculture & Rural Economic Development: 1/21/08, 2/7/08 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6258 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.Signed by Senators Rasmussen, Chair; Hatfield, Vice Chair; Schoesler, Ranking Minority Member; Jacobsen, Morton and Shin.

Staff: Sam Thompson (786-7413)

Background: The state Consumer Protection Act (CPA) provides that unfair or deceptive acts and unfair methods of competition in trade or commerce are unlawful. Other statutes declare violations of their provisions to be violations of the CPA. A party injured by a violation of the CPA may bring a lawsuit for damages. Recovery may include treble damages and reasonable attorneys' fees. In addition, the Attorney General may bring a lawsuit to restrain a person from violating the CPA.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): Knowingly manufacturing or selling adulterated pet food is an unfair or deceptive act in trade or commerce and an unfair method of competition for the purpose of applying the CPA.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY AGRICULTURE & RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (Recommended Substitute): The proposed substitute bill specifies that knowingly selling adulterated pet food is also a violation of the Consumer Protection Act.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This legislation addresses concerns regarding recent deaths of pets caused by adulterated pet food.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Jacobsen, sponsor.