National Settlement Reached In Dog Treat Case
June 3, 2014 - CHICAGO – A nationwide class settlement was reached on May 30, 2014 between a group of consumers and Waggin’ Train, LLC and Nestle Purina PetCare Company. If given Court approval, the agreement would resolve disputed claims related to Waggin’ Train and Canyon Creek Ranch dog treats made in China.
The settlement creates a settlement fund of $6,500,000, and establishes procedures that would permit consumers to submit claims for monetary relief. The agreement also requires Nestle Purina to undertake enhanced quality assurance measures and modify certain language on its packaging. Full details on the settlement are described in the written agreement filed with the Court.
Neither Waggin’ Train, Nestle Purina nor any of the consumers concede that their claims, or defenses, were not valid. All parties entered into the agreement only to bring the litigation to a prompt and certain resolution.
This agreement is subject to the approval of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, and a final fairness hearing to be scheduled by the Court. Consumers will be given notice of the settlement, and the date of the final hearing, after the Court approves the notice plan proposed by the parties.
The cases being settled are Adkins v. Nestle Purina PetCare Company, et al., No. 12-cv-2871 (N.D. Ill.); Gandara v. Nestle Purina PetCare Company, et al., No. 13-cv-4159 (N.D. Ill.);and Matin v. Nestle Purina PetCare Company, et al., No. 13-cv-1512 (N.D. Ill.).
The plaintiffs in these actions are represented by Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP; Edelman Combs, Latturner & Goodwin, LLC; Brown, Paindiris & Scott, LLP; and The Clark Law Firm. Nestle Purina PetCare Company and Waggin’ Train, LLC, are represented by Hogan Lovells US LLP and Novack and Macey LLP.
If you have any questions about the settlement of these actions, please contact Thomas Souleof Edelman, Combs, Latturner & Goodwin, LLC at (312) 739-4200.