Feds Seize Food From Decrepit PETCO Warehouse In Joliet

By Margaret Lyons in News on Jun 20, 2008 6:49PM

U.S. Marshals seized pet food stored in an apparently rat-infested PETCO warehouse in Joliet yesterday.

The FDA had inspected the facility in April and found, according to the Sun-Times, "live and dead rodents and birds on or around the containers of pet food, as well as rodent pellets and bird droppings throughout the facility. Inspectors allegedly found holes and gaps in the warehouse allowing entry for the birds and rodents, and observed debris outside the building that can harbor rodents." The feds asked PETCO to rectify the situation, but a follow-up visit last month found more of the same. Also "some [food containers] had been gnawed and defiled by excrement." Defiled by excrement = band name of the decade.

There haven't been any reports of sick pets, but if you think you might have touched something originating in that warehouse, the FDA suggests you...wash your hands. Good advice either way!

Speaking of pets, that's Pretzel. He needs a home. And your daily does of ouch, my heart: this delightful story of Mister Buckets and his new pooch. [Reuters, S-T]