January 16, 2013

White Dog and The White Dog Army

Wonderful World Wednesday

White Dog and the WDA are wise and understand that often the wheels of change move slowly and that if one is patient, good things result. For many years animal activists and defenders of children have struggled to be heard regarding the number of innocents lost to drinking sweet but poisonous antifreeze and coolants.

Their words have solicited lots of sympathy but little action except in a handful of states but they have persisted and refused to end their campaign.

Winter is upon us again and these toxins once again lurk teasing pets and children to drink the sweet smelling and tasting liquids.  But things are different this time, thanks to those who refused to go away, and because of them, lives will be saved. FINALLY manufacturers have agreed to take steps to help eliminate the problem; and the fix is easy and inexpensive. The world will become a safer more wonderful place for all of us who will not lose a loved one—or worry about the possibility—to accidental poisoning.

Antifreeze Manufacturers Agree to Add Bitter Taste so Animals Won't Lick

By Good News Network Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Antifreeze and engine coolant manufacturers who sell products in the United States must now add a bitter flavoring agent to prevent animals and children from being poisoned by the sweet-tasting liquid.

Although legislation has been previously enacted in 17 states, the Consumer Specialty Products Association (CSPA) and the Humane Society Legislative Fund jointly announced Dec. 13 that the industry would now voluntarily add the bitter taste to all coolant products sold in all 50 states.

“This is a ground-breaking example of what’s right with Washington,” said Sara Amundson, executive director of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. “After years of battling over legislation addressing this important issue, the manufacturers of antifreeze and engine coolant have been working with animal advocates to pass state laws with mutually-agreed on language. Now, the Humane Society Legislative Fund applauds them for taking this important step to help protect our pets, kids and wildlife in every state.”

Ethylene glycol’s sweet smell and taste make it attractive to animals as well as children. An estimated 10,000 to 90,000 animals are poisoned each year after ingesting ethylene glycol, the highly toxic substance used in auto antifreeze. One teaspoon of the liquid licked from a garage floor can kill an average-sized cat.

The manufacturers are adding bitter-tasting denatonium benzoate to antifreeze and coolant sold directly to consumers across the country.