Death by chocolate: Couple fights for warning labels on cocoa bean mulch

[This story first appeared in the March 23, 2009 edition of the Capitol Report.]

Terry and Dawn Hall had just moved to Minneapolis from Atlanta in the summer of 2007, and they were expecting family to visit for the first time over the Fourth of July weekend.

So, in preparation, the Halls visited the local landscaping center a week before the visit and were dazzled by the beautiful display of flowers

One Response to “Death by chocolate: Couple fights for warning labels on cocoa bean mulch”

1. Anonymous Says:
   March 25th, 2009 at 2:28 pm

   What a sad case. Thanks for spreading the word on pet toxicities - so important for pet owners to be aware of the lurking household poisons in (and outside of) their house! As an ER specialist, I see so many toxicities that owners bring in too late (making it more expensive to treat, with a worse prognosis!). When in doubt, it’s so important to call a Poison Control for peace of mind!

   I wanted to make you aware of another important resource out there also - a local Twin Cities company. Pet Poison Helpline (PPH) is an additional Animal Poison Control Center, and it’s one of the most cost-effective animal poison ($35/case vs. ASPCA’s new $60/case) controls out there nowadays. Unfortunately, because animal poison controls are not federal- or state-funded, there is a fee to allow the service to be run 24-7. We provide a similar service, but have the added benefit of veterinary specialists (in internal medicine and emergency and critical care) as part of our staff. You can always call 1-800-213-6680 if you ever have a problem. Thanks for spreading the word!

   Dr. Justine Lee, DVM, DACVECC
   Associate Director of Veterinary Services
   http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com
   http://www.drjustinelee.com