Comment submitted by K. Vermeulen

Products containing metaldehyde should be removed from consumer shelves. As I have now learned, there are safe alternatives availabale so why even sell something that can be fatal to animals and children? Children and pets are usually in a home's yard. As a consumer purchasing an item for the garden, I should not have to question whether a product is safe or not. If it is not, it should be sold and used under controlled situations. At the very least companies should design their packaging with eye-catching warnings. Instead of a warning buried deep within the text or at the bottom in miniscule print, there should be a bright-colored circle with Children/Pets and a line through it on the front of the box. Some metaldehyde registrants are opposed to this as consumers may not use the product. SO WHAT?!!! Many of the safer products are made by the same companies so the financial consequence would be minimal. How about worrying about protecting lives instead of the almighty dollar? Our vet told us metaldehyde poisoning is very common. On a recent Monday our vet saw 5 cases from the weekend. That is only one hospital, one day!!! We left the hospital with an estimate of $1,750 and not much hope our dog would survive. We were one of the lucky ones; our dog survived and we are now more informed. How many have to die before this active ingredient is removed from consumer shelves? Kerry Vermeulen Roseville, CA