Penalty orders, declarations, and injunctions against Bonnie & I Pty Ltd and the director of that company have been issued by the Federal Court of Australia, following an investigation by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).
APVMA acting Chief Executive Officer Dr Melissa McEwen said the APVMA is responsible for assessing and registering agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemical products before they enter the Australian market.
“The APVMA uses contemporary scientific methods to assess agvet chemicals, including the veterinary medicines we give our pets, to make sure they are safe and effective for use,” said Dr McEwen.
“Pet owners want to know that the treatments they give their pets are proven to be safe and effective. Companies that do not comply with their obligations put our pets at risk.”
Dr McEwen said Bonnie & I Pty Ltd was subject to APVMA compliance and enforcement activities for some time, with engagement attempts ignored by the company.
“A number of products sold by Bonnie & I Pty Ltd were veterinary chemical products, which had not been registered with the APVMA and were represented as homeopathic or naturopathic remedies. In March 2023, the APVMA issued a recall notice for these products; however, the company did not comply with this notice.”
“Veterinary chemical products supplied in the Australian market must be assessed and registered by the APVMA. We make sure there is real evidence to back their claims and we set what must appear on the product labels,” said Dr McEwen.
The Court ordered that the company pay penalties totalling $850,000 and the director pay penalties totalling $135,000.
As the regulator, the APVMA will take reasonable action in relation to noncompliance in a manner that is proportionate to the breach.
Stakeholders with questions about the above decision may contact:
Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority
GPO Box 3262
Sydney NSW 2001
Australia
Email: enquiries@apvma.gov.au
Further information: APVMA Media | +61 2 6770 2402 | media@apvma.gov.au