For some reason, we think it’s a good idea to give our pets edible treats that they wouldn’t naturally find in the wild. That’s not to say that we should  treat our pets like wild animals, but, you know, don’t give your dog a milkshake. In a new pet-treat controversy that has sparked outrage across the States, hundreds of pets have died after eating a “beef jerky treat” made in China.

Nearly 600 little critters have perished and more than 3600 have been poisoned in a mysterious outbreak of illnesses that are linked back to jerky treats that are made in China. Most of the victims have been dogs. The bug that is infecting them has no preference over breed, or indeed species, with 10 cats having been seriously sickened too.

Owners of the sick pets had bought the jerky, which comes in chicken, duck and sweet potato, from local pets stores. FDA officials have conducted numerous tests on the pet-store products, only to find nothing that was seriously alarming.

The death toll has risen from the 500 in January, but the rate of infection has slowed down, mostly because two of the largest sellers of pet jerky treats announced recalls to get their faulty products away from the concerned public.

[Source: NBC News]