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Could you introduce yourself to the jury?
My name is Sam Stone, I obtained my master's degree in chemical engineering from Metropolitan University.
I’ve been employed by Petzicon for over 25 years and specialize in the chemical department , working with research and development.
How familiar are you with Petzicon products?
Well, along with working for the company for so long, I have used Petzicon products for many years. My dog Rusty just loves their products and he’s never had an issue with them.
How did this impact your investigation?
This is unfortunate because reports like these would determine a definitive cause of death, there are other options that can pinpoint the cause better.
What else did Cappella tell you?
She also mentioned how Sally’s adverse reaction developed in less than 15 minutes. This indicates that the product was likely overused, not according to the recommended dosage.
What do you know about the age or condition of the product Ms.Capella used on Sally?
Ms Capella did not provide any information regarding the expiration date of the product during its time of usage so I am unfortunately not aware of the flea treatment’s condition at the time it was used.
What kind of responsibilities do you take on in your field at Petzicon?
I test the effects of various chemicals and how animals react to them. My results are then used to improve the development of Petzicon products.
Well, normally when a champion show dog becomes ill, dies, or is otherwise injured, I am the one called in to investigate the situation with the client. I have been the lead investigator for 15 years.
You talk about how you frequently use Petzicon products. What would an average user of Petzicon products normally see on their packaging?
All Petzicon products come with clear warning labels.
Petzicon also provides specific information on the use of all of its products and which ones can be safely used in conjunction with another product.
It specifies not to use them after a recommended period, which in this case would be one year.
What other options are there to determine the cause of death?
It would have been very helpful had a necropsy been conducted. Unfortunately, Carmen Capella did not ask for one.
It would have let us know of the definitive cause of her death, whether from exposure to one or several products if it was a result of some physical abnormality not previously detected by the owner, or a combination of the two.
What else did Ms. Cappella say in this consultation?
What I found was irresponsible on Carmen’s part was that she disposed of the product.
Not only did she get rid of the product, but she didn't remember, nor provide any information regarding the flea treatments age and warning labels.
I also found that during her competitions' her groomer had used different types of products, which isn't generally advised.
What is important to consider when using chemical products?
The quantity of a product used is very important as using more than the recommended amount could lead to chemical overdose which could increase the risk of adverse effects.
How do your investigations typically begin?
I begin by contacting the pet’s owner and we proceed by discussing the feeding, care, grooming, and general health of the animal. (54:25-26)
These details usually help determine what the cause of distress or death really is.
Why shouldn't a Petzicon Product be used after this period of time?
This warning label existed because when the treatment in this case is used after a recommended period of time, it can become toxic.
What effect does the absence of a necropsy have on your investigation?
The absence of the necropsy affects my ability to make conclusive findings because without the report I simply cannot feel confident declaring the cause of death to be Petzicon’s flea treatment.
As a professional, what do you recommend Capella should have done?
Mixing and matching of products is not advised unless the manufacturer provides a list of compatible products. Petzicon does provide such a list.
This is because each product is designed with specific usage instructions
For the sake of safety, I also recommend not directly disposing of a product after grooming.
Given your role as a professional investigator and expert in your field, what would be your conclusion?
After investigating this incident, I must be clear: I simply didn’t have the whole story. It is uncertain to me.
Without the necessary evidence, like the product, the veterinary or toxicology reports, or even a necropsy—there’s no way to definitively point to Petzicon or any of our products as the cause of Sally’s death.
It’s not just about one piece of the puzzle; it’s about all the missing pieces. Without them, I cannot conclude that Petzicon was to blame. It’s like trying to solve a mystery without all the facts, you just can’t make a fair call.
How would you determine the cause of distress or death?
I investigated the dosage, how the product was used, when and why the product was used, what the product could have been used with, and the health of the animal are important. (54:26-27)
All of this information is vital when determining what really caused an animal's death. I really do need the whole story.
Is there anything else a customer can access to ensure safety?
Petzicon has a customer hotline for anyone who wants to check and see information on the use of their product.
This hotline is for customers to make sure they are using our products as intended.
What information were you able to gather for your investigation of this incident?
I learned that Capella had used TWO different treatments in response to assuming her dog had fleas.
The first product she used was a flea shampoo she had received a year prior. The brand and other details of this shampoo were not brought up during her consultation.
Why would you advise not disposing of the product?
The product could have been important in actually being sure it was a Petzicon product, for future investigation to determine the treatment’s role in the unfortunate death.
Carmen Capella unfortunately disposed of the product after use.
I would like to turn the focus over to the case at hand, why are you here testifying today?
I am here testifying because as lead investigator of Petzicon, whenever an animal is harmed, it is my responsibility to investigate the cause of harm hence I interviewed Carmen Capella after Sally’s death.
Now, you have mentioned a consultation with Carmen Capella. Could you tell me more about this interview?
The consultation of Carmen Capella’s dog Sally was certainly abnormal. I was called to investigate, however, Sally’s body was no longer available for viewing.
Along with not having Sally’s body for investigation, There were no reports whatsoever on the cause of death. No toxicology reports or veterinary reports from an examination were completed.
What was the second product?
The second product was what she assumed to be a Petzicon flea treatment. She used this after observing that Sally’s symptoms were not going away after using the first product.
She did not know exactly how old the flea treatment was, but still went to use them on her dog Sally.
How do Capella’s INACTION affect your investigation?
We are not able to analyze the product, and how that would have played a role with Sally’s age, weight, height or other factors that could explain the adverse reaction
We’d also like to be able to see the product to ensure it was used in accordance to the warnings on the packaging.