The Federal Court of Australia has issued penalty orders, declarations, and injunctions against Bonnie & I Pty Ltd following an investigation by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).

Bonnie &I are said to have sold a number of veterinary chemical products that had not been registered with the APVMA and were represented as homeopathic or naturopathic remedies.

Dr Melissa McEwen, acting CEO of AVPMA, said Bonnie & I Pty Ltd was subject to APVMA compliance and enforcement activities for some time, with engagement attempts ignored by the company.

“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.”

The Court ordered that the company pay penalties totalling $850,000 and the director pay penalties totalling $135,000.

“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.

“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,” said Dr McEwen.

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