14 DAY TRIAL // Facebook and other social media websites are flooded with a message that claims 70 dogs have died after eating chicken jerky treats that come from China.
In reality this is nothing more than another campaign that tries to scare the masses with no good reason, since many of the facts are overblown, reports Hoax Slayer.
“WARNING!!!!! It was on Fox news earlier that 70 dogs have died as a result of eating chicken jerky treats made from chicken that has come from China. Kingdom Pets brand from Costco is one of them. Also certain Blue Buffalo brand pet foods have a recall for the same thing. Please re post and make sure all your doggie friends are aware of this,” reads the fake warning.
There is some truth to this, but no one actually claimed that 70 dogs have already died. In fact, there is actually no conclusive evidence that proves the Chinese products are responsible.
“To date, scientists have not been able to determine a definitive cause for the reported illnesses. FDA continues extensive chemical and microbial testing but has not identified a contaminant. The FDA continues to actively investigate the problem and its origin. Many of the illnesses reported may be the result of causes other than eating chicken jerky,” reads the official statement of the FDA.
While it is good to keep people informed, these fake messages that only spread fear won’t help anyone and that is why Internet users are advised to document a rumor before passing it on to friends.
There are enough websites that will inform you precisely on stories such as the ones that mention bits of nails in cheese, Facebook deleting accounts, or children shot by their stepfathers. Even if these messages don’t spread malware, it’s still considered spamming.