Lawsuit filed against Denver Purina pet food factory for foul odor from rotting carcasses

Residents near the Purina pet food plant near Interstate 70 and York have long complained about the pervasive odor emanating from the factory. Now, a recent lawsuit has been filed, contending that the factory’s noxious smells are adversely affecting families in the vicinity. This legal action alleges that Purina has not been adequately addressing the offensive odors generated during the production process, causing discomfort and distress to nearby residents.

One such affected family consists of Rile Walters and Hayley Douglas, who moved into a duplex across the highway from the Purina plant in 2022. Despite not detecting any unpleasant odors during their initial tours of the area, the couple has since experienced the full force of the putrid stench permeating their living space. Walters likened the smell to that of a decaying carcass or sewage, emphasizing the severity of the issue.

According to other residents, the smell of dog food fluctuates depending on the wind direction. On the worst days, the odor becomes utterly intolerable, prompting some individuals to describe it as similar to rotting flesh or sewage. The unpleasant aroma has grown so overwhelming that it has triggered the filing of a class-action lawsuit against Purina. The legal complaint asserts that the pervasive smell is causing physical discomfort, leading to nausea and rendering nearby homes uninhabitable.

Interestingly, this recent lawsuit mirrors a previous legal action filed by the same attorneys against Purina last year, which was subsequently dismissed. While the reasons for the dismissal remain undisclosed, the attorneys involved with the current case express confidence in the merits of this new legal challenge. Purina, when contacted for comment, reiterated its stance from a previous statement, emphasizing its commitment to being a responsible member of the Denver community and an enduring presence in the neighborhood.

Despite being questioned about the steps taken to address the smell and Purina’s efforts to be a good neighbor, the company has not provided any additional information. The lawsuit, meanwhile, alleges that Purina has failed to implement effective odor prevention technology and proper air filtration in its production processes, exacerbating the unpleasant smells permeating the surrounding area. As Denver7 follows up on this matter, the residents affected by the noxious odors remain hopeful for a swift resolution to this contentious issue.