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The Federal Trade Commission has reopened the public comment period for next month’s workshop focusing on competition and consumer protection issues in the pet medications industry, and will now accept comments through November 1, 2012. The Commission is seeking the views of consumers, veterinarians, pharmacists, manufacturers, business representatives, economists, lawyers, academics, and other interested parties prior to that date.

The October 2, 2012, workshop agenda includes sessions examining the ways pet medications are distributed to consumers, and how these distribution practices affect consumer choice and price competition. Among other issues, the workshop will consider the extent to which consumers are able to obtain written, portable prescriptions that they can fill wherever they choose, and their ability to verify the safety and effectiveness of the pet medications they buy.

The Commission vote to reopen the public comment period was 5-0. Comments can be submitted electronically here. (FTC File No. P121201; the staff contact is Stephanie Wilkinson, Office of Policy Planning, 202-326-2084)

The FTC’s Bureau of Competition works with the Bureau of Economics to investigate alleged anticompetitive business practices and, when appropriate, recommends that the Commission take law enforcement action. To inform the Bureau about particular business practices, call 202-326-3300, send an e-mail to antitrust@ftc.gov, or write to the Office of Policy and Coordination, Bureau of Competition, Federal Trade Commission, 601 New Jersey Ave., Room 7117, Washington, DC 20580. To learn more about the Bureau of Competition, read Competition Counts. Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources