Appeals May Delay Payments in Pet Food Case

More than 23,000 pet owners in the U.S. have asked for money from a $24 million settlement for owners of dogs and cats who were sickened or died after eating pet food contaminated with an industrial chemical. Owners with claims were set to start getting checks next year, but payments could be held up while a judge sorts out last-minute appeals filed by four people. The snag pits lawyers against each other in a complex, emotional case. "If one of their objections succeeds, the class comes unraveled," said one lawyer.