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Hill's Pet Nutrition Aids People Affected By Disaster in Japan

TOPEKA, Kan., March 29, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Hill's Pet Nutrition is providing aid and support to people impacted by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. In coordination with our parent company Colgate-Palmolive, Hill's Japan already donated several tons of pet food to provide nutrition to pets through organizations already on the ground. Additionally, Colgate-Palmolive donated $250,000 to the Red Cross and will match donations made by employees to the Red Cross and Save the Children.

"Hill's Japan is a significant part of our business and a dedicated team that shares our global mission of enriching and lengthening the special relationships between people and their pets," said Neil Thompson, Hill's President and CEO. "We understand the unfortunate reality that many companion animals will suffer from the shortage of available pet food in disasters such as this. In addition to financial support to charities aiding people, we are working with organizations in Japan that can help cats and dogs in distress."

Hill's has a long-standing commitment to caring for pets in need. Since 2002, The Hill's Shelter Nutrition Partnership has donated more than $180 million worth of Hill's Science Diet® brand pet foods to nearly 1,000 shelters nationwide, adding up to 500 million nutritious meals for cats and dogs in animal shelters. These efforts have helped more than 5 million pets find new homes. Through its efforts under this program, Hill's is the largest company sponsor of shelters and pet adoptions in the U.S.

In 2010, Hill's joined forces with the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, AVMF and animal health company Merial to support more than 90 veterinary shelters and clinics along the Gulf coast struggling to respond to a record number of pets in need, whose owners were unable to provide needed pet food and medical care in the wake of the Gulf Coast oil spill.

Following the devastation of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, Hill's donated 200,000 lbs of Hill's Science Diet® and Hill's Prescription Diet® pet food to feed displaced pets in the affected region and provided feeding bowls and leashes. The donated pet food and other items went to veterinary clinics, Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams, veterinary schools and other locations where homeless pets were receiving care and being housed. Also, a team of veterinarians at Hill's donated their expertise to the rescue efforts in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

About Hill's Pet Nutrition

Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. manufactures Hill's® Prescription Diet® brand pet foods, therapeutic pet foods available only through veterinarians, and Hill's® Science Diet® brand pet foods sold through veterinarians and finer pet specialty stores. Founded more than 60 years ago with a unique commitment to pet nutrition and well-being, Hill's is committed to its mission to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Hill's produces high-quality, great-tasting pet foods owners can trust and give to their canine and feline companions as part of a veterinary health care team recommendation. This ultimately improves patient health and the health of the practice. For more information about Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. and Hill's Evidence-Based Clinical Nutrition(TM) visit HillsPet.com, or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HillsPetUS.

SOURCE Hill's Pet Nutrition