Hill's Pet Nutrition $575,000 Settlement for Dog Food Claims

The recent class action settlement involving Hill's Pet Nutrition has been a significant development for consumers who purchased specific canned dog food products that were found to contain dangerously high levels of vitamin D. This settlement provides financial compensation to those affected by the issue, ensuring that they are not left to bear the financial burden of the company's mistake.

Who Benefits?: Individuals and entities in Canada who purchased the affected Hill's Prescription Diet or Hill's Science Diet canned dog foods between September 1, 2018, and May 31, 2019.

How much can I get?: Settlement awards vary, with compensation for dog injuries up to $500, death-related claims up to $5,000, and reimbursement for product purchases up to the full price paid.

Important Dates

• Deadline to File a Claim: March 26, 2024. Missing this deadline means forfeiting eligibility for compensation.
• Opt-Out Deadline: November 20, 2023. Opting out preserves the right to sue independently.

Who Are the Settlement Class Members?

The settlement class includes all persons and entities that purchased the listed Hill's dog food products within the specified timeframe in Canada. The class action covers a variety of canned dog food products, each identified by specific SKU numbers and date/lot codes.

• If there are multiple tiers of class members, they will be listed here.

Those excluded from the settlement class include individuals who have already received compensation and executed a release, those who purchased for resale, entities controlled by the defendants, and those who opt-out by the specified deadline.

What Awards Can Class Members Claim?

Settlement Class Members are entitled to different types of compensation based on the harm suffered. This includes veterinary expenses for dog injuries, compensation for the death of a dog due to the products, and reimbursement for the purchase of the recalled products.

• Dog Injury Claims: Up to $500 for veterinary expenses related to screening, diagnosing, and treating a dog for vitamin D toxicity.
• Death-Related Claims: Up to $5,000 for documented cases where a dog died as a result of consuming the affected products.
• Consumer Food Purchase Claims: Reimbursement of the full purchase price with proof of purchase, or up to $20 without proof.

Products Involved in the Settlement

The settlement encompasses specific batches of Hill's Prescription Diet and Science Diet canned dog foods, each identified by SKU numbers and date/lot codes. A full list of affected products is detailed in the settlement documentation.

Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

Yes, proof is required to claim an award. Acceptable forms of documentation include veterinary records, test reports, and receipts or proof of product purchase.

How to Claim Your Award

To claim your award, complete the online claim form or request a paper form to be mailed to you. All claims must be submitted by the March 26, 2024 deadline.

For dog injury or death-related claims, detailed documentation from your veterinarian is necessary. For product purchase claims, an attestation with or without proof of purchase is required.

Analysis of the Settlement Fund Distribution

The $575,000 USD settlement fund will be allocated to approved claims after deducting administrative fees and expenses. If the total approved claims exceed the fund, awards will be reduced proportionately. Any remaining funds will be donated to Humane Canada or a similar organization.

Why the Class Action Settlement Was Reached

This class action lawsuit was initiated due to allegations that Hill's dog food products contained harmful levels of vitamin D. The settlement aims to compensate those who purchased the affected products and suffered losses as a result.

With the settlement now approved by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, eligible claimants are encouraged to submit their claims to receive their entitled compensation.