Hill’s Toxic Dog Food
Koskie Minsky LLP has commenced a class action against Hill’s Pet Nutrition Canada Inc. and Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., regarding toxic dog food products sold to Canadian pet owners.
The statement of claim issued on October 24, 2019 alleges that a list of 33 Hill’s products contained excessively high levels of vitamin D, which is very dangerous for dogs. Vitamin D toxicity can result in illness, hospitalization, and even death. Hill’s has admitted that its products are unsafe for pets and issued a recall on them. Amongst other things, the claim alleges that this recall was not issued early enough, as many pets and their owners suffered before the products came off the shelves.
The proposed class includes all persons in Canada who purchased, or incurred damages by using, any of the toxic products listed in the statement of claim.
The products included in the class action are:
(i) Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d with Lamb Canine 13oz (SKU number 2697, Date/Lot Code 102020T25);
(ii) Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Canine Chicken & Vegetable Stew 12.5oz (SKU number 3384, Date/Lot Codes 092020T29, 102020T10, 102020T25);
(iii) Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Canine Chicken & Vegetable Stew 5.5oz (SKU number 3388, Date/Lot Code 102020T18);
(iv) Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Canine Chicken & Vegetable Stew 12.5oz (SKU number 3389, Date/Lot Codes 092020T28, 102020T24, 102020T25, 102020T04, 102020T10, 102020T19, 102020T20, 102020T21);
(v) Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Low Fat Canine Rice, Vegetable & Chicken Stew 5.5oz (SKU number 3391, Date/Lot Code 092020T27);
(vi) Hill’s Prescription Diet r/d Canine 12.3oz (SKU number 7014, Date/Lot Codes 092020T28, 102020T27, 102020T28);
(vii) Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Dog Food 13oz (SKU number 2975, Date/Lot Code 092020T28);
(viii) Hill’s Science Diet Adult Beef & Barley Entrée Dog Food 13oz (SKU number 7039, Date/Lot Codes 092020T31, 102020T21);
(ix) Hill’s Science Diet Mature Adult Healthy Cuisine Chicken & Carrots Stew Dog Food 12.5oz (SKU number 10449, Date/Lot Codes 092020T28);
(x) Hill’s Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Braised Beef, Carrots & Peas Stew Dog Food 12.5oz (SKU number 10451, Date/Lot Codes 102020T28);
(xi) Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Canine Chicken & Vegetable Stew 5.5oz (SKU number 3390, Date/Lot Codes 102020T11, 112020T23, 122020T07);
(xii) Hill’s Prescription Diet g/d Canine 13oz (SKU number 7006, Date/Lot Codes 112020T19, 092020T22, 112020T20);
(xiii) Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Canine 13oz (SKU number 7008, Date/Lot Codes 092020T21, 092020T30, 102020T07, 102020T11, 112020T22, 112020T23);
(xiv) Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d Canine 13oz (SKU number 7009, Date/Lot Codes 112020T20);
(xv) Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Canine 13oz (SKU number 7010, Date/Lot Codes 102020T10, 102020T11);
(xvi) Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Canine 13oz (SKU number 7017, Date/Lot Codes 102020T24, 102020T25, 112020T09, 112020T10, 092020T30, 102020T11, 102020T12);
(xvii) Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Canine 13oz (SKU number 7018, Date/Lot Codes 102020T04, 112020T22);
(xviii) Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic + Mobility Canine Vegetable & Tuna Stew 12.5oz (SKU number 10086, Date/Lot Codes 102020T05, 102020T26);
(xix) Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Canine Vegetable & Chicken Stew 12.5oz (SKU number 10129, Date/Lot Codes 112020T05, 112020T11, 102020T04, 102020T21);
(xx) Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Low Fat Canine Rice, Vegetable & Chicken Stew 12.5oz (SKU number 10423, Date/Lot Codes 092020T27, 092020T28, 102020T17, 102020T19, 112020T04);
(xxi) Hill’s Prescription Diet Derm Defense Canine Chicken & Vegetable Stew 12.5oz (SKU number 10509, Date/Lot Codes 102020T05);
(xxii) Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley Entrée 13oz (SKU number 7036, Date/Lot Codes 102020T12);
(xxiii) Hill’s Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food 13oz (SKU number 7037, Date/Lot Codes 092020T22, 102020T13, 102020T14, 112020T23, 112020T24);
(xxiv) Hill’s Science Diet Adult Turkey & Barley Dog Food 13oz (SKU number 7038, Date/Lot Codes 102020T06);
(xxv) Hill’s Science Diet Adult Chicken & Beef Entrée Dog Food 13oz (SKU number 7040, Date/Lot Codes 112020T10, 112020T11, 102020T13);
(xxvi) Hill’s Science Diet Adult Light with Liver Dog Food 13oz (SKU number 7048, Date/Lot Codes 112020T19);
(xxvii) Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food 13oz (SKU number 7055, Date/Lot Codes 092020T31, 102020T13);
(xxviii) Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Beef & Barley Entrée Dog Food 13oz (SKU number 7056, Date/Lot Codes 102020T28, 092020T31, 112020T20, 112020T24);
(xxix) Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Braised Beef, Carrots & Peas Stew dog food 12.5oz (SKU number 10452, Date/Lot Codes 102020T28, 102020T14, 102020T21);
(xxx) Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Youthful Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Stew dog food 12.5oz (SKU number 10763, Date/Lot Codes 102020T04, 102020T05, 112020T11);
(xxxi) Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Canine 5.5oz (SKU 5403, Date/Lot Code 102020T17, 112020T22);
(xxxii) Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Small & Toy Breed Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food 5.8oz (SKU 4969, Date/Lot Code 102020T18); and
(xxxiii) Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Turkey & Barley Entrée 13oz (SKU 7057, Date/Lot Code 112020T19).
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Latest Developments
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October 24, 2019
The Statement of Claim has been issued in this matter. A copy is available here.
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October 24, 2019
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Documents
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FAQS
What is a class action?
A class action is a lawsuit which provides a method for a large group of people with common claims to join together to advance one large claim. Class actions are a more efficient and cost-effective way for groups of people with common claims to gain access to the legal system and seek justice.
What does certification mean?
In order for an action to proceed as a class action, the court must determine whether it is appropriate for the case to be treated as a class action. Some of the factors the courts consider are the extent to which the claims of the class members are common, and whether a class action is preferable to other methods (such as individual actions) of advancing the issues. The decision as to whether a class action should be certified takes place at a certification hearing and is decided by a judge. If certified, a representative plaintiff will advance the action on behalf of all of the class members.
How do I know if I am a Class Member?
The certification order will always contain a description of who is a class member. We post the certification orders in our actions so that you can review them. You do not need to “sign up” to become involved in a class action. If you are included in the class description, you are automatically a class member who will be affected by the outcome of the class action unless you decide to “opt out”.
Are Class Members notified of the certification of the class proceeding?
Yes. After the claim has been certified, the court will authorize notice to be given to the members of the class.
Can I opt out of a class action and pursue independent legal action?
Yes. When a class action is certified, class members are always given an opportunity to opt out of the action. A deadline is imposed for opting out. If you do not opt out by the given deadline, class members will be bound by the outcome of the class action, whether it is successful or unsuccessful. If you opt out, you will not receive any benefit if the action is successful.
Will there be any cost to class members for legal fees?
Typically, class actions are handled on a contingency fee basis, which means that the class action lawyers will be paid only if the class action is successful at trial or settled. In that case, class counsel fees may be paid by the defendants or out of the settlement or judgment proceeds as approved by the court. In addition, the plaintiff may seek funding assistance from the Class Proceeding Fund which, if funding is granted, may provide funding for disbursements.
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Contacts
Email: dogfoodclassaction@kmlaw.ca
Tollfree: 1 855 595 2628
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