FEATURE/Friskies to Raise Funds for Animal Protection, Educational Programs; Friskies Partners for Pets Program Aims to Raise $250,000 for AHA.

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE FEATURES)--Sept. 23, 1998--Friskies PetCare Co. Inc. is once again joining forces with consumers, retailers and the American Humane Association (AHA) to help educate the public about responsible pet care and ownership.

Beginning Sept. 21 and running through Oct. 31, Friskies will donate 5 cents for every purchase of a Friskies product -- up to $250,000 -- to AHA to support educational and animal protection programs.

According to AHA (a), studies show a strong correlation between a child's behavior toward animals and his or her later adult behavior toward other people. Research shows that young people who are cruel to animals are more likely to become aggressive toward humans in the future.

These studies suggest that children who learn to be caring, responsible pet guardians are more likely to be caring, responsible adult members of society.

"AHA believes that building a bond between children and pets is a strong first step toward becoming compassionate adults," said Joyce Briggs, AHA spokesperson. "Friskies' continued support through the Friskies Partners for Pets Program has helped fund many AHA programs that teach and foster this humane ethic."

In its third year, the Friskies Partners for Pets fund-raising program gives pet lovers nationwide the opportunity to support AHA's programs by purchasing Friskies products during this month-long period.

AHA will use a portion of the funds raised toward a pilot program which partners at-risk youth with humane shelter animals to aid in pet training and adoption. Funds will also be spent on AHA programs including local seminars across the country that educate teachers, social workers, police departments and veterinarians in identifying and reporting animal abuse; and lobbying for stronger anti-cruelty legislation.

"Friskies is proud to support AHA because of its tremendous efforts to promote responsible pet care and the special relationship between pets and their guardians," said Barbara Royer, professional communications manager, Friskies. "To date, the Friskies Partners for Pets program has raised more than $500,000 for AHA's programs. Working with AHA, I feel that we truly are Partners for Pets."

Established in 1877, the American Humane Association is the only national welfare organization that protects both animals and children. AHA's Animal Protection Division is a national federation of concerned individuals, animal shelters and humane agencies dedicated to the prevention of cruelty, neglect, abuse and exploitation of animals.

Its Children's Division is devoted to eliminating the causes of child abuse and neglect through national and community efforts to better protect children.

For more than 65 years Friskies has been committed to providing dogs and cats with the taste they like and the nutrition they need to make them healthy, happy and full of life. It is this dedication to improving the lives of pets that makes Friskies a natural partner with the American Humane Association.

Friskies PetCare manufactures some of America's leading brands of pet foods, including Fancy Feast canned cat food, Friskies canned and dry cat food, Chef's Blend dry cat food, ALPO canned and dry cat food, ALPO and Mighty Dog canned dog foods, Friskies Come `N Get It dry dog food and Friskies Chew-eez dog treats.

(a): For more information on these studies, contact Joyce Briggs at the American Humane Association at 303/792-9900.