When Disaster Strikes, Champion Of America's Cats And Dogs Ensures Help Is On The Way

Mars Petcare US Pledges $200,000 to Support Red Star™ Rescue Services

First Deployment Helps Animal Victims of Colorado Wildfires

WASHINGTON, July 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- When disaster strikes, a longtime champion of America's beloved cats and dogs is ensuring that help will be on the way. Mars Petcare US, makers of PEDIGREE® Food for Dogs and WHISKAS® Food for Cats, announced its sponsorship of American Humane Association's lifesaving Red Star™ Rescue Services to save animals in emergency situations. The $200,000 Mars sponsorship will help fund the operation of Red Star's famed, 82-foot-long Rescue Rig as it deploys across the country over the next year saving animals following hurricanes, wildfires, floods, tornadoes and other major disasters. This new relationship has already resulted in the funding of Red Star's emergency deployment to help the animal victims of the recent Colorado wildfires. With the help of Mars Petcare US, rescue personnel were able to help, shelter, and safely reunite one hundred percent of the lost, terrified animals they took in with their owners. 

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101108/DC97343LOGO)

During just the past five years, the Red Star Rescue Rig with its mobile operating theater, full complement of boats and rescue equipment, and its national team of 200 volunteers have saved more than 64,000 animals in desperate need. Founded in 1916 at the request of the U.S. Secretary of War, Red Star began saving wounded horses on the battlefields of World War I Europe. Since then, they have been involved in virtually every major relief effort from the Great Ohio Flood of 1937 to Hurricane Katrina, Mount Saint Helens to the Joplin tornado and the earthquakes in Haiti and Japan. Red Star teams even worked with the 300 search-and-rescue dogs at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon following the 9/11 terror attacks.

Mars Petcare and its passionate associates have long worked to make a meaningful difference for communities in crisis. The company regularly responds to disasters with financial help, in-kind food donations for hungry, displaced pets, and significant volunteerism.

"We're pleased to work alongside the historic and renowned American Humane Association Red Star emergency relief efforts," said Debra Fair, vice president, Mars Petcare US. "Together, we will save thousands of lives, reunite families torn apart by forces beyond their control, and help affected communities become whole again."

"We and families across America are tremendously grateful for Mars Petcare US' support," said American Humane Association President and CEO Dr. Robin Ganzert. "As we brace for what is shaping up to be another record storm season, this lifesaving sponsorship is not only timely but will ensure that no matter when the call comes in, help will be on the way. On behalf of the most vulnerable in our society, we thank our caring friends at Mars!"

About Mars, Incorporated
In 1911, Frank C. Mars made the first Mars candies in his Tacoma, Washington kitchen and established Mars' roots as a confectionery company.  In the 1920s, Forrest E. Mars, Sr. joined his father in business and together they launched the MILKY WAY® bar. In 1932, Forrest, Sr. moved to the United Kingdom with a dream of  building a business based on the philosophy of a "mutuality of benefits" for all stakeholders – this vision serves as the foundation of Mars, Incorporated today. Based in McLean, Virginia, Mars has net sales of more than $30 billion, six business segments including Petcare, Chocolate, Wrigley, Food, Drinks, Mars Symbioscience, and approximately 70,000 Associates worldwide that are putting its Principles into action to make a difference for people and the planet through its performance.

For more information, please visit www.mars.com. Follow us: facebook.com/mars, twitter.com/marsglobal, youtube.com/mars.

About Mars Petcare US
Mars Petcare US is the U.S. operations of the world's largest petcare company at the privately-held, Mars, Incorporated. Mars Petcare US produces some of the world's most beloved pet care brands, including PEDIGREE® Food for Dogs, CESAR® Canine Cuisine, SHEBA® Food for Cats, TEMPTATIONS® Treats for Cats,  WHISKAS® Food for Cats, and THE GOODLIFE RECIPE® Brand, as well as exclusive brand products for some of the leading retailers in the U.S.  Headquartered in Franklin, Tenn., more than 2,400 Mars Petcare US associates make, sell and distribute its high-quality pet food from 15 manufacturing facilities located in communities across the U.S. For more information, please visit www.mars.com.

American Humane Association
Since 1877 American Humane Association has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in protecting children, pets and farm animals. Today we're also leading the way in understanding the human-animal bond and its role in therapy, medicine and society. American Humane Association reaches millions of people every day through groundbreaking research, education, training and services that span a wide network of organizations, agencies and businesses. You can help make a difference, too. Visit American Humane Association at www.americanhumane.org today.

®/™ Trademarks © Mars, Incorporated 2012. The AMERICAN HUMANE ASSOCIATION marks and RED STAR are trademarks of American Humane Association.

SOURCE American Humane Association