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<TITLE>Prepared by R.R. Donnelley Financial -- Form S-8</TITLE>
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 <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 19, 2002 </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV
ALIGN="right"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Registration No. 333-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </B></FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="4" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"><DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV
ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="5"><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="3"><B>Washington, D.C. 20549 </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <HR NOSHADE WIDTH="19%" COLOR="#000000"><DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="5"><B>FORM S-8 </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman"
SIZE="5"><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="4"><B><I>UNDER </I></B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="4"><B><I>THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
</I></B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <HR NOSHADE WIDTH="19%" COLOR="#000000"><DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="6"><B>CENTRAL GARDEN &amp; PET COMPANY
</B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <HR NOSHADE WIDTH="19%" COLOR="#000000"><DIV><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center">
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<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="48%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Delaware</B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>(State or Other Jurisdiction of</B></FONT></DIV> <DIV
ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Incorporation or Organization)</B></FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="48%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>68-0275553</B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>(I.R.S. Employer</B></FONT></DIV> <DIV
ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Identification No.)</B></FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
 </TABLE> </DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>3697 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette, California 94549 </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV
ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>(Address of Principal Executive Offices) </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <HR NOSHADE WIDTH="19%" COLOR="#000000"><DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV
ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Central Garden &amp; Pet Company </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Nonemployee Director Equity Incentive Plan </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV
ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Non-Plan Nonemployee Director Stock Options </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>(Full Title of the Plans) </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <HR NOSHADE WIDTH="19%" COLOR="#000000"><DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>William E. Brown </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Chief Executive Officer </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Central Garden &amp; Pet Company </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman"
SIZE="2"><B>3697 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette, California 94549 </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>(925) 283-4573 </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>(Name,
Address and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent For Service) </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><I>Copies to: </I></B></FONT></DIV> <DIV
ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>John F. Seegal, Esq. </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Orrick, Herrington &amp; Sutcliffe LLP </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>400 Sansome Street </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>San Francisco, California 94111-3143 </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman"
SIZE="2"><B>(415) 392-1122 </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="4" NOSHADE
COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"><DIV ALIGN="center">
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<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="42%" ALIGN="center"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Title of Securities to be Registered</B></FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Amount To</B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Be&nbsp;Registered(1)</B></FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Proposed</B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Maximum</B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Offering Price</B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Per Share</B></FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Proposed Maximum</B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Aggregate</B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Offering Price</B></FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Amount of</B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Registration</B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Fee</B></FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
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<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="42%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:13px; text-indent:-13px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Nonemployee Director Equity Incentive Plan Common Stock, par value $.01 per share</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="14%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">100,000&nbsp;shares</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="14%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$8.875(2)</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="14%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$887,500(2)</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="14%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$84</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
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<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="42%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:13px; text-indent:-13px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Non-Plan Nonemployee Director Stock Options Common Stock, par value $.01 per share</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="14%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">21,000&nbsp;shares</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="14%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$7.220(3)</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="14%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$151,620(3)</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="14%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$15</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
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<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="42%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:27px; text-indent:-13px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Total</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="14%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">121,000&nbsp;shares</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="14%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$8.588</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="14%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$1,039,120</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="14%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$99</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
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<TD WIDTH="013" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(1)</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD WIDTH="006" VALIGN="top"><DIV>&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">This Registration Statement shall also cover any additional shares of Common Stock which become issuable under any of the Plans by reason of any stock dividend, stock split,
recapitalization or other similar transaction effected without the Registrant's receipt of consideration which results in an increase in the number of the Registrant's outstanding shares of Common Stock. </FONT></DIV> </TD></TR></TABLE>
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<TD WIDTH="013" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(2)</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD WIDTH="006" VALIGN="top"><DIV>&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Estimated in accordance with Rules 457(c) and 457(h) under the Securities Act solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee on the basis of $8.875 per share, the
average of the high and low sale prices of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market on February 12, 2002. </FONT></DIV> </TD></TR></TABLE>
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<TD WIDTH="013" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(3)</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD WIDTH="006" VALIGN="top"><DIV>&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Pursuant to Rule 457(h)(1) under the Securities Act, the proposed maximum offering price per share and the proposed maximum aggregate offering price have been calculated on the
basis of $7.220 per share, the exercise price of the stock options. </FONT></DIV> </TD></TR></TABLE> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <HR NOSHADE WIDTH="19%" COLOR="#000000"><DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV
STYLE="text-indent:27px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>This Registration Statement shall become effective immediately upon filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and sales of the registered securities will begin as soon as
reasonably practicable after such effective date. </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="4" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left">

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 <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>PART I </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman"
SIZE="2"><B>Item 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Plan Information * </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Item 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Registrant Information and Employee Plan Annual
Information * </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="text-indent:27px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">*&nbsp;&nbsp;Information required by Part I to be contained in the Section 10(a) prospectus is omitted from
this Registration Statement in accordance with Rule 428 under the Securities Act of 1933 (the &#147;Securities Act&#148;) and the Note to Part I of Form S-8. </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>PART II </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Item 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference </B></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="text-indent:27px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Central Garden &amp; Pet Company (the &#147;Registrant&#148;) hereby incorporates by reference into this Registration Statement the following
documents previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the &#147;Commission&#148;): </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV>
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<TD WIDTH="013" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD WIDTH="006" VALIGN="top"><DIV>&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Registrant&#146;s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 0-20242) for the fiscal year ended September&nbsp;29, 2001; </FONT></DIV> </TD></TR></TABLE> <DIV><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV>
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<TD WIDTH="027"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="013" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD WIDTH="006" VALIGN="top"><DIV>&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Registrant&#146;s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 0-20242) for the quarter ended December&nbsp;29, 2001; </FONT></DIV> </TD></TR></TABLE> <DIV><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV>
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<TD WIDTH="027"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="013" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD WIDTH="006" VALIGN="top"><DIV>&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Registrant&#146;s Current Report of Form 8-K (File No. 0-20242) filed on February 1, 2002; and </FONT></DIV> </TD></TR></TABLE> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV>
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<TD WIDTH="013" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(d)&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD WIDTH="006" VALIGN="top"><DIV>&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The description of the Registrant&#146;s Common Stock contained in the Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;8-A filed with the Commission on March 30, 1993, including any
amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such information. </FONT></DIV> </TD></TR></TABLE> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="text-indent:27px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">All documents subsequently filed by
the Registrant pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, and 15(d) of the Exchange Act, prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining
unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman"
SIZE="2"><B>Item 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Description of Securities </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="text-indent:27px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Inapplicable. </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Item 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interests of Named Experts and Counsel </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="text-indent:27px"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Inapplicable. </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Item 6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Indemnification of Directors and Officers </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="text-indent:27px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the &#147;Delaware Law&#148;) authorizes a Delaware corporation to indemnify
officers, directors, employees and agents of the corporation, in connection with actual or threatened actions, suits or proceedings provided that such officer, director, employee or agent acted in good faith and in a manner such officer reasonably
believed to be in or not opposed to the corporation&#146;s best interests, and, for criminal proceedings, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. This authority is sufficiently broad to permit indemnification under
certain circumstances for liabilities (including reimbursement for expenses incurred) arising under the Securities Act. </FONT></DIV> <P></P>
 <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">2 </FONT></DIV>


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 <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="text-indent:27px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Registrant&#146;s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, and By-Laws provide
that its directors will not be liable to the Registrant or its stockholders for monetary damages for breaches of fiduciary duty, to the fullest extent permitted by law. This provision is intended to allow the Registrant&#146;s directors the benefit
of the Delaware Law which provides that directors of Delaware corporations may be relieved of monetary liability for breaches of their fiduciary duty of care except under certain circumstances, including breach of the duty of loyalty, acts or
omissions not in good faith or involving intentional misconduct or known violation of law or any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV
STYLE="text-indent:27px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Registrant has entered into separate indemnification agreements with each of its directors and executive officers, whereby the Registrant agrees, among other things, to indemnify
them against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as directors or officers, to advance their expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified, and to obtain
directors&#146; and officers&#146; insurance if available at reasonable terms. The Registrant currently maintains liability insurance for officers and directors. </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman"
SIZE="2"><B>Item 7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exemption From Registration Claimed </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="text-indent:27px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Inapplicable. </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Item 8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exhibits </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center">
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<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Exhibit Number</B></FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="2" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="93%"> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Name</B></FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="2" NOSHADE WIDTH="31" ALIGN="left" COLOR="#000000"></TD> </TR>
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<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="right" WIDTH="6%"> <DIV ALIGN="right"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5.1</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="93%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:13px; text-indent:-13px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Opinion of Orrick, Herrington &amp; Sutcliffe LLP.</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
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<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="right" WIDTH="6%"> <DIV ALIGN="right"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">23.1</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="93%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:13px; text-indent:-13px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Consent of Deloitte &amp; Touche LLP.</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="5"> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="right" WIDTH="6%"> <DIV ALIGN="right"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">23.2</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="93%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:13px; text-indent:-13px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Consent of Orrick, Herrington &amp; Sutcliffe LLP is included in Exhibit 5.1 to this Registration Statement.</FONT></DIV> </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="5"> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="right" WIDTH="6%"> <DIV ALIGN="right"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">24&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="93%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:13px; text-indent:-13px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Powers of Attorney is included on signature page of this Registration Statement.</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="5"> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="right" WIDTH="6%"> <DIV ALIGN="right"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">99.1</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="93%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:13px; text-indent:-13px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Nonemployee Director Equity Incentive Plan, as amended June 8, 2001 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit No. 10.12 to
Registrant&#146;s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended September 29, 2001, File No. 0-20242).</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
 </TABLE> </DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Item 9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Undertakings </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV>
<DIV STYLE="text-indent:27px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes: </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:27px; text-indent:27px"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement: </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV
STYLE="margin-left:54px; text-indent:27px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(i)&nbsp;&nbsp;To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act; </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV
STYLE="margin-left:54px; text-indent:27px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(ii)&nbsp;&nbsp;To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective
amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the Registration Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the
dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule
424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the &#147;Calculation of Registration Fee&#148; table in the effective Registration Statement;
</FONT></DIV> <P></P>
 <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">3 </FONT></DIV>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" COLOR="#CCEEFF" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
 <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:54px; text-indent:27px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(iii)&nbsp;&nbsp;To include any material information with respect to the plan
of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to such information in the Registration Statement; </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="text-indent:27px"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the
Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement. </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:27px; text-indent:27px"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(2)&nbsp;&nbsp;That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:27px; text-indent:27px"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(3)&nbsp;&nbsp;To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering. </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="text-indent:27px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the
Registrant&#146;s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan&#146;s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated
by reference in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new Registration Statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="text-indent:27px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors,
officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and
is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been
settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
</FONT></DIV> <P></P>
 <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">4 </FONT></DIV>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" COLOR="#CCEEFF" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
 <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>SIGNATURES </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV
STYLE="text-indent:27px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form
S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Lafayette, State of California on the 15th of February, 2002. </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="right">
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="40%" BORDER="0">

<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" COLSPAN="3" WIDTH="43%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:34px; text-indent:-34px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>CENTRAL&nbsp;&nbsp;GARDEN&amp; PET COMPANY</B></FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:34px; text-indent:-34px"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(Registrant)</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="3%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:13px; text-indent:-13px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">By:</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="43%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;W<SMALL>ILLIAM</SMALL> E. B<SMALL>ROWN&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</SMALL></FONT></DIV> <HR NOSHADE
COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"></TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD> <FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="43%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>William E. Brown</B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Chief Executive Officer</B></FONT></DIV>
</TD> </TR>
 </TABLE> </DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">POWER OF ATTORNEY </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">KNOW BY ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints William E. Brown and Glenn W. Novotny, jointly and severally, his or her attorneys-in-fact and agents,
each with the power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place or stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this Registration Statement on Form S-8, and to file such amendments, together with
exhibits and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting to each attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done
in and about the premises, as fully as he or she might or could do in person, and ratifying and confirming all that the attorneys-in-fact and agents, or his or her substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV STYLE="text-indent:27px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated. </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0">

<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="39%" ALIGN="center"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Signature</B></FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="2" NOSHADE WIDTH="54" COLOR="#000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="39%" ALIGN="center"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Title</B></FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="2" NOSHADE WIDTH="25" COLOR="#000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="center"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Date</B></FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="2" NOSHADE WIDTH="26" COLOR="#000000"></TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="39%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W<SMALL>ILLIAM</SMALL> E. B<SMALL>ROWN&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</SMALL></FONT></DIV> <HR NOSHADE
COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"><DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>William E. Brown</B></FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="39%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:13px; text-indent:-13px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="21%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">February 15, 2002</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="24"> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="39%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">/<SMALL>S</SMALL>/ &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;S<SMALL>TUART</SMALL> W.
B<SMALL>OOTH&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</SMALL></FONT></DIV> <HR NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"><DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Stuart W. Booth</B></FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="39%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:13px; text-indent:-13px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="21%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">February 15, 2002</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="24"> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="39%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">/s/ &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;G<SMALL>LENN</SMALL> W. N<SMALL>OVOTNY&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</SMALL></FONT></DIV> <HR
NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"><DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Glenn W. Novotny</B></FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="39%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:13px; text-indent:-13px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Director</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="21%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">February 15, 2002</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="24"> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="39%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B<SMALL>ROOKS</SMALL> M. P<SMALL>ENNINGTON</SMALL>, III&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></DIV>
<HR NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"><DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Brooks M. Pennington, III</B></FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="39%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:13px; text-indent:-13px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Director</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="21%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">February 15, 2002</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="24"> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="39%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;J<SMALL>OHN</SMALL> B. B<SMALL>ALOUSEK&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</SMALL></FONT></DIV> <HR NOSHADE
COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"><DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>John B. Balousek</B></FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="39%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:13px; text-indent:-13px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Director</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="21%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">February 15, 2002</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
 </TABLE> </DIV> <P></P>
 <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5 </FONT></DIV>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" COLOR="#CCEEFF" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
 <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0">



<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="39%" ALIGN="center"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Signature</B></FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="2" NOSHADE WIDTH="54" COLOR="#000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="39%" ALIGN="center"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Title</B></FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="2" NOSHADE WIDTH="25" COLOR="#000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="center"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Date</B></FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="2" NOSHADE WIDTH="26" COLOR="#000000"></TD> </TR>

<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="39%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;D<SMALL>ANIEL</SMALL> P. H<SMALL>OGAN</SMALL>,
J<SMALL>R</SMALL>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <HR NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"><DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Daniel P. Hogan, Jr.</B></FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="39%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:13px; text-indent:-13px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Director</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="21%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">February 15, 2002</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="24"> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="39%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B<SMALL>RUCE</SMALL> A. W<SMALL>ESTPHAL&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</SMALL></FONT></DIV> <HR
NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"><DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Bruce A. Westphal</B></FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" WIDTH="39%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:13px; text-indent:-13px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Director</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" WIDTH="21%"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">February 15, 2002</FONT></DIV> </TD> </TR>
 </TABLE> </DIV> <P></P>
 <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">6 </FONT></DIV>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" COLOR="#CCEEFF" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
 <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>EXHIBIT INDEX </B></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center">
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0">

<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Exhibit</B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Number</B></FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="2" NOSHADE WIDTH="44"
COLOR="#000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="85%"> <DIV><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Name</B></FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="2" NOSHADE WIDTH="31" ALIGN="left" COLOR="#000000"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Page</B></FONT></DIV> <DIV ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Number</B></FONT></DIV> <HR SIZE="2" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000"></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="5"> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="right" WIDTH="6%"> <DIV ALIGN="right"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5.1</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="85%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:13px; text-indent:-13px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Opinion of Orrick, Herrington &amp; Sutcliffe LLP.</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD> <FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="5"> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="right" WIDTH="6%"> <DIV ALIGN="right"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">23.1</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="85%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:13px; text-indent:-13px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Consent of Deloitte &amp; Touche LLP.</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD> <FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="5"> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="right" WIDTH="6%"> <DIV ALIGN="right"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">23.2</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="85%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:13px; text-indent:-13px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Consent of Orrick, Herrington &amp; Sutcliffe LLP is included in Exhibit 5.1 to this Registration Statement.</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD> <FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="5"> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="right" WIDTH="6%"> <DIV ALIGN="right"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">24&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="85%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:13px; text-indent:-13px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Powers of Attorney is included on signature page of this Registration Statement.</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD> <FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="5"> </TD> </TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="right" WIDTH="6%"> <DIV ALIGN="right"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">99.1</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="85%"> <DIV STYLE="margin-left:13px; text-indent:-13px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Nonemployee Director Equity Incentive Plan, as amended June 8, 2001 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit No. 10.12 to
Registrant&#146;s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended September 29, 2001, File No. 0-20242).</FONT></DIV> </TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD> <FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD> </TR>
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{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY", "cik": "0000887733", "assigned-sic": "5190", "irs-number": "680275553", "state-of-incorporation": "DE", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-83022", "film-number": "02553372"}, "business-address": {"street1": "3697 MT DIABLO BLVD SUITE 300", "city": "LAFAYETTE", "state": "CA", "zip": "94549", "phone": "9252834573"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "3697 MT DIABLO BLVD SUITE 310", "street2": "3697 MT DIABLO BLVD SUITE 310", "city": "LAFAYETTE", "state": "CA", "zip": "94549"}}
Prepared by R.R. Donnelley Financial -- Form S-8
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 19, 2002
Registration No. 333-
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
68-0275553
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
3697 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette, California 94549
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Central Garden & Pet Company
Nonemployee Director Equity Incentive Plan
Non-Plan Nonemployee Director Stock Options
(Full Title of the Plans)
William E. Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Central Garden & Pet Company
3697 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette, California 94549
(925) 283-4573
(Name,
Address and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent For Service)
Copies to:
John F. Seegal, Esq.
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
400 Sansome Street
San Francisco, California 94111-3143
(415) 392-1122
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of Securities to be Registered
Amount To
Be Registered(1)
Proposed
Maximum
Offering Price
Per Share
Proposed Maximum
Aggregate
Offering Price
Amount of
Registration
Fee
Nonemployee Director Equity Incentive Plan Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
100,000 shares
$8.875(2)
$887,500(2)
$84
Non-Plan Nonemployee Director Stock Options Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
21,000 shares
$7.220(3)
$151,620(3)
$15
Total
121,000 shares
$8.588
$1,039,120
$99
(1)
This Registration Statement shall also cover any additional shares of Common Stock which become issuable under any of the Plans by reason of any stock dividend, stock split,
recapitalization or other similar transaction effected without the Registrant's receipt of consideration which results in an increase in the number of the Registrant's outstanding shares of Common Stock.
(2)
Estimated in accordance with Rules 457(c) and 457(h) under the Securities Act solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee on the basis of $8.875 per share, the
average of the high and low sale prices of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market on February 12, 2002.
(3)
Pursuant to Rule 457(h)(1) under the Securities Act, the proposed maximum offering price per share and the proposed maximum aggregate offering price have been calculated on the
basis of $7.220 per share, the exercise price of the stock options.
This Registration Statement shall become effective immediately upon filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and sales of the registered securities will begin as soon as
reasonably practicable after such effective date.
PART I
Item 1.    Plan Information *
Item 2.    Registrant Information and Employee Plan Annual
Information *
*  Information required by Part I to be contained in the Section 10(a) prospectus is omitted from
this Registration Statement in accordance with Rule 428 under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") and the Note to Part I of Form S-8.
PART II
Item 3.    Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference
Central Garden & Pet Company (the "Registrant") hereby incorporates by reference into this Registration Statement the following
documents previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"):
(a)
The Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 0-20242) for the fiscal year ended September 29, 2001;
(b)
The Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 0-20242) for the quarter ended December 29, 2001;
(c)
The Registrant's Current Report of Form 8-K (File No. 0-20242) filed on February 1, 2002; and
(d)
The description of the Registrant's Common Stock contained in the Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Commission on March 30, 1993, including any
amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such information.
All documents subsequently filed by
the Registrant pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, and 15(d) of the Exchange Act, prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining
unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents.
Item 4.    Description of Securities
Inapplicable.
Item 5.    Interests of Named Experts and Counsel
Inapplicable.
Item 6.    Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "Delaware Law") authorizes a Delaware corporation to indemnify
officers, directors, employees and agents of the corporation, in connection with actual or threatened actions, suits or proceedings provided that such officer, director, employee or agent acted in good faith and in a manner such officer reasonably
believed to be in or not opposed to the corporation's best interests, and, for criminal proceedings, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. This authority is sufficiently broad to permit indemnification under
certain circumstances for liabilities (including reimbursement for expenses incurred) arising under the Securities Act.
2
The Registrant's Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, and By-Laws provide
that its directors will not be liable to the Registrant or its stockholders for monetary damages for breaches of fiduciary duty, to the fullest extent permitted by law. This provision is intended to allow the Registrant's directors the benefit
of the Delaware Law which provides that directors of Delaware corporations may be relieved of monetary liability for breaches of their fiduciary duty of care except under certain circumstances, including breach of the duty of loyalty, acts or
omissions not in good faith or involving intentional misconduct or known violation of law or any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.
The Registrant has entered into separate indemnification agreements with each of its directors and executive officers, whereby the Registrant agrees, among other things, to indemnify
them against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as directors or officers, to advance their expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified, and to obtain
directors' and officers' insurance if available at reasonable terms. The Registrant currently maintains liability insurance for officers and directors.
Item 7.    Exemption From Registration Claimed
Inapplicable.
Item 8.    Exhibits
Exhibit Number
Name
5.1
Opinion of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP.
23.1
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
23.2
Consent of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP is included in Exhibit 5.1 to this Registration Statement.
24
Powers of Attorney is included on signature page of this Registration Statement.
99.1
Nonemployee Director Equity Incentive Plan, as amended June 8, 2001 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit No. 10.12 to
Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended September 29, 2001, File No. 0-20242).
Item 9.    Undertakings
(a)  The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1)  To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:
(i)  To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;
(ii)  To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective
amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the Registration Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the
dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule
424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective Registration Statement;
3
(iii)  To include any material information with respect to the plan
of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to such information in the Registration Statement;
Provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the
Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement.
(2)  That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3)  To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(b)  The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the
Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated
by reference in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new Registration Statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c)  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors,
officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and
is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been
settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
4
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form
S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Lafayette, State of California on the 15th of February, 2002.
CENTRAL  GARDEN& PET COMPANY
(Registrant)
By:
/s/  W
ILLIAM
E. B
ROWN
William E. Brown
Chief Executive Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW BY ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints William E. Brown and Glenn W. Novotny, jointly and severally, his or her attorneys-in-fact and agents,
each with the power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place or stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this Registration Statement on Form S-8, and to file such amendments, together with
exhibits and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting to each attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done
in and about the premises, as fully as he or she might or could do in person, and ratifying and confirming all that the attorneys-in-fact and agents, or his or her substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/    W
ILLIAM
E. B
ROWN
William E. Brown
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
February 15, 2002
/
S
/     S
TUART
W.
B
OOTH
Stuart W. Booth
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
February 15, 2002
/s/     G
LENN
W. N
OVOTNY
Glenn W. Novotny
Director
February 15, 2002
/s/    B
ROOKS
M. P
ENNINGTON
, III
Brooks M. Pennington, III
Director
February 15, 2002
/s/    J
OHN
B. B
ALOUSEK
John B. Balousek
Director
February 15, 2002
5
Signature
Title
Date
/s/    D
ANIEL
P. H
OGAN
,
J
R
.
Daniel P. Hogan, Jr.
Director
February 15, 2002
/s/    B
RUCE
A. W
ESTPHAL
Bruce A. Westphal
Director
February 15, 2002
6
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number
Name
Page
Number
5.1
Opinion of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP.
23.1
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
23.2
Consent of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP is included in Exhibit 5.1 to this Registration Statement.
24
Powers of Attorney is included on signature page of this Registration Statement.
99.1
Nonemployee Director Equity Incentive Plan, as amended June 8, 2001 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit No. 10.12 to
Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended September 29, 2001, File No. 0-20242).