In This Issue
Ex-Formula 1 champ drives on to the premium pet food scene with range of raw products
Retailers can boost revenues through pet portrait scheme
Ringwood pet store completes transformation
Beco's cat bowl shortlisted for top international award
Strong seminar line-up at PATS Telford in September
Tesco launches pet help hotline
Record-breaking Bring Your Dog To Work Day goes viral
Chuckit! launches of new collection of dog toys
Get your own copy of Pet Trade Xtra
Pet retailer stocks a world-first in dog treats
Tetra Wins Innovation Award for R&D
BVA urges UK governments to protect the status of vets and vet nurses in Brexit negotiations
Alpha Feeds heading for Midland Game Fair
Pet shop comes to rescue of dog charity
Pets Corner staff get ‘hands on’ with new charity scheme
Vitalin support Countryfile Live
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Ex-Formula 1 champ drives on to the premium pet food scene with range of raw products


Former racing driver Jody Scheckter, the man behind organic food pioneers Laverstoke Park Farm, is entering the pet market with a range of raw food products...



With well-being and obesity representing two of the hottest topics within both the human and pet food arenas, it was only a matter of time before one of the UK’s most trusted organic operations joined the premium pet food fraternity.

Laverstoke Park Farm is a leading light within the UK’s resurgent organic movement, whose enviable ‘foodie’ reputation was first forged providing all manner of ground-breaking artisanal offerings, ranging from ‘Buffalo inspired’ mozzarella, brie, yogurts, ice creams and fudge to full-bodied jerkies, biltongs, salamis and chorizos.

Spread over 2,500 acres of lush Hampshire countryside and armed with highly prized biodynamic (Demeter) and organic (Soil Association) accreditations, Jody Scheckter and his team have been chomping at the bit to take their bold, ‘following Nature’s lead’  beliefs, (sustainability, biodiversity, traceability, transparency and the slow, natural growth of animals and plants) into the UK’s emerging BARF pet food arena.

A chance conversation with Suzanne Brock in 2015 (Nutriment) quickly snowballed into a firm, mutually beneficial alliance, a fast-moving friendship and a 5-strong portfolio which officially takes to the stage this August Carfest (Laverstoke) and PATS Telford in September.



According to brand owner Jody Scheckter: "We have a very robust and well-rounded range with plenty of scope for future innovation and expansion."

 Range Benefits:

  • There isn’t a credible organic figurehead within premium tier pet food.
  • Award-winning business with a proud standing in artisanal human fayre
  • We avoid any pick-me-up supplements since organic meat is so nutritionally-dense compared to typically farmed produce.
  • We adhere to a common sense 80:10:10 (meat, bone & offal) philosophy
  • We look beyond chicken as our sole nutritionally-loaded protein (tripe & offal)
  • Our well-rounded dog food offer supports our wider sustainability aspirations, since we employ cuts of meat & offal that are less popular with humans.


"Some may suggest that Laverstoke Park Farm has arrived a little late to the raw dog food cause and yet we’d counter by saying that as one the UK’s most progressive organic operators there’s never been a better moment for a heavyweight artisan operation to throw its weight behind the BARF pet food movement," added Jody.

For further information visit: www.laverstokepark.co.uk/about-us/pet-food/

Retailers can boost revenues through pet portrait scheme


Pet retailers are being offered the chance to earn extra revenue from scheme, which would enable their customers to have portraits of their pets drawn by professional artist...



Pet retailers are being offered the chance to earn extra revenue from scheme, which would enable their customers to have portraits of their pets drawn by professional artist.

Helen Johnson is managing director of a company called Commission An Artist, and she has launched a resellers’ programme for pet stores and garden centres throughout the UK and internationally.

“I think it's a great opportunity for retailers to increase their revenue by providing portraits of their customers pets, children, and anything else,” says Helen.

“There is no upfront cost for the retailer as they take the cash from the client and pass it to us, less their commission. We will provide the marketing materials so there is no risk. If they don't sell it then they don't pay anything

“It's very simple, we do pet portraits of cats, dogs, horses, guinea pigs, tarantulas – don't laugh, this was a commission request once!”

For more information visit http://commissionanartist.co.uk/reseller-programme

Helen can be contacted by email at helen@commissionanartist.co.uk


Ringwood pet store completes transformation


Pets Corner has completed its first store rebrand of PamPurredPets, following the acquisition of the business earlier in the year...



Pets Corner has completed its first store rebrand of PamPurredPets, following the acquisition of the business earlier in the year.

The Ringwood store, which is located on the town’s High Street, was the first in the group to undergo the transformation and receive the full Pets Corner treatment, which includes the introduction of an extensive range of new, high quality products and a Puppy Hour area, which allows puppies to socialise safely off-lead.

The company, which is renowned in the retail industry for its knowledgeable staff and high quality customer service, focuses on animal welfare and the provision of thoroughly researched natural pet foods as well as a range of high quality products to help improve pets’ lives.

The existing Ringwood team, who were previously employed by PamPurredPets, have been introduced to Pets Corner’s extensive classroom based training programme and will continue to serve their customers now that the store has been updated.

In addition to offering high quality products, every Saturday morning between 9.30am and 10.30am, puppy owners will also benefit from the opportunity to socialise their pooches at the store’s regular Puppy Hour, which will include discounts and free doggy treats.

Dean Richmond, Managing Director at Pets Corner, said: “Ringwood was one of the oldest stores in the PamPurredPets’ group so I am extremely pleased that we’ve been able to give it a much needed spruce up.  The existing team are really excited about the changes and improvements we’ve made and they can’t wait to welcome their customers into the updated store.”

 
Beco's cat bowl shortlisted for top international award
A revolutionary ‘wide and low’ cat bowl made from bamboo powder, rice husks and corn starch, and designed by Beco Pets, Britain’s biggest manufacturer of eco-friendly pet products, has been shortlisted for a prestigious international charity award...


A revolutionary ‘wide and low’ cat bowl made from bamboo powder, rice husks and corn starch, and designed by Beco Pets, Britain’s biggest manufacturer of eco-friendly pet products, has been shortlisted for a prestigious international charity award.

The Beco Cat Bowl, whose wide shape and low sides help avoid discomforting friction for cats with long whiskers, was nominated by an expert cat behaviourist at the leading UK charity, International Cat Care.

The charity has a distinguished track record of working for over 50 years to raise the standard of treatment and care provided to cats by veterinary surgeons, boarding cattery operators, those involved in rescue work, breeders and cat owners.

International Cat Care’s role overseas also includes welfare work for unowned cats, supplying information to cat owners worldwide, and working with veterinary organisations abroad as well as in the UK.

The Beco Cat Bowl has been nominated for a “Cat Friendly Award”, which, in the words of the awards’ organisers, honour those products and companies who “make a real difference to cat wellbeing and welfare”.

Pioneering eco firm Beco Pets, who have sold their popular Beco Bowls worldwide and now export to 43 countries, said it was “fantastic news” that their cat bowl had been shortlisted.

Toby Massey, co-Founder of Beco Pets, Design Director, and himself a cat owner, said: “We have sold well over 1 million Beco Bowls worldwide and to be shortlisted for this prestigious award is fantastic news.

“The big difference between Beco Bowls and traditional plastic or metal bowls is that they are not coated with any lacers or coatings. This makes them toxin- and chemical-free. A number of cat owners have reported to us that their cats had suffered with acne, or rashes on their chin, and they were very surprised when this cleared up after using a Beco Bowl.

“We have also had a number of reviews from catteries that use our bowls, and they have found the bowls work particularly well with fussy animals. Some cats seem to dislike very shiny surfaces, and the matt texture of the Beco Bowl seems to be more soothing to eat from than a metal bowl. Our product’s wide shape and low sides help with avoiding whiskers. We care about our cats and put a great deal of thought into the design of our cat products.”



He added: “The Beco Cat Bowl is made from a type of bio-composit. Bowls are made from a mix of material that will naturally break down and degrade. The mix includes bamboo powder, rice husks and corn starch and an amino acid resin which holds everything together.”

Leading names from the UK pet industry, celebrities and VIPs are expected to attend the International Cat Care Annual Awards at the Kensington Roof Gardens in London on Friday July 15.

Strong seminar line-up at PATS Telford in September


PATS Telford has secured a strong line-up of speakers for two days of seminars designed to give pet retailers ahead-of-the-game ideas on new lines, new approaches and new profit potential...



PATS Telford has secured a strong line-up of speakers for two days of seminars designed to give pet retailers ahead-of-the-game ideas on new lines, new approaches and new profit potential.

The UK’s No 1 pet trade exhibition, taking place at Telford International Centre on Sunday and Monday, September 25-26, promises to be a spectacular event with over 200 UK and international companies exhibiting.

And the talks by prominent industry figures, staged in association with Pedigree Wholesale, look set to keep visitors entertained and informed throughout both days of the show.

The free-to-attend series of seminars will cover a wide range of topics including: let’s talk retail; oral care for cats and dogs; driving growth in the small animal category; psychological basis of the human-animal bond – the driver to our pet industry; how to get more visitors to your website; and guiding the pet owner through an increasing complex multi-channel path to purchase.

There will also be a chance to earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points for those people attending a special seminar by animal healthcare specialists Merial. The CPD points will go towards the ongoing development of Suitably Qualified People (SQP) working in the pet industry.

Dog marketing expert J Nichole Smith will also be giving talks on both days of the show. On day one, her talk is entitled: ‘Popularity, Profitability and Power for Petpreneurs – the secret formula to having it all’, while on day two she’llreveal the ‘Two Routes to Revenue’.



“One of the easiest ways to discover new ideas that could help boost your business is to attend the free seminars at PATS,” said organiser Annie Foord.

“If there’s a subject that catches your eye then make a mental note of the time or write it down in your diary so you don’t miss it.

“Most seminars last half-an-hour so there’s no time to become bored. In fact, because of the time limit, there’s a lot of information packed into such a short session and often it’s a good idea to take notes or write down bullet points. Usually, the speaker will take questions at the end of the talk.”

As well as the free programme of seminars there will be so much more to see on the exhibitor stands packing the exhibition hall at Telford.

One of the show’s most popular features is the New Product Showcase, which sees an increasing numbers of entries each year. Early indications suggest the trend will continue at Telford, and as a result the Showcase will have a huge presence at the exhibition. Visitors will also be able to witness demonstrations from the country’s leading dog groomers.

Parking is free at the Telford International Centre, and everyone will receive free tea and coffee, and a free show catalogue.

Visitors are now being urged to register for free show entry by going online at www.patshow.co.uk.


The full PATS Telford Seminar Line-Up

Sunday, September 25

10.00-10.30
Let’s Talk Retail
Sarah Arneson, in association with BIRA

10.40-11.10
Psychological basis of the human-animal bond: the driver to our pet industry
Roger Mugford, Company of Animals

11.20-12.20
Protecting Pets and Your Business
– CPD accredited
Geoffrey Guyot, Frontline Spot On, Merial Animal Health

12.30-13.00
Popularity, Profitability and Power for Petpreneurs: The secret formula to having it all.
J Nichole Smith, Dog Marketing Expert

13.10-13.40
Interactive Retailers’ Forum
Lindsey Redfern, Tony Sharpe (Pets Korner)

13.50-14.20
Oral Care for Cats and Dogs
Chris Charlton, Nutritional Training Manager, Mars Petcare UK

14.30-15.00
eCommerce: Get more online visitors, optimizing your website for Google in 2016
Nathan Stevens and Tina Jones, Intelligent Retail

15.10-15.40
Driving Growth in the Small Animal Category
Peter Lancaster, Burgess Petcare


Monday, September 26

10.10-10.40
eCommerce: Get more online visitors, optimizing your website for Google in 2015
Nathan Stevens and Tina Jones, Intelligent Retail

10.50-11.20
Protecting Pets and Your Business
– CPD accredited
Geoffrey Guyot, Frontline Spot On, Merial Animal Health

12.00-12.30
Digital pets: guiding the pet owner through an increasing complex multi-channel path to purchase
Taila Findlay

12.40-13.10
Canine and Feline Communication; learn about their amazing senses & how they use body language
Sue Bartlett, PDSA Community & Education Head Veterinary Nurse

13.20-13.50
Two Routes to Revenue: Do you know what they are and how to leverage them?
J Nichole Smith, Dog Marketing Expert

14.00-14.30
Oral Care for Cats and Dogs
Chris Charlton, Nutritional Training Manager, Mars Petcare UK

 
Tesco launches pet help hotline
Tesco Bank has launched a telephone helpline in a bid to help prospective cat and dog owners select a pet that suits their lifestyle. The bank's MD David McCreadie (pictured) says: "We see it as an essential little help to surviving the new arrival.”


Tesco Bank has launched a telephone helpline in a bid to help prospective cat and dog owners select a pet that suits their lifestyle.

The phone line will help new owners choose the right breed for them and offer advice on the first few weeks of pet ownership.

The service has been launched in response to a survey which showed that eight out of 10 new pet owners found the early days with their pets challenging and almost half said they did no research to help them resolve these challenges.

Additionally, almost a third of pet owners did no research prior to buying or adopting their pet, leading to 1 in 10 owners saying they might not pick the same pet again.

The phone line will offer confidential advice from vet nurses on issues such as picking the right breed and preparing the home.

David McCreadie, managing director of Tesco Bank, said: “A bit like having a baby, deciding to own a pet is a life-changing decision, and one that needs to be thought through thoroughly.

“To help our customers during this time, we have launched a free phone line which they can turn to for advice. We see it as an essential little help to surviving the new arrival.”

Mark Evans, vet and TV presenter, added: “It is up to us to ensure our cats and dogs get the most out of their lives and that’s a big and serious responsibility.

“But get it right and the rewards for them, and us, are huge. Choosing the most appropriate kind of pet and then the right individual is crucial.”
Record-breaking Bring Your Dog To Work Day goes viral


HOWND – the organisers behind Bring Your Dog To Work Day – are celebrating the success of Britain’s favourite day at the office after record numbers of participation.



HOWND – the organisers behind Bring Your Dog To Work Day – are celebrating the success of Britain’s favourite day at the office after record numbers of participation.

On Friday 24th June, businesses from across the UK welcomed their dog loving employees into the workplace along with their furry sidekicks, all in the name of charity.

Despite the EU referendum result dominating the news cycle, the official #BringYourDogToWorkDay hashtag trended on Twitter - reaching over 13 million people in little over an hour. It was a similar story on Instagram, with the hashtag being mentioned over 18,000 times alongside images of dogs at work.

The day also gained significant coverage in the press, including The Guardian, The Telegraph, Metro, Waitrose Weekend and Fast Company.



“This year’s Bring Your Dog To Work Day has been the best yet in terms of popularity; the publicity and rate of participation has surpassed expectations again,” explains Jo Amit (above left), co-founder of HOWND.

“It landed on a day of political turmoil in the UK, but I think it’s safe to say that Bring Your Dog To Work Day has become a recognised national event that has a life of its own. We’d like to thank everyone who took part, especially the official business sponsors that helped us raise money for charity by participating via the official channels. Some official sponsors also raised funds for their own local charities which was great to see.”

Both businesses and individuals from across the UK made donations via the official website, which accepts donations all year around, to raise money for money for All Dogs Matter.

“We’re so thankful to everyone who has supported Bring Your Dog To Work Day and made a donation. The money raised so far will be used to kennel approximately 18 dogs over a period of approximately three months,” explains Ira Moss, general manager of All Dogs Matter.

“The funds will also go towards the rehabilitation, feeding, medical treatment, neutering, vaccinations and chipping of some of the 300 unwanted dogs we take in every year from private homes, kennels and death row pounds.”

For further information visit Bring Your Dog To Work Day’s official website bringyourdogtoworkday.co.uk, or email hello@bringyourdogtoworkday.co.uk.

Main Photo Credit: Pet Pride Photography.
Chuckit! launches of new collection of dog toys


Responding to consumer demand, Chuckit! is launching a host of new and improved products including the Fetch Medley 2, Ultra Squeaker twin pack and new ‘Rugged’ range - designed to withstand rougher play from tougher dogs...



Responding to consumer demand, Chuckit! is launching a host of new and improved products including the Fetch Medley 2, Ultra Squeaker twin pack and new ‘Rugged’ range - designed to withstand rougher play from tougher dogs.

Increasing its offering and providing retailers and their customers with more choice than ever before, the new Chuckit! Rugged Flyer, RRP £11.99 and Rugged Bumper, RRP £12.99, are made from a strong natural rubber with a robust polypropylene core – giving consumers with more powerful breeds a range of toys that will stand the test of time, and teeth.

Puncture proof, robust and amphibious, the Rugged Flyer is the brand’s first ever rigid model, boasting an ergonomic shape that allows for easy catching and pick up. Available in a selection of bright colours for easy retrieval, the over-molded high quality rubber ridges ensure dogs can grip it without puncturing the material, whilst the contours massage teeth and gums, providing additional providing additional dental health benefits for dogs.

Designed with only the most powerful pets in mind, the Rugged Bumper, Chuckit!’s first ever rigid baton design, features a unique contoured shape that allows for easy grasping in the mouth, as well as nylon flaps at either end to stimulate the natural prey instinct. Also ideal for use on both land and in the water, the Rugged Bumper is made from a high grade amphibious rubber, giving consumers more variation when it comes to playtime with their dogs, and increased confidence in the quality and longevity they can expect from the range.

Chuckit! is also launching a refreshed version of its bestselling Fetch Medley, with a brand new and innovative selection of balls available. The new Fetch Medley 2 is designed especially for the game of fetch and includes the popular Chuckit! Ultra Squeaker and Erratic Ball, with the addition of the brand new Strato Ball.

A lighter design than other balls in the range, the Strato Ball bounces higher, flies further and floats better than other balls, whilst the flexible natural rubber material makes the Strato perfect for launching and retrieving. Available exclusively within the Fetch Medley 2 (RRP, £14.99), the high quality materials make these balls perfect for a range of consumers with a variety of needs.  Each ball within the Fetch Medley 2, available in Medium, provides consumers and their pets with a different experience, with adding value of being compatible with Chuckit!’s famous launcher range.

Will Baggaley, Chuckit! UK Brand Manager, comments: “We have seen an increased demand from our consumers for multifunctional toys that are not only robust enough to stand the test of time, but are innovative in their functionality and play appeal.

“As consumers continue to seek out and invest in higher quality products that are built to last, the new Chuckit! toys give retailers the opportunity to provide their customers with a varied selection of toys that suit a wider spectrum of breeds, abilities and play preferences.”

Alongside the new Rugged toys and fetch selection, Chuckit! is also releasing a twin pack of the ever-popular Ultra Squeaker Ball. These balls deliver impressive levels of bounce, buoyancy, visibility and durability, and the squeak will withstand even the most demanding use! Plus, as a twin pack, the consumer can expect a saving of 20 per cent on each ball, offering added purchase incentive and better value for money than if the balls were bought separately.

Across the Chuckit! range, toy prices start from as little as £2.99. For more information on the brand, visit: http://chuckit-toys.co.uk. Retailers can also visit http://www.petproducts.co.uk to find out more information on stocking Chuckit!.

 
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Pet retailer stocks a world-first in dog treats
Dogs and their owners are set to get hooked on a new range of treats at ethical pet retailer Pets Corner – as the nationwide store stocks a world first in canine snacks...



Dogs and their owners are set to get hooked on a new range of treats at ethical pet retailer Pets Corner – as the nationwide store stocks a world first in canine snacks.

The newly launched line of premium nibbles named Hooked, which include tasty flavours such as salmon jerky, prawn bites, fish fingers and salmon & kelp, are the world’s first sustainably sourced fish treats, and are now being sold at Pets Corner stores across the UK.

Produced by Grimsby-based firm Sea Treats, they are 100% natural, contain essential amino fatty acids and are an excellent source of protein as well as vitamins B and D.  They are also certified by the Marine Stewardship Council and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council – meaning the ingredients in each tasty morsel can be traced through the supply chain, and are sourced from sustainable fisheries.

The tasty titbits, which are made from pure fresh fish or fish skin, contain no fish meal or cereals and are high in Docosahexaenoic Acid – critical in the development of vision and the central nervous system - credits that will keep tails wagging and owners happy.

Based in the heart of Grimsby’s award-winning fishing hub, Sea Treats is run by a small team that has more than 100 years’ combined experience in the fish and seafood sector.  From its UK approved factory facilities the firm produces highly nutritious fish-based treats for pampered pooches.

Their partnership with Pets Corner further bolsters the retailer’s pledge to support smaller, specialist companies, that produce healthy, high quality and natural products for their discerning customers and their pets.

The following Hooked treats are now available to purchase from Pets Corner’s stores:

  • Hooked Crispy Fish Skin Jerky 90g £5.99
  • Hooked Fish Fingers, 70g £5.99
  • Hooked Prawn Bites, 60g £5.99
  • Hooked Salmon Jerky, 100g £5.99
  • Salmon and organic kelp biscuits, 100g £5.99

For more information about Sea Treats, please visit www.seatreats.co.uk

 
Tetra Wins Innovation Award for R&D
Tetra’s Research and Development department has been presented the “Innovation through Research” award by the Association for the Promotion of German Science and Humanities for the second time...
Tetra’s Research and Development department has been presented the “Innovation through Research” award by the Association for the Promotion of German Science and Humanities for the second time.

As the only aquatics company to win this achievement, the award recognises the outstanding work carried out by a highly qualified team of 20 in developing new solutions and driving the industry forwards.

Tetra, who originally won the award in 2014, took part in the annual survey by the German Association which analyses research efforts of companies across the country highlighting those who have made a substantial contribution.

Giuliano Buccino, Head of Marketing at Tetra comments: “We are delighted to receive this award for second time as it recognises how, over the years, our R&D department has helped us to break down barriers surrounding fishkeeping in order to open the hobby up to even more people. As a brand we are passionate about making fishkeeping easy, safe and more enjoyable than ever by providing innovative, simple solutions to our consumers.”

As the worldwide leader in aquatics, Tetra has over 65 years of experience and the largest, independently accredited R&D department in the industry allowing it to continuously create innovative products alongside revamping existing products to ensure constant improvement. Overall, Tetra has more than 700 aquariums and 50 garden ponds in its Biological Quality Assurance area and almost 200 active patents.

For more information visit Tetra’s website at http://www.tetra.net/en/en or search for Tetra UK on Facebook and Pinterest.
 
BVA urges UK governments to protect the status of vets and vet nurses in Brexit negotiations
Following the EU referendum, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) is urging UK governments to protect the status of EU veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses who are currently living and working in the UK...
Following the EU referendum, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) is urging UK governments to protect the status of EU veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses who are currently living and working in the UK.

Almost half of veterinary surgeons registering in the UK qualified from veterinary schools elsewhere in the EU, according to statistics from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

To highlight the impact of the referendum outcome on the veterinary professions, BVA has written to the Secretary of State, Liz Truss MP, and to Ministers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, requesting an early statement to the effect that non-British EU vets and vet nurses who are currently living, studying or working in the UK will continue to be able to do so in future.

BVA is also seeking reassurance for UK veterinary professionals working and studying in other EU member states.

BVA President Sean Wensley (pictured) said: “It is not yet possible to comment on the reality of ‘Brexit’ since much will depend on forthcoming negotiations and the decisions that will be taken by the Government regarding, for example, whether or not to maintain existing EU legislation and rules.

"However, we recognise that these unanswered questions are having a profound impact on many of our members – particularly members who are non-British EU citizens, or have family members who are, and members who work alongside colleagues from other European Member States.”

In the letters, Mr Wensley stated: “I am sure there are many significant issues that your Department needs to consider [and] given the profound personal impact that the uncertainty caused by the referendum outcome is having on some of our members, we wanted to contact you at the earliest opportunity. In the forthcoming negotiations about the future relationship between the UK and the EU, we strongly urge you to make the case for all EU citizens and EU-qualified veterinary surgeons and nurses to have ongoing rights to live, work and study in the UK.”

In the letter to the Northern Ireland (NI) Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Michelle McIlveen MLA, the BVA President and BVA NI Branch President Seamus O’Kane highlighted NI’s land border with EU member state the Republic of Ireland and called for the maintenance of the Common Travel Area to facilitate movement in an all-island context for both work and study purposes.

Veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses from other EU member states are invaluable members of practice teams across the UK and work across all areas of veterinary science, including the fields of animal health and welfare, animal disease surveillance, scientific research and education, wildlife conservation, and public health and food safety. Figures from the Veterinary Public Health Association (VPHA) estimate that over 90 per cent of vets in meat hygiene services are non-British EU citizens.

Commenting on the potential impact of Brexit on veterinary surgeons working in the public health sector, VPHA President Lewis Grant said: “Due to the particular focus on public health in many European veterinary degree courses, EU vets make an enormous contribution to both public health and animal health and welfare in the UK - often behind closed doors, monitoring and protecting public health in Approved Premises as well as welfare at slaughter to ensure slaughterhouses meet the standards that are required by law and expected by the public. Without their input and expertise, it would be difficult to ensure that Statutory requirements within the food industry are complied with.”

BVA is working with the RCVS and other bodies to discuss the implications of Brexit for the veterinary professions, and the key issues that should be raised in forthcoming discussions and negotiations. BVA members are being encouraged to share their feedback on BVA’s community forum under the dedicated ‘What do you think ‘Brexit’ could mean for the veterinary profession?’ discussion.
 
Alpha Feeds heading for Midland Game Fair
Performance dog food experts Alpha Feeds will be attending the Midland Game & Country Fair on September 17 and 18 at Weston Park, Shropshire...
Performance dog food experts Alpha Feeds will be attending the Midland Game & Country Fair on September 17 and 18 at Weston Park, Shropshire.

The Midland Game & Country Fair is a wonderful show and a brilliant annual meeting place for all country sports enthusiasts and dogs.

Alpha Feeds has more than 100 years of history and heritage and take great pride in providing an exceptional quality range of products.

The team from Alpha Feeds will be out and about at the event helping visitors with any questions or those seeking advice on what food is best suited for their dog. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the performance dog food range and the hugely popular Alpha Ferret Feast.

Look out for the Alpha Feeds range which includes Sporting Puppy, a complete hypoallergenic food, nutritionally formulated to provide puppies of sporting working and racing breeds with the essential ingredients for the best possible start in life.

Alpha Junior & Active provides a complete and balanced diet for Junior dogs from six months old and meets the needs of all Active dogs and the physical demands they face.  Carefully formulated to include fish meal, which is very rich in essential amino acids and whole linseed, rich in Omega 3 fatty acids to provide supple joints, a strong heart, healthy skin and a shiny coat.

Alpha Adult Maintenance with Chicken & Rice is rich in Vitamin B to optimise protein and energy digestion while Alpha Adult Maintenance with Beef is nutritionally formulated as a low energy complete diet, and is suitable for the less active or older dog.

Sean Cox, of Alpha Feeds, said: “I am delighted we will be at The Midland Game Fair this year. It is a very popular event attracting people and dog owners from across the country to enjoy a great day out.

“As a company we specialise in producing food for working, sporting and racing dogs who need to perform at their best and what better place to see these type of dogs in action and competing.”

For further information contact Alpha Feeds on (0844) 800 2234 or visit www.alphafeeds.com
 
Pet shop comes to rescue of dog charity
Local charity Ryedale Dog Rescue, which rescues and rehomes stray dogs, have received a donation of dog toys, beds and treats from a pet shop...



Local charity Ryedale Dog Rescue, which rescues and rehomes stray dogs, have received a donation of dog toys, beds and treats from a pet shop.

Simon Mason, from Mason's Pet Supplies in Howe Road, Norton, surprised the charity when he got in touch to offer them the items.

Mr Mason said: "I really admire the work that Ryedale Dog Rescue do rehoming so many stray dogs and thought donating items such as beds, food and treats was one way we could help them."

Rosie Stephenson, chairman of Ryedale Dog Rescue, said: "We are so grateful to Simon and got quite a shock when we saw the mountain of goodies.

"We always send our dogs out on a trial period and, to help them settle, usually send familiar things with them such as the bed they are used to and a favourite toy, so these items couldn't have arrived at a better time as we are so busy at the moment with more and more dogs needing our help."

The charity began in 2010 and has since helped more than 850 dogs find new "forever homes" when they were facing a very uncertain future.

 
Pets Corner staff get ‘hands on’ with new charity scheme
Staff at Pets Corner are helping to raise funds for worthy causes nationwide after signing up to a unique charity scheme.



Staff at Pets Corner are helping to raise funds for worthy causes nationwide after signing up to a unique charity scheme.

The family run company, which has more than 150 stores across the UK and over 600 staff, has teamed up with Hands On Payroll Giving -  a service that allows staff to make tax free contributions to any charity of their choice directly from their gross pay with no minimum donation requirement.

Pets Corner already donates 4% of its annual profits to charity every year, and the Hands On Payroll Giving scheme will allow staff to further extend its commitment to supporting charities at both a local and national level.

Dean Richmond, Managing Director at Pets Corner, said: “I strongly believe that businesses have a responsibility to give back to the communities around them so I am delighted to partner with Hands On Payroll Giving and provide our staff with the opportunity to support causes close to their hearts in an easy and simple way.”

Staff who sign up to the scheme can choose to support a charity from any sector, and may keep their choices anonymous.  All payments will be administered directly by Hands On Payroll Giving with Pets Corner covering any associated administration fees.

Founded in 1994, Hands On Payroll Giving is the oldest professional fundraising organisation in the UK and is funded by its charity partners with no charges to employers.

Dean added: “We hope our staff will be able to make a real difference to the charities of their choice by signing up to the scheme.”

 
Vitalin support Countryfile Live
The Vitalin team will be out and about at Countryfile Live promoting their premium dog and ferret food ranges as well the launch of their new cat food...
The Vitalin team will be out and about at Countryfile Live promoting their premium dog and ferret food ranges as well the launch of their new cat food.

Held at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, August 4 to 7 the event promises to be a treat for all countryside enthusiasts.

All 2kg sizes of Vitalin dog and ferret food will be available at a special offer price of £3.00 while new Vitalin cat 1.5kg bags are priced at £5.00 throughout the event.

Nutritionists at Vitalin have created a range of super premium dog foods that are specially formulated hypoallergenic recipes that cater to a dog’s wellbeing and health.

The range includes Puppy, Sensitive, Adult, Senior/Lite and Adult Large Breed.

Vitalin Puppy, is suitable for puppies aged between one-12 months and has been produced to offer a balanced complete food to maximise growth and development. 100% British Chicken and rice are used to provide high quality protein which delivers energy.

Vitalin Sensitive is made with 100% British Lamb and rice, to aid healthy skin and digestion. It is packed with nutrient botanicals and essential vitamins and minerals to help optimise health.

Vitalin Adult is a complete dog food to enhance your dogs’ well-being. This gluten and cereal free food has 23% crude protein from 100% British Chicken and potatoes. Natural antioxidants from blueberries and rosemary are included to eliminate free radicals.

Vitalin Senior/Lite is for older and/or overweight dogs. Made with 100% British Salmon and potatoes this balanced food offers a low calorie diet that still provides dogs with all the nutrients and vitamins needed for good health and well-being. To help aid joint suppleness, anti-inflammatory foods like Burdock root have been incorporated.

The choice for bigger dogs is Vitalin Adult Large Breed. This food combines high levels of protein from 100% British Duck and potatoes with added vitamins and minerals.

The three-strong range of new Super Premium Cat Food consists of Vitalin Kitten and Vitalin Adult Cat in two varieties chicken and salmon.

Vitalin Kitten provides feline friends with high quality protein using 100% British Chicken. Vitalin’s on-site nutritionists have worked carefully with veterinary assistance to further enhance the food, making sure cats and kittens get only the very best.

Vitalin Adult Cat is available in two flavours: 100% British Chicken and 100% Scottish Salmon. These varieties contain all the benefits that are found in Vitalin Kitten as well as added glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM to aid joint health.

Vitalin Ferret has been carefully formulated as a nutritionally complete and balanced recipe for ferrets to provide all the nutrients required for a happy and healthy life.  This hypoallergenic and wheat gluten free food contains high quality protein from 100% British Chicken with rice.

For further information about Vitalin call +44 (0) 844 800 3347 or visit www.vitalinpetfood.co.uk
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