Award-winning pet store Scampers in Soham, Cambridgeshire, is set to feature in one of BBC One's top-rated consumer shows 'Rip Off Britain'. The show, which will question the honesty of pet food labelling and dog foods, is being broadcast next Wednesday (April 22) at 9.15am...

"I was approached by the BBC for my views on pet foods," said Scampers owner Piers Smart.

"I supplied the programme with a lot of very detailed information and proof that all is not what it seems in many mass produced dog foods.

"Sadly the programme isn't long enough to get the whole message across for people who really care what they feed to their pets and want to know how to do better.

"But we hope it helps get a few more people thinking about 'what's in their dogs food?'

"Two great friends of Scampers feature on the show – Wendy Lunn from Hot Dogs Training in Soham and David Jackson from All About Dog Food.

"David and Wendy got to spend a few hours giving Gloria Hunniford their thoughts about the good the bad and the ugly of dog foods.

"I gather Gloria may have changed her own dogs diets on the back of her conversations with David!"

For more information about Scampers visit www.scampers.co.uk

Kate says: “We are operating as a cat rescue and our number one concern is the welfare of the cats and we want to find them a permanent home.”

But Cats Protection Nottingham Adoption Centre manager Kevan Owen claims that keeping cats, who are naturally solitary creatures, in a busy environment could damage their health.

But Kate replies: “There are spaces for the cats to hide away in when it gets too crowded and we have an animal behaviourist onsite who has experience working with a colony of 120 cats.”

Concerns have also been expressed about food hygiene with so many cats being housed in the café.

However, customers will have to sign a set of rules before being admitted to the café to ensure both their own safety and that of the cats. Strict hygiene regulations are in place and the kitchen is sealed. Waiters will also not be allowed to touch the cats because of the risk of contaminating the food.

"People should come down and find out for themselves what we’re all about," says Kate "It will be a comfortable experience – you’ll fall in love with the cats!”

For more information visit http://kittycafe.co.uk/. You can also find out what Kate has to say on video by clicking here

Green Party leader Natalie Bennett has outlined plans for changing animal welfare laws – including banning rabbit hutches.

The party would put "a complete ban on cages for hens and rabbits" if they gain power in May's elections.

Rabbits have been kept as domesticated pets for 700 years – but that would all end under the Greens.

According to the Pet Food Manufacturers' Association there are one million rabbits kept by 2.4% of households in the UK, making them the fifth most popular pet behind fish kept in tanks, fish kept in ponds, dogs and cats.

The extreme proposals come as part of a wider "welfare" plan – including a ban on importing exotic pets, puppy farms and keeping primates as "household pets".

Commenting on the Green Party's proposals, Rae Todd, of the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund, said: "It is reassuring to see at least one party take rabbit welfare seriously.  

"Rabbits are the most neglected pet in the UK and something does need to be done to raise their welfare standards. Other countries have welfare laws better than ours, where there are minimum sizes for housing and where it is essential to provide the companionship of another rabbit.  

"There's the other side of the coin with a sudden raise of welfare standards like this, such as the increase in pressure put on rescue centres when people realise that they can not provide a proper environment for their pet rabbit.

"So, whilst we would be very supportive of a total ban of rabbits being kept in hutches, it would need careful planning to avoid more welfare problems developing as a result."

Current polling puts the Green Party on just over 5% – with experts predicting they'll win just one seat.

With still over five months to go before opening its doors to visitors, PATS Telford is set to be a ‘sell out’ event with 91% of stand space already booked.

It will be the first year that PATS takes place at Telford International Centre, and already 141 companies have confirmed they will be exhibiting on Sunday and Monday, September 27-28. With a large exhibition hall offering more floor space than ever before, it promises to be the biggest show in the seven-year history of PATS.

Many UK suppliers have taken the opportunity to increase their stand space to showcase more products than ever before, and a growing number of international companies will be exhibiting at the event.

The switch to Telford is also a great opportunity to attract more international visitors eager to discover innovative new pet products from British companies.

Amanda Sizer Barrett MBE, director general of trade body PetQuip, says: “I’m certain the move to Telford will elevate PATS on the international stage. The whole image of the venue will be good for attracting buyers from abroad and we will be working closely with the PATS team to deliver a growing number of overseas visitors.”

Amanda (left) agrees that travelling to and from the event for international buyers will be far easier than in the past because of the close proximity to Birmingham and Manchester airports.

The importance that exhibitors place on attracting buyers from around the globe is summed up by Ken Seymour, of The Tasty Bone, who says: “What impresses me most about PATS is the noticeable international presence at the show.”

The high demand for stand space for PATS Telford comes on the back of a successful show at Sandown Park last month.

Organiser Annie Foord said: “We’re finding that companies have wanted to book their Telford stands early to avoid disappointment. A number of exhibitors have told us they’ve signed up because of the success of Sandown in March. The feedback we received was tremendous and it just proves the pet industry is right behind the PATS exhibitions.”

One of the biggest successes of previous PATS shows has been the New Product Showcase, which will have an even larger presence in September.

Collarways won an award in the Showcase at Sandown for their Zogoflex Toppl toy, and the company’s Katie Goldsmith admits: “We’ve been bombarded with inquiries ever since, and winning a New Product Award has given the team a real boost. Sandown was a brilliant show and we can’t wait until we do it again at Telford.”

As well as seeing an unrivalled array of new pet products and speaking to top suppliers and manufacturers, visitors will also be able to witness demonstrations from the country’s leading dog groomers and listen to talks from prominent industry figures.

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

PATS Telford in September is the only place to see the whole pet industry and all the latest products under one roof, and is designed to cater for both pet retailers and garden centres.

"Without doubt PATS is the best trade event,” says Adam Green, Destination Pet, Higham Ferrers, Northants. “It’s a brilliant place for meeting and networking with manufacturers and area managers, seeing new lines and getting great deals. Bring on Telford!"

And Steve Charman, co-owner of Pets Corner, adds: “A visit to PATS always gives me a good feeling about the trade. It makes me feel happy to be a part of an industry that produces so many good and innovative products. I find the show to be very uplifting.”

The final word goes to garden centre director Ciaran McCready, from Knights GC in Surrey, who comments: “PATS works so well because visitors like me get the chance to see all the latest pet products under one roof.”

A full and up-to-date list of exhibitors is available on the website www.patshow.co.uk together with information on how to reach the venue and regularly updated show news.

The Ethical Pet Industry Confederation, highlighted in last week's Pet Trade Xtra, is urging pet businesses to take part in its consultation on pet welfare and ethics.

The recently launched EPIC is inviting pet firms and organisations to complete an initial consultation survey which will help to form a strategy for the future.

The form can be found on EPIC's website at http://www.ethicalpettrade.co.uk/Contact-support-for-ethical-pet-businesses

EPIC says: "The aim of this consultation exercise is to engage with the pet industry on the specific topics of animal welfare and ethics. 

"Responses will be treated in the strictest confidence and anonymised.

"The resulting report will be made available to all who take part, free of charge.

"The views and observations expressed through the process will begin to form the basis of an 'ethical pathway', which we believe will provide the pet industry here in the UK with a ground-breaking business model and approach – one, that once widely adopted, will demonstrate high standards in animal welfare and strong ethical foundations."

EPIC, launched by Philippa Robinson, is aimed at developing commercial practices that are first and foremost built on high animal welfare standards and strong ethics.

Philippa has been involved in family businesses and retailing since the age of 19. Her work as a business advisor and management consultant began in 1991, and since then she has guided and supported clients, from small start-ups to international conglomerates on building better businesses and leadership programmes. More recently she worked for the government’s Business Link network and brings the world class business diagnostic skills learnt there to EPIC.

She feels strongly that the world of commerce can, and will, make a lasting positive difference to animal welfare, and she is designing processes and tools to demonstrate that to be the case.

Lily's Kitchen has launched a range of new dog treats called Delicious Baked Biscuits in three varieties – Calming, Shiny Coat and Fresh Breath.

All three products are wheat-free and come packed with a crunch for healthy teeth.

The Calming biscuits are rich in chicken liver and paired with a pinch of camomile and lavender, both renowned for their relaxing properties. There is also a hint of honey to help support the immune system. 

Lily's Kitchen says the Shiny Coat biscuits will make a dog's coat "gleam like silk" with the addition of flaxseed and marigold. The biscuits come in a blend of chicken, shrimps and pears. 

The Fresh Breath biscuits have a helping of kelp for healthy teeth and gums, alongside mint and parsley, known to naturally freshen breath.

For more information visit www.lilyskitchen.co.uk

The Pet Industry Federation (PIF) has published a free, interactive quiz where retailers can test their animal knowledge as part of its launch of 12 online Pet Handling & Welfare courses, aimed specifically at retailers, their staff and those working with animals.

The short quiz is based on issues covered by courses and is available on the PIF website. The aim is that it will help pet retailers determine how useful the Pet Handling & Welfare courses will be to them and their staff and which courses they should purchase.

The Pet Handling & Welfare courses include areas such as biological data, identifying breeds, handling and determining gender as well as correct care information. They offer people working in pet retail and with companion animals a quick and convenient way to refresh their knowledge and take on new information. They will also help retailers comply with Model Conditions for Pet Vending Licensing 2013 which include the requirement that staff have the appropriate training and knowledge in the care and welfare of the animals they sell.

Animals covered in the courses are hamsters, degus, birds, cats, dogs, chinchillas, rats, mice, rabbits, chipmunks, guinea pigs and ferrets.

The courses are priced at £40 each, with a 20% discount for PIF members (£32). Bulk discounts are available if you purchase five or more courses.  Access the quiz and courses by visiting the ‘Pet Retail and Online Courses’ section at www.petfederation.co.uk

For further information about the courses contact Alexandra Baker on 01234 273933 or email alexandra.baker@petfederation.co.uk

Xtra Dog harnesses, supplied to the UK pet trade by AmPet Products, have helped to secure gold medal winning success for Team GB in the IFCS World Agility Championships held in Italy.

Team GB won four medals in total at the championships and top competitor Lauren Langman said the support from AmPet proved crucial during four days of tough competition.

“Xtra Dog harnesses are fantastic because they’re great at keeping the dogs calm and comfortable before they go into competition – that’s so important in a sport like agility,” said Lauren, of Devon Dogs. “I can’t thank Alex Wilson and the team at AmPet enough for agreeing to sponsor the team. It really made the difference between winning medals.”

Lauren, who is a leading agility instructor in the UK, said Team GB had taken 20 dogs to the competition and their handlers had driven them all the way to Pavia in Northern Italy.

“A lot of time and effort has gone into doing well in these championships but it has all been worthwhile,” added Lauren. “We rely heavily on the support of top companies like AmPet, who give us the best products around.”

AmPet Products Sales & Marketing Director Alex Wilson was delighted that Xtra Dog harnesses had played such a key role in the medal winning performance of Team GB.

“Agility is an important dog sport in the UK and internationally - it is a team effort between handler and dog,” said Alex.

“Dogs have so much fun in agility and members of the public can get involved via their local dog clubs and derive great pleasure seeing their dogs take part in this sport.

“As a company we are thrilled to be supporting Team GB and delighted to see them do so well out in Italy and thrilled that the team’s dogs were wearing Xtra Dog harnesses.”

 Xtra Dog fleece-lined harnesses are available in 12 sizes and offered in numerous eye-catching colour combinations with matching training and standard leads.

The British-made harnesses are made with an additional front ring to help teach dogs not to pull on the lead. They are recommended by dog trainers, vets, behaviourists, along with Tellington TTouch practitioners.

If you’re interested in stocking Xtra Dog harnesses, please contact Alex Wilson at AmPet Products on 0330 088 1673 or by email info@ampetproducts.com .The website is www.ampetproducts.com

Burns Pet Nutrition has proved to be a favourite with customers by scooping four prestigious awards in the past four months.

In December, Burns Pet Nutrition triumphed in the top three best dog food categories in the Your Dog Magazine Product Awards for 2014/15.

The win made it the second year running that Burns Pet Nutrition had won these awards, which are voted for by pet owning members of the public.

Burns Original, the company's first product launched in 1993, was voted Best Dry Dog Food, Burns Weight Control+ was awarded Best Specialist Dog Food and the Burns Penlan Farm range claimed the Best Wet Dog Food honour.

"There aren't any complicated ingredients in Burns," claims nutritionist Fiona Firth.

"The winning formula is just simple, natural pet food, which promotes a healthy digestive system, skin and coat as well as being extremely easy to digest."

It has been a great start to 2015 for the company, founded by veterinary surgeon John Burns, with a fourth award in March.

Stockists voted Burns Pet Nutrition as 'Manufacturer of the Year' in Pet Product Marketing Magazine's annual awards.

John Burns said: "These awards are confirmation that we are doing something right and keeping stockists and customers happy.

"We're very proud of these achievements, especially since we're up against a huge number of global brands in a highly competitive industry, and would like to thank everyone who voted for us."

Pictured: John Burns receives the PPM Award from editor Sally Pepper.

Beaphar’s new and improved range of joint care supplements has been developed in response to consumer demands, with latest estimates by GfK Data suggesting the market is worth more than £20m per annum.

There has been a shift towards the ‘humanisation’ of pets in the UK, and with more dogs at risk of developing health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis as a result of overfeeding and pampering, owners are willing to spend more money to keep their animals healthier and happier. 

Many dogs suffer from joint problems throughout their life. While size, weight, age and speed of growth can add to the strain on joints, joint problems can affect all breeds and all ages.

The Beaphar range  is svailable in a variety of easy-to-administer formats, and the products are designed to help even the most energetic, working dogs stay active.

New Beaphar Joint Paste

A combination of natural ingredients, formulated to boost joint health and aid the development and maintenance of tendons and connective tissue. Contains Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Green Lipped Mussel powder, as well as Omega 3 fatty acids. Can be mixed with food or given direct from the tube.

New Beaphar Joint Sticks

Meat-flavoured treats with high levels of Glucosamine. Also contain Green Lipped Mussel powder - a rich, natural source of Chondroitin, that is well known for its contribution to helping maintain healthy cartilage. Feed as a treat or reward – can be broken into small pieces and fed throughout the course of the day. Each pack contains seven sticks, making this a convenient, weekly purchase.

Beaphar Joint Fit Solution

Repacked for maximum shelf impact, this complementary feed contains the building blocks of Glucosamine and Chondroitin, together with Hyaluronic acid to maintain joint lubrication. Also includes Copper and Manganese for healthy skeletal growth and bone development. Particularly suitable for very active dogs, such as those working or trialling, and for older dogs whose joints are suffering from excessive wear and tear. Beaphar Joint Fit Solution also comes with a guarantee from Beaphar that the cost of the product will be returned if there is no visible improvement following six weeks’ continuous use. Add to dog’s food.

Beaphar Glucosamine Easy Treat

The  recipe makes this the easiest way to administer Glucosamine to dogs and an easy, fun option when taking them for walks. Each pack contains 60 treats. 

To find out more call 01440 715700 or visit www.beaphar.co.uk.

Pets at Home has agreed a £260million revolving credit facility, according to the Manchester Evening News.

It replaces the existing £325m facility and is expected to reduce group expense on its income statement by around £2.7m a year.

Pets at Home is headquartered in Handforth, Cheshire.

The new deal has been agreed over a five-year period.

Pets Corner has marked the 25th anniversary of pet charity Canine Partners by donating 25p for every £25 spent by their customers.

The pet store chain ran the fund-raising scheme between April 1-14 to mark the work of Canine Partners, who partner amazing dogs with people with disabilities.

Canine Partners was founded in 1990, thanks to Anne Conway (Assistance Dogs enthusiast and dog welfare campaigner) and Liz Ormerod (well-known vet and Animal Assisted Therapy expert), who had spent several years researching Assistance Dog programmes worldwide during the late 1980s.

Anne and Liz were joined by Nicky Pendleton who, as an Occupational Therapist, brought expertise in the field of disability, and by Roger Jefcoate CBE who became our Vice President and sponsored the training of the first three dogs, Alex, Angus and Alfred, in 1994.

The charity rented various Hampshire-based premises over the years. It wasn't until 2003 that it began to operate from a Training Centre of its own, in Heyshott, West Sussex. A former polo yard and farm with various outbuildings, the Heyshott site had potential for conversion to specialist facilities. 

Dogs were trained while building-work progressed and the Centre was officially opened in 2005 by the charityt's Patron, HRH the Duke of Gloucester. The facilities lead the way in accessibility for disabled people. 

Canine Partners has progressed to a stage where it needs a second training facility and is currently developing premises in Osgathorpe in Leicestershire. When complete in a couple of years time this will allow the charity to double the amount of dogs it trains each year.

For more information visit www.caninepartners.org.uk and www.petscorner.co.uk

Dog owners who leave their pets in cars with no windows open risk having their windows smashed or a dead dog - that is the stark message issued by the police this summer.

The message comes after an increased number of dogs have been spotted in baking hot cars by members of the public.

Last year police smashed a car window to free a dog that was barking to be let out of a car parked in Exmouth. The dog had been left in the car for an hour and would have died had police not acted so quickly.

Sgt Ryan Canning said officers have been called to a number of cases in the past few days as the temperatures soar.

He said: "I was alerted to one on Monday, which was absolutely baking.

"Another five minutes and we would have thought about breaking the window. Fortunately the owner returned before we were forced to take action.

"We are getting a number of calls in this hot weather about distressed dogs in cars. Sometimes opening the window a tiny crack is just not enough to keep the pet safe.

"We want to issue this warning – if we find a dog in a distressed state we have the legal power to ventilate the car in a suitable manner and released the dog. It would then be treated by a vet and the owner billed for that cost.

"The police are the first port of call for these kinds of incident, not the RSPCA. People who are calling the RSPCA are merely referred straight back to the police, so it's best to call us first.

"Please think of your pets. It only takes a short while in hot weather for them to suffer from the tremendous heat of a car."

A pledge of £13,000 has been made to help a re-homing charity cope with a crisis in stray cats.

The Scratching Post plans to build a vet room at its base in Waltham Abbey to cut transport costs and treat more cats on site.

The five-figure sum offered by Support Adoption For Pets would cover the building costs, but the Scratching Post must raise £15,000 to cover the equipment, cages and fitting out the room.

It has raised £5,000 towards the total since November.

Susan Delaney, founder and manager of the Scratching Post, said: "A new vet room will cut our costs on transport and overnight stays at the current vet, which is many miles away and will enable the cats to be treated and cared for all under one roof.

"We are very thankful to Support Adoption For Pets for this generous contribution."

Procedures such as vaccinations and neutering would be carried out on site, with the cats being taken away only when in need of major operations.

The new addition would help relieve pressure on the charity, which has been mounting over recent years with more cats in need of new homes.

Mrs Delaney said: "It's horrendous, we are seeing more and more non-neutered cats.

"Over the last five years it has got worse and worse."

She said owners intend to sell kittens, but they end up being abandoned when they are unable to find buyers.

"People tend to go to pet shops or friends and only ring us when they want to get rid of them," Mrs Delaney added.

Support Adoption For Pets is an independent charity established by Pets At Home in 2006.

Amy Wilson, charity manager at Support Adoption For Pets, said: "It is a real privilege to be able to support the hardworking team at The Scratching Post with this donation.

"Being able to contribute towards the pledge for a vet room will ensure more cats can be treated withgreat people looking after them."

To donate or offer a home for a cat, visit www.scratchingpost.co.uk or call (01992) 626110.

Monthly treats for pampered pets proved a successful business idea for one group of teenagers at a Dragons’ Den-style event held at a college in Somerset.

Kiera Rowe, Beth Parker and Phoebe Kibble from Worle Community School came out on top with their PetBox idea at this year’s Enterprise 4 U Schools Business Challenge.

The idea involved a monthly box full of treats for pets, with different themes for each month.

The teenagers had to battle six other teams of year nine and 10 students to the winning spot.

The event is in its eighth year and it is the second year it has been sponsored by Weston College.

Progression and information advice and guidance co-ordinator for the college, Ben Cocks, said: “This event has been an excellent example of how schools, the college and local businesses can work together to raise aspirations of young people in the town.

“It is a pleasure to be able to sponsor this event, which is an initiative we hope will continue to grow and evolve.”

The winning team were given £250 of high street vouchers and will visit the University of the West of England to have their plan looked at by a top lecturer.

The Three Provinces Nursery Final 2015 was a nightmare for the competitors due to dreadful weather conditions.

Held at Dunroe, County Carlow, The Irish Republic amidst howling gales and persistent rain, handlers and dogs from Munster, Leinster and Connaught fought for the trophies.

CSJ’s cameraman also braved the weather and caught the action in a video summary plus four individual videos which can be seen in comfort online at http://www.csjk9.com/news/three-provinces-nursery-final-_p1396.html

The videos show:

• Peter Concannon’s winning run with Tim

• Michael Healy’s winning run in the Juniors with 29 months old Sweep

• Con McGarry’s run in Juniors with 22 months old Snow (coming second to Sweep)

• Frank Cashen’s interview discussing his run, the course, his dog Mist and his time as International Supreme Champion

CSJ were on hand with their working dog feed and herbs ranges and pronounced the trials a great success and a tribute to the hardiness of the handlers and dogs.