Fresh dog food brand Marleybones has secured £900,000 in seed funding to continue its fast-paced growth.

The seed funding was led by JamJar Investments, a venture capital firm set up by the founders of Innocent Drinks. It was also supported by Active Partners, the consumer investor behind Soho House, Rapha and KatKin. 

Marleybones’ mission to redefine dog food has also been recognised by other participants in the round, including a group of renowned veterinarians from Animal Health Angels alongside tech unicorn founders, digital marketing experts and consumer specialists.

The fresh funds will be used to grow the Marleybones team, expand its online presence and broaden its retail footprint after its recent UK launches in Waitrose and Whole Foods Market. Since launching in 2020, Marleybones has grown annual sales to £1m via direct-to-consumer channels.

Founders Josephine Rode Bager and Mikala Skov launched the brand with a mission to “redefine dogfood”. Marleybones’ pantry fresh meals were inspired by the gap between quality and convenience that Josephine identified when feeding her own dog, Marley.

Josephine said: “Marleybones is driven by our founding mission of making dogs healthier and happier. This investment will allow us to continue delivering on that promise and caring for more dogs than ever before. Having seen the benefits on my own dog Marley, and the customers we’re lucky enough to serve, we’re excited about what this investment unlocks for our community.”    

Mikala added: “We couldn’t be more thrilled to have partnered with industry leaders in veterinary care and category-defining consumer brands. Their support and investment will help us take the next leap forward in making fresh dog food more accessible and further our mission of improving the lives of dogs.” 

Richard Reed, founder of JamJar Investments and Innocent Drinks, said: “We are delighted to join forces with Marleybones at this exciting stage in their journey as a brand. Marleybones’ innovative approach to dog nutrition – pantry fresh® dog food – masterfully blends the superior quality of fresh ingredients with the ease of traditional dog food offerings. 

“We’re thrilled to be supporting Mikala, Josephine, and their expanding team in introducing their nutritious and convenient dog food to an increasing group of dogs, pet parents and retailers over the coming months and years.”

Currently, only 2% of female founders in the UK receive VC funding, making Marleybones' accomplishment all the more remarkable. As a female-founded start-up, Marleybones is championing greater inclusivity and diversity within the entrepreneurial landscape.

UK start-up PetInstincts is one of eight participants in the prestigious  ‘Unleashed by Purina’ accelerator programme, which supports and propels new generations of disruptive pet-tech and pet-care companies to help fulfil their potential.

The Unleashed programme is powered by the Purina Accelerator Lab. By offering resources to start-ups that are integrating technology into pet-care products and services in novel and innovative ways, the Lab contributes to the growth of the pet-care start-up ecosystem. 

Purina provides each start-up on the Unleashed programme with a personalized scaling package that includes business and technology assistance tailored to their specific stage of growth.  The companies also receive expert coaching and access to Purina’s deep commercial insights to help drive their growth.

The programme lasts 20 weeks, with mentoring and support offered from a range of Purina experts alongside industry experts. Drawing on almost 130 years of Purina history and powerful R&D and commercial capabilities, the programme includes a structured and funded project of up to £44,600 (CHF 50,000)¹ per start-up to help them realise their ambitions.

Anil Puri, founder and director of PetInstincts, added: “I'm so incredibly honoured to be a part of the Unleashed cohort. It's unbelievable to think that the startup that I dreamed up at university, is now partnering with one of the global leaders in our industry. For us, this level of recognition, support, and collaboration at such a scale means everything. During the programme we’ll be working on some very exciting projects, diving down the rabbit hole of pet care and co-creating the wonderland that is a future where pets and their owners worldwide are happier and healthier.”

Calum Macrae, Director for Purina UK&I, said: “As we navigate a post-pandemic world, support for pets and their owners is more important than ever. With many pet owners returning to work spaces rather than working at home, the innovative use of tech solutions by PetInstincts to make sure our pets are happy when we can’t be with them all the time, is so valuable. I’m really proud that Purina is actively supporting great new entrepreneurial ideas like these, which ultimately will help improve the lives of pets and the people who love them, through our innovative Unleashed programme. I look forward to seeing the 2024 cohort grow through the programme.” 

The start-ups participating in Unleashed by Purina 2024 include:

• Pezz Life Vienna, Austria: Easy-to-use, at-home diagnostics and preventative care for your pet’s healthy life 
• Petexplorer Athens, Greece: Modern online marketplace for pet parents, seamless connection with pet care industry professionals 
• PetInstincts London, UK: Smart enrichment tools for easier and happier lives for pets and their owners
• Arbiom Paris, France: Sylpro, high quality and sustainable protein ingredient for your pets 
• Sylvester AI Calgary, Canada: Every day visual pain assessment, bringing cats and their caregivers closer together 
• CuidaMiMascota Monterrey, Mexico: Connecting pets with trusted sitters: your convenience, their well-being
• Zazuu Sao Paolo, Brazil: The go-to app for all pet-related needs 
• ZumVet Singapore: Personalised vetcare from the comfort of your home

Unleashed success stories

Since its inception, Unleashed has accelerated 33 start-ups, including BorrowMyDoggy, a UK startup who connect dog owners with local dog borrowers for walks, weekends and holidays were able to expand and develop different areas of their business, including accelerating their B2B offer as part of ‘Unleashed’. 

Dogami, a Swiss entertainment company was part of the 2023 programme, developed a mobile-first web3 game featuring dog avatars and has now experienced exponential growth in customer base, celebrating five million races completed.

Since participating in Unleashed, VetChip, an animal health monitoring business, has secured series A Funding. The business had also accelerated the development of its technology and is continuing to expand having established two technology trial sites in the US with plans to bring more online in the next 12 months.

To find out more about Unleashed by Purina, please visit: www.unleashedbypurina.com. 

OSCAR Pet Foods is celebrating its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of dedicated service to pets and their owners. Since 1994, OSCAR has been committed to providing high quality, nutritious pet food that not only satisfies our cherished companions but also contributes to their overall health and well-being.

Over the past 30 years, OSCAR Pet Foods has grown from strength to strength with a strong established network of franchisees throughout the UK. The company’s journey has been fuelled by a passion for animals and a desire to create balanced and tasty meals that cater to the unique nutritional needs of every pet.

Key milestones in 30-year journey include:

1. Commitment to Quality. From the beginning, OSCAR Pet Foods has maintained a steadfast commitment to only using the finest ingredients in its recipes and prioritising the health and happiness of pets.
2. Innovation in Nutrition. Over the years, OSCAR has embraced advances in pet nutrition ensuring its products keep evolving to meet the changing needs of pets. Its team of nutritional experts work continuously to develop innovative formulas that support pets at every stage of life.
3. Community Engagement. OSCAR Pet Foods takes pride in being an active member of the communities in which it serves. Through its strong network of local franchisees, it strives to make a positive impact on the lives of pets and their owners.
4. Customer Satisfaction. The loyalty of customers lies at the heart of OSCAR’s success. 

OSCAR Pet Foods is extremely proud to have been awarded the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award 2024: an independent seal of excellence, which recognises businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.

Managing Director Richard Martin expresses gratitude for the support received over the years, saying, “Reaching this 30-year milestone is a testament to the dedication of our franchise network, the team at OSCAR, and, of course, the loyalty of our customers and their pets. As we celebrate this achievement, we look forward to continuing our mission of providing pets with the nutrition they deserve."

If you would like to join in the celebrations and try a free meal for your pet, why not contact OSCAR to be introduced to the OSCAR products and services.

www.oscar.co.uk 

0800 195 8000

UK Pet Food has released of its highly anticipated annual Pet Data Report for 2024. This comprehensive report offers invaluable insights into the performance of the pet food market throughout 2023, covering a wide range of categories including cat, dog, small mammals, fish, and bird.

The 2024 Pet Data Report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, examining the performance of the pet food industry from 2017 to 2023. It offers a detailed overview of the pet population in the UK, which has reached a staggering 36 million in 2024, with 60% of households (17.2 million) benefiting from the companionship of a beloved pet.

Highlights from the report include increases in both cat and dog populations, which now stand at 12.5 million and 13.5 million, respectively. Additionally, the report offers regional data analysis and insights into pet owner habits and attitudes, providing a comprehensive understanding of consumer behaviour in the pet food market.

Commenting on the release of the Pet Data Report, Nicole Paley Deputy CEO at UK Pet Food, remarked, "UK Pet Food (previously the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association) has been commissioning this robust data for over 15 years. The top-line data is frequently referenced by the media and government bodies. The report is available for free to all UK Pet Food members who contribute data. It is available to purchase for all others."

The Pet Data Report 2024 is a valuable resource for industry professionals, policymakers, and anyone interested in the pet food market. For more information on costs and content, visit: https://www.ukpetfood.org/information-centre/statistics/market-data.html

For more information, contact beth@ukpetfood.org

Last year Frozzys released two new limited-edition frozen yogurt flavours to celebrate 10 years in business. The Banana & Honey flavoured frozen yogurt has proved to be extremely popular and has now secured a permanent listing due to overwhelming demand.

Frozzys is lactose free and contains essential nutrients and prebiotics to promote good gut health in one delicious, long-lasting and low-calorie snack.

Frozzys frozen yogurts are an excellent and healthy alternative to ice cream, and are packed full of nutritionally beneficial ingredients. 

Frozzys can be fed on a regular basis due to the low-calorie nature.

For more information or to order visit www.frozzys.com

My Anxious Dog is introducing a revolutionary ‘Yellow Space Zone’ for dogs in yellow at the All About Dogs Show at the Newbury Showground this weekend (April 13-14).

The ground-breaking initiative, which aims to provide a welcoming environment for anxious dogs and their owners, will also feature enriching activities and calming solutions donated by industry leaders and expert oversight from renowned dog trainers and behaviourists.

Dogs wearing yellow need space for various reasons, which is why the new ‘Yellow Space Zones’ will include a designated quiet area where dogs can enjoy enrichment games designed to alleviate stress and promote mental stimulation.

“The enhanced ‘Yellow Space Zone’ at the upcoming All About Dog Show at the Newbury Showground promises to set a new standard for dog-friendly events, prioritising the well-being and happiness of every canine attendee,” says Sarah Jones from My Anxious Dog.

“We hope that other dog show organisers will follow suit and embrace this important collaboration, ensuring that all dogs have the opportunity to enjoy a day out with their owners.”

“We’re delighted to welcome this new #dogsinyellow initiative at the All About Dogs Show Newbury this year,” says organisers of the All About Dogs Shows. “We’re dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all dogs and their owners.”

Among the enriching activities in the ‘Yellow Space Zones’ is the ‘Boredom Buster’, provided by the team at Pet Remedy. This interactive game allows dogs to engage in playful exploration while uncovering hidden treats, donated by Barkable, a new company dedicated to crafting premium, hand-baked dog treats using sustainable practices and high-quality ingredients.

Furthermore, Paws in Earnest has donated it innovative Rylo, the ultimate dog enrichment toy designed to keep pups entertained for hours on end. Made from durable natural rubber, Rylo offers a perfect blend of fun and functionality, delivering endless mental and physical stimulation for dogs of all breeds and sizes. Combined with My Anxious Dog’s calming spray, these enriching activities and calming solutions will create an oasis of tranquillity within the ‘Yellow Space Zone’.

The introduction of these enriching activities and calming solutions underscores the commitment of My Anxious Dog and All About Dog Show to creating a more inclusive and compassionate environment for all dogs. By collaborating with industry leaders and leveraging innovative solutions, they hope to inspire other dog show organisers to adopt similar initiatives nationwide.

The ’Yellow Space Zone’ will also benefit from the expert oversight of dog trainer Niki French, author of ‘Stop Walking Your Dog’; and behaviourist Jo Sellers, author of ‘Adore Your Adolescent Dog’. Their presence will ensure that anxious dogs and their owners receive professional guidance and support throughout their visit to the zone, further enhancing the experience and promoting positive interactions.

“Join us in supporting this pioneering initiative for our #dogsinyellow,” adds Sarah from My Anxious Dog. “And spreading awareness about the importance of compassion and understanding towards anxious and reactive dogs and their owners.”

Pets at Home has raised £346,074 for charity through its Pets Foundation Easter Appeal.

The company said: “We cannot express our gratitude enough to our remarkable store colleagues and customers for their unwavering fundraising efforts over the past few weeks. 
 
“We are thrilled to reveal that we've raised a staggering £346,074, which will be going straight towards helping pets and the people who love them.”

During the last 15 years a staggering £35 million has been raised through the Pets Foundation, which has helped thousands of pets in need across the UK find their forever loving home. 

Find out more about the Foundation at https://lnkd.in/e48sY6uh

Innovative insect-based dog food brand Grub Club has announced its first national retailer listing with Pets at Home. 

The leading pet retail chain will stock Grub Club's insect protein dog treat range – Poop Perfector, Sit Roll Treat Repeat, Canine Shine and Clean Teeth & Chill dental sticks in sizes small and large. 

The range will be rolled out across 466 Pets at Home stores nationwide as well as the retailer’s online site. 

After growing online revenues by 260% in 2023, Grub Club prides itself on its hypoallergenic, nutritionally-complete and super sustainable food for all dog breeds.

Along with a popular e-commerce shop and a loyal subscriber base, Grub Club is also available to shop in various independent stores, such as Daylesford Organic and Gladwells.

Grub Club is hypoallergenic, protein packed, insect-based complete dog food that takes care of your dog and the planet. The grubs used – Black Soldier Fly Larvae – are nature's perfect up-cyclers. They are farmed in biotech facilities and fed on a diet of organic plant-based matter. In an independent study, Grub Club's food was shown to reduce carbon emissions by up to 1.5 tonnes per dog per year. Which means if just 1% of the UK's 12 million dogs switched to Grub Club, we could save 180,000 tonnes of CO2 every year.

After discovering our pets eat 20% of the world’s fish and meat, co-founders Alessandro Di Trapani and Hugh Petit decided it was time to shake up the industry and create a more sustainable option using the novel-protein, insects. It started with experimental baking in Alessandro’s kitchen and taste testing in the park and within two years, Grub Club became the #1 rated insect-based dog food brand in the UK.

Co-founder Alessandro Di Trapani says: “Our partnership with Pets at Home gives us an incredible opportunity to provide dog owners across the UK with a more sustainable way to feed their dog. Unlocking this distribution is crucial for us as we strive towards our mission of making the pet food industry more sustainable and providing a healthy alternative for dogs who suffer with sensitivities and intolerances to traditional pet food.” 

Grub Club is the proud Grand Prix winner of the Sky Media Zero Footprint Fund 2023. After a multi-stage process involving the production and pitch of a 30 second TVC to a panel of judges of industry leaders and sustainability champions, Grub Club walked away with the £1m media value grand prize. Grub Club's TV ad will be hitting screens in 2024.

Grub Club also took home the Impact HERE Award in association with FuturePlus (sponsored by Outernet). Grub Club has been awarded £100k worth of screen time at the immersive promotional screen of the Outernet Building, outside Tottenham Court Station. Grub Club was also named the Best Eco-Friendly Pet Brand by Marie Claire for 2023

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A pet shop posted CCTV pictures of the theft of a gargoyle gecko and urged the person responsible to return it immediately.

The Exotics Hub in Hull said the welfare of the animal, worth £250, was the most important thing.

On its Facebook page, the store posted: “Attention. Shop theft. Happened on Friday 5/4/24 @14.20. Stolen Gargoyle Gecko. Reported to the police. Return within 24 hours and there will be no further action.”

Shop owner Sarah Dixon told the BBC that she noticed the animal had disappeared as she carried out a routine water and feeding check on the animals.

Kieron Hardman, a staff member at Vital Pet Trade Specialist, is embarking on a remarkable journey to support a cause close to their heart. On 10th August, Kieron will undertake a series of physical challenges to raise funds for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).

Kieron, driven by a profound passion for animal welfare, has pledged to take part in a rigorous series of physical challenges, including but not limited to marathon runs, cycling events, and even obstacle courses. Each challenge presents an opportunity not only to push personal limits but also to raise awareness and much-needed funds for the RSPCA.

"Animals hold a special place in my heart, and the work that the RSPCA does is truly commendable," said Kieron. "I am honoured to have the opportunity to support such a noble cause through these challenges. Every step, every mile, and every obstacle overcome is a testament to our commitment to making a difference in the lives of animals in need."

"We are incredibly proud of Kieron for taking on this challenge," said Sunny Sharma, director at Vital Pet Trade Specialist.  "Their dedication to supporting the RSPCA reflects our company's values of compassion and community engagement. We encourage everyone to show their support and join us in backing Kieron on this inspiring journey."

To support Kieron in his mission to raise funds for the RSPCA, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/kieron-hardman-1711568858012

Zoomark is strengthening its collaboration with Pet Fair South East Asia, the leading fair for the pet market in Southeast Asia, to be held in Bangkok, Thailand, from October 30 to November 1.

The new strategic alliance aims to promote B2B events in their respective countries, attracting visitors to each other's markets. As part of this exclusive collaboration, Zoomark represents a privileged connection between Italian companies and the Thailand fair. Zoomark will coordinate the attendance of Italian brands at Pet Fair South East Asia to offer businesses both visibility and opportunities within the Asian markets.

Italian brands interested in exhibiting in Bangkok can rely on Zoomark to book their individual exhibition space or reserve a stand in the Italy Pavilion. This presents a unique opportunity for visibility for all companies seeking new partnerships and for meeting key operators in the area (distributors and buyers) to export to Southeast Asia.

The 2023 edition of Pet Fair SEA saw the participation of 281 exhibitors from 40 countries and 10,000 professional visitors from 74 countries.

The pet markets in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Singapore are experiencing rapid and significant growth (with a forecasted compound annual growth rate of 9% for the period 2024-2029), driven by increasing pet ownership, rising per capita income, and urbanization. It is, therefore, the ideal time to enter these markets.

"Our longstanding collaboration with Pet Fair South East Asia is an example of how Zoomark has always aimed to create a network of strong international partners," says Pascale Sonvico, Sales and Show Office Manager at Zoomark. “We are delighted to renew our commitment and seize this new opportunity to support and promote the excellence of Made-In-Italy in the Southeast Asian markets, ensuring the participation of Italian brands and amplifying the visibility of our exhibition."

"We are extremely pleased to have consolidated our partnership with Zoomark through the organization of the dedicated Country Pavilion for Italy," says Johannes C. Kraus, Senior Project Manager at Pet Fair South East Asia. "We feel honored to have been recognized by one of the leading events in the international pet market as the reference platform for the industry in Asia. We are confident that the Italian companies participating will be able to enter or strengthen their presence in the Southeast Asian markets."

To join the Italy Pavilion or participate with your own stand at Pet Fair South East Asia 2024, contact estero@zoomark.it.

The International Collaborative on Extreme Conformations in Dogs (ICECDogs) has published a position paper, heavily informed by research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), that helps owners to recognise good innate health in dogs. The international agreement is the first of its kind and provides a guide for animal caregivers, and the wider public, to identify healthy natural physical characteristics in dogs and to predict and assess potential health and welfare based on body shape. This will help anyone who cares about dogs to understand how likely a dog is to suffer from negative impacts resulting from an extreme conformation.

Innate health is a concept that has been developed following a decade of research at the RVC and refers to a dog’s capacity to enjoy life without limitations from health issues linked to extreme conformations. Common examples of these health risks include chronic pain caused by, for example, eye ulcers because of protruding eyes, or physical incapacity, such as being unable to sleep or exercise fully due to breathing difficulties caused by being flat-faced.

Also acting as an informative guide, the new paper identifies examples of extreme conformation that prospective owners can look out for and hopefully avoid when deciding on the type of dog they will acquire. These include:

• Flat-faces (brachycephaly)
• Large and protruding eyes
• Shortened, twisted legs
• Facial or body skin folds
• Tailessness
• A clearly overshot or undershot jaw
• A disproportionately broad head and shoulders
• Eyelids turned in or out
• A bulging or domed skull
• A sloped back with an excessively low rear end and excessively flexed hind legs.

Conversely, a dog with good innate health because of its naturally healthy body shape should have the ability to breathe freely and oxygenate effectively; maintain body temperature within a normal physiological range; move freely without effort or discomfort; eat and drink effectively; hear, smell, see, self-groom, eliminate and sleep effectively; communicate effectively with other dogs; and, where applicable, breed without assistance.

Dr Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor for Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC and co-founding ICECDogs member, said: “I have spent the past decade researching and developing the innate health concept at the RVC in London. No owner ever wants an unhealthy dog but the huge popularity of dogs with extreme conformations suggests that many owners have not fully grasped the link between body shape and quality of life for dogs.

“The new ICECDogs position on innate health helps owners understand that extreme conformations are not natural, normal, healthy or desirable for dogs. Innately healthy body shapes can now become a new normal for dogs that we can all celebrate.”

The RVC and other evidence suggests that many dogs with extreme conformations endure a lifetime of potential or real suffering from poor innate health which can significantly reduce their overall quality of life. The ICECDogs paper has received support from major UK dog welfare groups that are part of the UK’s Brachycephalic Working Group and builds on the RVC’s wide research in this field.

Dr Dan O’Neill, who is also Chair of the UK Brachycephalic Working Group, further added: “The UK BWG welcomes this international position that consolidates our shared human ethical commitment to avoiding extreme conformation in dogs. The BWG supports all welfare-focused activities that aim to protect the health and welfare of dogs from the adverse impacts of brachycephaly as an extreme conformation in dogs.” 

Aiming to raise awareness about what a naturally healthy body shape in dogs looks like, as well as hopefully contributing to a decline in ownership trends of dogs with extreme conformation, the ICECDogs is calling for support from owners, breeders and the general public to improve the welfare of dogs by:

• Not promoting, breeding, selling, or acquiring dogs with extreme conformations
• Carefully considering the issues relating to extreme conformations before taking a final decision on what type of dog to acquire
• Understanding the criteria for good innate health and insisting that every dog must meet these innate canine norms.

Dr Michelle Groleau, ICECDogs member and Director Animal Welfare, Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), said: “The escalation of extreme conformations in animals and the serious harms resulting from them are a priority issue for the CVMA. There is an urgent need for the public to be made aware of the severity of the current situation and to learn how they can contribute to a solution”.

The full ICECDogs paper, can be accessed at: www.icecdogs.com.

A team of vets have been hailed heroes after their quick actions saved the lives of dozens of cattle from an overturned lorry.

The incident saw the double-decker vehicle carrying 40 cattle flip over at Gobowen, Shropshire, prompting an urgent call to the veterinary teams at Brownlow and Park Issa farm vets.

Their swift response, supported by local farmers and the emergency services, resulted in the successful rescue of 33 cattle under hugely challenging conditions.

David Martin, clinical director at Brownlow, which is part of IVC Evidensia Farm Vets, and the on-call vet who received the emergency call, hailed the efforts of everyone involved.

He said: "Responding to emergencies like this is always stressful, but seeing our training in large animal rescue come to life in collaboration with the emergency services and the local farming community was extraordinary.

“Our deepest thanks go to everyone involved, especially our off-duty Brownlow and Park Issa large animal team, for their remarkable dedication and immediate action. They are all absolute heroes.”

The livestock lorry overturned on a busy A-road early on Sunday afternoon, posing severe risks to the animals onboard. 

The rescue team used a "mobile handling unit" borrowed from a nearby farm to move the cattle safely from the overturned lorry to a secure area.

About 15 local farmers assisted in the operation, bringing the tools and extra hands needed to make the rescue operation work.

It took more than two hours before the team could safely open the lorry's back door, and about five hours in total to free the last of the cattle.

Sadly, five of the animals had to be put to sleep at the scene to prevent further suffering, and two others died because of injuries they sustained in the crash.

David highlighted the significant contributions of Park Issa vets Vitoria Hipolito and Suzanne Vos, saying they each played pivotal roles in the rescue operation.

He added: “They both rushed to help on their day off, and their expertise and dedication were crucial in managing the situation. Suzanne stepped in to cover emergency calls, which allowed us to focus on the rescue operation at the crash site.

“This incident really tested our emergency response and, in the end, strengthened it. It was also an invaluable learning opportunity, particularly for team members who hadn't faced such a large-scale emergency before.”

David further stressed the value of continuous training, adding, "It underlines how important it is for us to keep training in large animal rescue and first aid, something that as part of IVC Evidensia, colleagues at our practices are able to routinely undertake. Being prepared like this helps us tackle all sorts of emergencies, from car accidents to rescuing animals from water or getting them out of precarious situations."

Vitoria Hipolito, a vet involved in the rescue, said the incident demonstrated the strength of cooperation between vets, the farming community and emergency services.

She added: "As farm vets, we work shoulder to shoulder with the farming community, and this incident demonstrated that unity.

“It was a complex rescue operation, with five fire and rescue engines on the scene, including Shropshire’s only animal tender, specifically equipped for animal emergencies like this one.

“The livestock lorry had up to nine separate pens, each requiring manual release. As we freed the cows in batches, our joint efforts allowed us to systematically assess, treat, and safely move them into waiting vehicles.”

Steve Moorhouse, watch manager at Ellesmere Fire Station, described the incident as “complex” and said it was “thanks to the swift response of the vets” in attendance that they successfully managed to rescue the cattle.

He added: “Time was of the essence to remove the animals as quickly as possible, ensuring their safety as well as everyone involved in the incident.” 

The British Independent Retailers Association is applauding the government's decision to make assaulting a shop worker a separate criminal offence in England and Wales.

The move comes amid a disturbing rise in retail crime and abuse faced by those working in shops.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated the new law aims to send a clear message to criminals that "enough is enough" when it comes to stealing from local businesses or abusing shop staff. He emphasised shops must be free from threats of crime or abuse.

Bira, who work with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, said the retail sector has been calling for greater protections for shop workers.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira said: "For some time, Bira along with the wider retail sector, has been calling for more protection for people who work in shops. We are delighted with this announcement, especially as we are dealing with a significant increase in retail crime."

The need for action is underscored by Bira's own 2024 retail crime survey. It revealed a staggering 35.5% of respondents experienced verbal abuse from individuals in their shops, though this marked a 7.5 percentage point decrease from six months prior. Alarmingly, 66% of those subjected to verbal abuse chose not to report it.

For incidents reported to police, 29% indicated authorities did not attend the scene. And of cases where police did respond, 57% did not lead to prosecution - an increase in non-prosecution levels compared to the previous survey.

Physical attacks and threats remain alarmingly prevalent as well. Nearly 8% of shopkeepers experienced violence, including threats with weapons like needles, knives and even a hammer being thrown. A concerning 70% did not report the physical assaults to police.

Of those reporting physical abuse, 62.5% saw no prosecutions while 25% of calls for help did not result in a police visit.

Mr Goodacre added:  "While we're encouraged by the government's commitment to tackle this unacceptable abuse, these figures underscore the need for real reform and resources to ensure shopkeepers feel protected. Bira and the entire retail community appreciate this vital first step."

The new offence will carry a maximum sentence of six months. Perpetrators could also receive an unlimited fine and be banned from the shop where they committed the offence.

Serial offenders could be forced to wear tags so their movements can be tracked and £50m will be spent on facial recognition technology. Dedicated facial recognition units will be used in high streets to catch perpetrators and prevent shoplifting. Police have been told to check more CCTV images against police databases.

In more serious cases, offenders found guilty of grievous bodily harm will face jail sentences. But anyone convicted of the new offence would not routinely go to prison. The Sentencing Bill, which is currently going through Parliament, would mean sentences of 12 months or less would be suspended and served in the community, although a prison sentence could be imposed in exceptional circumstances. The government has promised reforms to free up prison space in response to overcrowding due to tougher sentences and court backlogs.

The creative UK bakers at ‘Wonderful World of Treats’ have created recipes that bring foods usually only available for humans to our four-legged friends. 

Mascot for the brand, Houdini, will guide pet lovers through four amazing lands: Burger Hills, Sushi Forest, Cake Mountains and Pizza Oasis. Each land contains three fun flavours in 50g bags, with packaging made from the latest biodegradable paper to help protect the planet.   

To help promote the range in stores the brand has some striking new displays that will make it stand out and stimulate interest and excitement for dog owners and all the family. 

The brand is also building an ‘out-of-this-world’ website with animation and lots of fun new elements, which will launch at the end of April. 

“We are super excited to launch this magical new brand, Wonderful of World of Treats,” said Steve Driver, MD. “After two years of development, we’re so proud to offer pet owners a unique and novel option for treating their furry friends. Our treats are not only delicious but also made with natural ingredients, antioxidants, and locally sourced ingredients to ensure the highest quality and health benefits.” 

Key features of the new range include:

• Inspired by human favourites
• Healthy and irresistible for dogs
• Variety of flavours spanning different 'enchanting lands'
• Made with natural ingredients, antioxidants and locally sourced ingredients
• Fully recyclable packaging that can be recycled at home

For more information about Wonderful World of Treats contact sales@wonderfulworldoftreats.co.uk

Visit the magical ‘Wonderful World of Treats’ and meet Houdini at Interzoo in the British Pavilion – Hall 9, Stand 508. 

Just for Pets Cambridge has moved to a bigger unit on its Barnwell Road site in Cambridge, opening a much improved and larger store.

The new superstore is now open and you can view pictures of the premises – interior and exterior – in the gallery below.

The Pet Shop in Sittingbourne High Street, Kent is celebrating 30 years of trading.

Owner Victor Brobyn, who opened the store in April 1994, has explained how the business is still striving despite intense competition. 

Victor’s success story has been featured by Kent Online, and you can reads the full report by clicking here