The process of buying a new aquarium needs to be both educational and engaging for the customer. These often costly items an significantly bolster your sales, through the initial purchase as well as the additional product range required for ongoing maintenance (i.e. water treatments, filters, food and not forgetting, fish!) therefore it is important to ensure customers are satisfied with their initial experience and delighted with their new purchase.

Here are some useful tips from the team at Tetra:

Wow with your display aquariums

A display aquarium can provide retailers with a creative method to excite customers by showing off their most impressive merchandise, beautiful fish, aquascaping and staff expertise in a collectively striking showstopper.

A well maintained wet display aquarium can be an excellent instrument to showcase products which will ultimately drive sales, leaving non-fish keepers feeling dazzled and encouraging them to consider space in their home to show off a fish tank.

In addition, highlighting aquariums along with associated products such as food and water treatments within your store can fill the consumer with inspiration and ultimately lead them to further purchases.

Encourage customers to try fishkeeping

An aquarium with a starter kit can welcome new fish keepers into the hobby and will encourage further sales in the future. Tetra’s Peppa Pig Aquarium is the perfect starter kit for children with everything to discover the fun of fishkeeping.

The aquarium comes with starter samples of TetraMin and Tetra AquaSafe along with a child friendly activity booklet with guidance on their use and information on ongoing carewhich will encourage repeat purchase and further custom.

     

Strategically placing aquariums in a high footfall area may grab the attention of children and a low price point may be enough to sway parents into giving fish keeping a go.

Encouraging young customers to take up fishkeeping will increase popularity for the hobby if a consumer’s first experience within your store is a positive one, then they are more likely to remain loyal to your store for their entire fish keeping journey.

For more information about any products in the Tetra range, please visit www.tetra.net or email info@tetra-fish.co.uk

Pets at Home's expansion into the veterinary and animal grooming markets has continued to pay dividends for the Cheshire group, with sales rising by almost 8% in the third quarter of its financial year.

The company said total revenues jumped to £182.2m in the 12 weeks to 1 January 2015, up by 7.8% compared with last year. Merchandise revenues grew by 6.5% to £168.2m, while service sales were up by 26% to £14m.

During the third quarter, Pets at Home opened seven new stores, bringing gross openings in the first nine months of its financial year to 17 and a total portfolio of 392 stores. Five veterinary practices and eight 'groom rooms' were also opened during the quarter, bringing the total portfolios to 308 and 160 respectively.

The Handforth-headquartered retailer expects gross openings of at least 25 stores, 60 veterinary practices and 50 groom room in the 2015 financial year.

Nick Wood, chief executive of Pets at Home, said: "We are very pleased with the continued growth in like-for-like sales. This reflects the strength of our offer, the multiple levers through which we can drive growth, and the resilience of the pet products and services market."

A 5,000 sq ft retail department called The Pet Place, where animals can dine with their owners, is one of six new attractions at Bents Home & Garden near Warrington in Cheshire. 

The Pet Place includes a groom room and pet café as well as a deli and shop and is part of a £5.1m development at the award-winning Bents.

The 37-week project has culminated in an additional 30,000 sq ft of retail space on the ground floor together with new offices, and future expansion space for retail at first floor level.

The work has also included the construction of a major new roundabout, providing the Warrington based garden and home centre with a prominent entrance to its extended car park, 40 community allotments and a new community play area.

It forms part of Bents’ vision to become the ultimate garden, home and leisure destination in the North West, by providing customers with more choice in a bigger and better store.

As well as The Pet Place the new departments include:

9,000 sq ft Food Hall:  from fresh, daily produce to a butchers, bakers, continental deli counters and wine shop where trained wine specialists can help source the perfect bottle for any occasion

3,000 sq ft Cook Shop:  featuring everything needed to equip the modern kitchen, from must have utensils to stylish accessories and clever gadgets

4,000 sq ft Children’s Boutique:  Beautiful clothing and brilliant toys in a new interactive children’s area, which will host regular classes and workshops for parents and their little ones.

4,400 sq ft Nevisport|Trespass:  Leading outdoor clothing specialists providing everything needed to enjoy the outdoors; affordable, practical performance for all levels 

4,400 sq ft C-Crafts:  offering over 15,000 products for just about every craft you can imagine.  C-Crafts stocks leading brands with everything required to create something special.

Matthew Bent, Managing Director at Bents Home and Garden, said: “We’ve come a long way since the Bents’ business was established by my grandparents nearly 75 years ago and the journey so far has been hugely enjoyable.  Despite growing in size we want to retain all the great things we already do, keeping the feeling and ambiance we have worked hard to create, but in a bigger store. 

“Whilst never forgetting our gardening heritage we’ve worked hard to create a destination that is no longer just focussed on the garden but also encompasses home, lifestyle, leisure and a day out and we feel our new retail departments help us achieve just that.”

A vital part of keeping rabbits, guinea pigs and other small furry pets happy and healthy is to make sure they live in a clean and dry environment. During the spring season and as the weather temperature begins to increase, this becomes even more important as flea, fly and mite populations increase along with the risk of health issues for pets.

Burgess Pet Care, makers of the UK’s No.1 Vet Recommended food for fibrevores, boast a revolutionary small animal bedding and litter specifically designed to keep pets dry, whilst preventing fly, mite and flea infestation.

With an added natural external parasite control to help limit the activity of pests, Burgess Excel Bedding & Litter is capable of absorbing up to four times its own volume and lasts ten times longer than traditional straw and shavings options.

Suzanne Moyes, on-site vet at Burgess Pet Care, said: “There are a wide range of external parasites whose ideal breeding ground is warm, wet bedding. These pests contribute to a wide variety of commonly seen ailments in small furry pets such as scaling and ulceration and they are often the cause of secondary bacterial infections. Keeping hutches and cages dry will help to deter them from breeding on or around pets.”

Burgess Excel Bedding & Litter has rapid rates of absorption, helping customers prevent the breakdown of urea to ammonia that is the characteristic bad smell of hutches and cages. The straw-based material breaks down to tiny dust free fibres that can be brushed to clean out hutches and cages and composts much  faster than other litter products and materials.

Burgess Excel Bedding & Litter has an RSP of £5.99 and comes in 4kg packs with carry handle.

For more information visit www.burgesspetcare.co.uk or call the sales team on 01780 483311.

Pooch and Mutt's products are now available through Manor, Switzerland’s largest department store chain. The award winning range of natural treats and grain free foods is stocked in Manor’s pet section throughout Switzerland and have also won the European Design Award for the outstanding packaging and display of their products.

The range of grain free, natural and ethically made foods includes functional varieties to help dogs lead happy and healthy lives including: Calm & Relaxed, Fresh Breath, Slim & Slender, Digestion & Wind and Move Easy. The foods are made in the UK, with over 45% turkey, chicken or salmon.

The original bestselling range of seven premium dog treats and four complete foods have been available in Manor since the beginning of 2015. Pooch and Mutt are quickly becoming a customer favourite among Swiss consumers. 

Nathan Perry, Pooch and Mutt’s Key Account Manager, says: “It’s a great achievement for Pooch and Mutt, as Switzerland is a premium market that is now looking at the UK for the leading premium pet products in Europe. We are one step closer to our goal of helping dogs lead happy and healthy lives on an international scale."

Manor is the largest department store chain in Switzerland and with Pooch and Mutt's success in the British pet industry; it is no surprise that the two have teamed up.

Expanding into Switzerland has always been a goal of Pooch and Mutt, as the MD of the company Guy Blaskey states: “We are very proud to start the year with distribution in Switzerland, specifically by teaming up with such a premium chain of department stores.

"By teaming up with Manor, Pooch and Mutt products will now be available to dogs outside of the UK. We are very pleased to help more dogs lead happy, healthy lives."

Pooch and Mutt’s range of products are PETA accredited and free from artificial colours, preservatives, flavours and GM produce. Manor’s continued success in Switzerland will be a wonderful new home for Pooch and Mutt’s range of products.

For more information, email samantha@poochandmutt.com or call 0203 0111 567.

The Pet Industry Federation has announced details of an export seminar and store tours taking place in the US on Tuesday 3 March, on the eve of Global Pet Expo in Florida, for UK pet industry manufacturers looking to begin exporting to the US.

PIF’s US export partner, SMD Group LLC, is organising the seminar, which will be delivered by their MD, Shawn Dooley (pictured) – an expert in helping businesses successfully access the USA market.

The seminar is entitled: ‘The USA Pet Market and Opportunities to Export’ and will take place from 6pm-8pm allowing visitors to the show to attend the seminar, as well as those setting up stands.

The seminar will cover topics such as: the size of the US market, the various routes from manufacturer to the consumer, brand strategies used by US manufacturers; comparing Petco and Petsmart; making the most of trade shows, plus much more.

Prior to the seminar, SMD Group will be leading two store tours to a full range of pet retail outlets , including independent pet stores, a regional pet chain, Petco and/or Petsmart, a grocery store and a mass merchandiser.  The store tour will highlight the variation in the size and the range of the assortment depending on the sales channel.  It will also show the different brands and sizes that are featured in each type of retailer.

The cost of the seminar is $199 per person, and a reduced PIF member only rate of $20 per person for the store tour (normally $49).

Further details are available from our export pages on the PIF website. If you are interested in taking part in these seminars, contact Alexandra Baker on 01234 224507; alexandra.baker@petfederation.co.uk for further details or to register your interest.

In the run-up to this year’s General Election the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association is relaunching the #handsoffmyhobby campaign to let all the political parties know that fish make good pets too.

The industry body is calling on businesses and hobbyists to get behind the Hands Off My Hobby campaign and let MPs and prospective parliamentary candidates know that keeping ornamental fish is just as acceptable as having a dog, cat or other small furry as a pet. 

It has created a petition on Change.org for people to sign, asking all the main UK political parties to promise to oppose any future wholesale ban on exotic and wild caught species that would affect the ornamental fish-keeping hobby. It has also designed a logo and standalone website www.handsoffmyhobby.org to help spread the word about the campaign. 

“Over the next few months political parties should be particularly receptive to hearing about the concerns of their voters, especially the issues that might affect where they put their cross on the ballot paper. So we want to tap into this even though, at the moment, there’s no direct danger to the hobby through proposed legislation,” explained OATA Chief Executive Keith Davenport (left).

“The hobby is in the sights of animal campaign groups which want to see an end to people being able to keep so-called ‘exotic’ and ‘wild’ pets. If we don’t start to educate politicians that wild and exotic pet-keeping also includes ornamental fish then it will be much harder to get them to see sense if legislation is ever proposed about banning the importation and sale of exotic species in the UK.

“These animal campaign groups have deep pockets and they won’t be losing any time to lobby about their campaigns. OATA is a minnow in comparison but we were bowled over by the support we got last year when we first launched #handsoffmyhobby to lobby MEPs in the European elections so we’re hopeful we can whip up even more support this time round. 

“We need everyone who has a job in this industry – and there are around 10,000 of us – to sign our petition and write to MPs and prospective parliamentary candidates (PCCS). Whether you run a shop, import fish, manufacture aquatic products, install ponds or aquariums or are a wholesaler please take the time to fight for your industry and encourage your staff to do the same.

“Visit www.handsoffmyhobby.org for ideas on how to lobby your local MP/PCC and we’ve created lots of useful documents to help make that easy. We’ve got a draft letter for people to personalise, campaign posters and flyers as well as a logo to download and use. 

“The next four months are a crucial time but we know how much hobbyists and people who work in this industry love their fish so we’re confident we’ll get even better support for the next part of the Hands Off My Hobby campaign.” 

OATA has drawn up a list of seven ways that businesses involved in the industry can support the Hands Off My Hobby campaign:

1. Sign the petition at Change.org and encourage customers to do the same – there are full details on this on the campaign website www.handsoffmyhobby.org
2. Write to local MPs/PCCs about the campaign – there’s a letter and campaign briefing document on the website
3. Invite MPs and PCCS to your business and tell them in person about the campaign and what it would mean to you and your employees – there’s useful tips to help on the website
4. Share what you do and any replies you get from MPs and PPCs on your social media and with OATA so it can build up a list of MPs who support the campaign
5. Join the campaign Thunderclap
6. Follow OATA on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn and use the #handsoffmyhobby hashtag
7. Add a link to the www.handsoffmyhobby.org website to your business website and use the campaign logo where you can

Rosewood Pet Products have recently introduced an adjustable dog car guard to their pet travel category after identifying a gap in the market for a well engineered, quality product at an affordable price.

For those travelling with their pets in the boot of the car a dog car guard is essential. It ensures the safety of both pet and owner whilst on the move.

The adjustable guard is easy to fit and is suitable for most hatchbacks, estate cars and SUV’s. The height and width can be adjusted by using the adjustable clip-on side panels and the adjustable telescopic legs.

There are also additional security straps included for cars with contoured ceilings, which makes this product unlike other car guards on the market. These key USPs mean retailers can offer a dog car guard to the owner of almost any vehicle by stocking only one SKU!

The dog car guard is packaged in a long, slim, full colour box, which details the product features and benefits clearly and gives examples of the product in use in different types of car. This will enable retailers to clearly communicate the product’s key USPs to their customers without having to make room to assemble the product in their store!

Retailers can contact Rosewood Pet Products on 01952 883408 for more details or go online at www.rosewoodpet.com 

The Pet Charity, which aims to promote the joy and benefits pets have on society, has launched a simple, online solution for customers to order the charity’s new collection of collaborative pet care leaflets.

The Pet Charity’s online ordering system allows customers to order leaflets 24 hours a day, seven days a week, freeing up valuable time in business hours to focus on customers. The website features an instant preview of each leaflet and also allows customers to create a private login, which stores previous orders, making re-orders a quick and simple process. 

It is vital that pet retailers are offering customers after-sale pet care information as part of the 2013 Model Licence Conditions for Pet Vending. The Pet Charity’s leaflets offer a hassle-free solution for businesses whilst helping to educate the public on the needs of their pets.

The new collection of leaflets boast over 31 different animal options, from puppies and kittens to ferrets and tortoises. The colourful leaflets are also ground-breaking in their work, as many have been endorsed by welfare societies and vets. The aim is to raise pet care standards within the UK by ensuring trustworthy advice is readily available.

Sara Bazeley, Media & Campaigns Officer for The Pet Charity, says: “Our new leaflet ordering system gives pet shops, vets and pet services a quick and simple solution to providing customers with pet care advice.

"Being able to order online means it can be done on demand at the most convenient time, so business hours aren’t interrupted and makes re-ordering available at the click of a button.

"Companies can also take charge of the amount they wish to order – little and often or in large quantities, offering real flexibility.”

To view and order The Pet Charity’s new pet care leaflets visit: http://red2gouk.netprintmanager.com/TPC

The Pet Charity is a consumer-facing charity and aims to commission research projects that demonstrate the positive impact of pets in society, in order to promote pet ownership and thereby increase the number of pet-owning households and pet populations in the UK today. It seeks to run programmes as diverse as encouraging pets in schools and care homes, and permitting ownership under tenancy agreements.

Deco-Pak, exclusive UK suppliers of the Garden-Bazaar range of decorative bird boxes, say UK National Nestbox week (Feb 14-21) will present a fantastic opportunity for retailers to sell more elaborate birdhouse designs at greater profit margins.

The latest trend is for more ornamental nesting boxes that not only provide wild birds with added security from predators, warmth and shelter from the elements, but also enhance the overall look and theme of consumers' gardens as well.

Natural nest sites for birds such as openings in trees or in older buildings are declining rapidly as gardens are ‘tidied’ and old houses are repaired.  Taking part in National Nestbox week (Feb 14-21) gives consumers the chance to contribute to bird conservation whilst also getting the pleasure of observing any breeding birds that are attracted to these decorative nest boxes.

Deco-Pak's Garden-Bazaar range features houses and feeders constructed from kiln-dried hardwood, exterior grade plywood and non-toxic exterior paint. Each birdhouse also includes individual 32mm holes to allow small nesting birds to access their new home, whilst limiting larger predators.

To learn more about Deco-Pak’s Garden-Bazaar range of decorative birdhouses and birdfeeders, please visit www.deco-pak.co.uk/birdhouses-feeders/ or alternatively call 01422 204394 for a brochure. Orders and enquiries can also be made by emailing sales@deco-pak.co.uk. 

Deco-Pak will be exhibiting their Garden-Bazaar wild bird houses and feeders ranges at this year's Spring Fair on Stand P09, in Hall 6 of the NEC, (Feb 1-5).

Tom Offord has joined pet healthcare group Beaphar UK as Digital & Events Marketing Executive. Based at Haverhill, he will be responsible for digital marketing activities, promoting the company’s cat, dog, small animal, bird and fish products.

“I am delighted to join a forward-thinking company like Beaphar and thrilled to have found a position that combines my digital marketing expertise with a love of animals.

"I have a dog and cat of my own and have always treated them to Beaphar products including dental kits and flea treatments, which work a treat.

"With such an extensive array of products on offer and a number of exciting new lines arriving in 2015, I’m really looking forward to letting our customers and consumers know about the range and benefits they bring, as well as using on my own pets too.”

Tom joins Beaphar UK with a business degree from Loughborough University and a number of years’ digital marketing experience under his belt, as well as a clear passion for animals too.

Commenting on this new recruit, Beaphar UK Marketing Manager, Amy Hepworth, said: “Tom brings valuable know-how to Beaphar and his digital knowledge will be invaluable as we look to grow our presence and define more innovative marketing solutions for our customers."

For information on the Beaphar product range contact your Local Area Sales Executive, call the Customer Care Team on 01440 715700 or visit www.beaphar.co.uk.

An RSPCA worker has admitted stealing pet food worth more than £13,000. Paul Sanders worked as a contracts facilities manager for the charity's Bristol branch.

A court heard he plundered £13,290 of pet food. Suspicions were raised when he was often seen loading his car with black bags before an inquiry established a large over-spend on pet food.

Sanders, 56, of Lays Lane in Blagdon, pleaded guilty to theft between July 2012 and July 2013.

Recorder M. D. P. Allen QC gave him a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, with 12 months of mental health treatment and supervision.

Sanders was told to pay back all the money or face 12 months in prison in default.

The judge told him: "It was a breach of trust but the mitigation is that you are of previous good character, you are genuinely remorseful and have emotional and psychiatric issues."

RSPCA general manager Edward Grinham became suspicious in the summer of 2013, when he often saw Sanders' car parked at a bay where the pet food was kept. Mr Bromige said: "The charity found a large overspend in cat and dog food on the previous year."

When police were called in he made full and frank admissions and said he realised what he was doing was wrong and he had wanted to stop. He admitted selling the food on the internet and at car boot sales.

Miss Cornwall said: "He wants to return to gainful employment of some sort.

The court heard Sanders had fallen into debt in the past but had not needed the money he stole and had simply used it for day to day needs or put it to one side.

TopLife Formula has announced it is sponsoring CaniX UK, an organisation which holds Canicross events up and down the country.

Canicross is the dog-friendly cross-country sport where owners can run 2km to 5km distances with their dog. It has taken the UK by storm in recent years and gives dog owners the opportunity not only get a great workout, but also to form stronger bonds with their dog.

Canicross is becoming a widely recognised canine sport with more clubs and events popping up throughout Europe. During the race each dog wears a padded harness that is attached to their owner’s belt by a two-metre bungee cord.

Canicross runners are able to keep fit, enjoy the great outdoors and most importantly have lots of fun with their companion. The sport can also help dogs to build up their confidence through receiving directional commands from their owners.

Richard and Eileen Cook who founded the sport in the UK and organise CaniX events explain how the courses have to be challenging for both the runner and the dog.

"The dogs like twists, turns and jumps. You have to pick CaniX courses very carefully so you have a good and interesting mix of terrain. If your surroundings have lots of interesting smells, that's always good for the dog too.”

TopLife Formula, the natural pet milk treats for dogs and puppies are made from highly digestible goats’ milk and offer owners a healthy way to complement their pet’s diet.  

Eileen Cook is delighted with the sponsorship, saying: “TopLife is a great addition to our sponsors. Their products are specially formulated with added supplements and it’s a great thirst quenching treat after a run.”

TopLife Formula’s Brand Manager Simon Mayne comments: “We are very pleased to be sponsoring CaniX UK as the sport is a fantastic way to keep fit and build stronger bonds between a dog and its owner. In addition, our TopLife Milk for Dogs is ideal to help Canicross runners keep their active dogs in good condition and well hydrated after running.”

TopLife Formula looks forward to supporting CaniX UK during 2015. For more information visit www.toplifeformula.com.

A Dundee man is to stand trial accused of stealing a snake from an exotic pet shop.

Bruce Webster is accused of stealing the snake, two reptile tanks and associated paraphernalia, as well as £165, from the Strictly Exotics store in the city's Albert Street.

He also faces a charge of behaving in a threatening and abusive manner towards Euan Melville and assaulting him at the store two weeks after the alleged theft.

Webster, 52, who also lives on Albert Street, pleaded not guilty to three charges at Dundee Sheriff Court.

The offences are said to have been committed on March 14 and March 31 last year.

Fiscal depute Laura Bruce said that CCTV evidence would be produced in the case.

The trial is expected to start next month.

A Welsh company called Equinedivine is launching a range of creative styling products for fun and competition, including non-toxic glitter tattoos.

Equidivine has already got a successful range for horses, which were featured on breakfast ITV recently.

Now the company, which is based in the Vale of Glamorgan, is launching its Caninedivine brand, especially designed for groomers.

The glitter tattoors are non-toxic and water based so can be removed with water. These are currently being used by dog owners in official competitions.

"They are also a great way for groomers to get creative, offering the service to clients as well as it being used for dog display teams," says Michelle Inch, from Equidivine.

Other products in the range include nail 'pawlish', pet bows, pet chalk, pet necklaces and stencils.

For more information about Equidivine visit www.equidivine.co.uk

Fast Track by Cat Love Play is an exciting interactive toy designed to stimulate a cat to play and exercise using sound and motion.

Fast Track's colourful tubular circuit includes a colourful peek-a-boo ball with a jingle bell and Canadian-grown catnip, both designed to entice a cat to pounce and whack at the ball.

As the cat jabs at the moving, jingling ball, it's propelled along the track, further stimulating the pet to chase, pounce and swipe at it.

Fast Track can quickly and easily be configured in three different circuit shapes, offering a cat a range of thrilling toy experiences. 

Key Features : 

• Fun and exciting interactive toy 
• Stimulates play and exercise using sound and motion
• Entices cats to chase, pounce and swipe at moving, jingling ball 
• Includes colourful peek-a-boo ball with jingle bell and quality Canadian-grown catnip 
• Can be configured three ways-3 toys in 1! 
• Easy to assemble 

RRP: £6.49 

For more information contact Rolf C. Hagen (UK) Ltd on 01977 556622 or visit www.hagen.com 

A widow has been spared jail after RSPCA inspectors found eight dead pets in her home, and had to put down a further seven.

Rosalind Cormack, 58, left 16 pets including cats, rabbits and a dog, trapped inside the property in Knowle, Bristol, for weeks.

Neighbours alerted the RSPCA when Cormack failed to return and they noticed a terrible smell and flies around the house.

Police forced entry after an RSPCA inspector discovered the head of a dead cat in a wheelie bin outside, Bristol Magistrates’ Court heard.

Officers were hit by an “unbearable stench” and found seven dead pets, including three cats, a dog, two rabbits and a hamster.

Five cats and three kittens were discovered alive but in a terrible condition - all but one of which had to be put down by vets.

Cormack told inspectors four of the pets had died before she left the property, with some left there for up to four months.

She later admitted three offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and was handed a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.

Tim Pursley, chair of magistrates, said: “We note from the video and the photographs the extent of neglect, the number of animals involved, the prolonged nature of the neglect and are in no doubt that those animals involved will have suffered a high degree of distress and suffering.

“You are now disqualified from owning, keeping, having control of or having involvement in the control or care of any animals.

“This disqualification will be for life.”

Prosecuting for the RSPCA, Lindi Meyer said RSPCA inspector Kimily Walters went to Cormack’s property on August 14 last year.

Ms Meyer said: “She noticed there were flies on the window and a strange smell.

“The inspector attended again the next day and there was no reply. She returned the following day, on August 16.

“A tortoiseshell cat was at the kitchen window trying to get out. Another cat was at the letterbox, clawing to get out of the property.

“She looked in a black bin outside the property and saw the head of a black cat. Police were called.”

One police officer said: “The stench was unbearable, making it impossible to breathe through my nose.”

There were several bowls of food and water around the cluttered home, which was strewn with animal faeces and corpses.

The tortoiseshell female cat, named Mimi, was trapped in the kitchen as a dead tan collie dog was wedged in the door.

A white kitten was found dead on the stairs, covered in fleas. A white cat was discovered dead in Cormack’s bedroom.

Officers also found a dead tan hamster in a filthy cage in a front bedroom and two rabbits dead in their hutch in the garden. Another dead kitten was discovered in Cormack’s lounge.

In interview, Cormack said the dog had been dead for up to a month, while the rabbits and hamster had died up to four months ago.

She claimed three of the dead cats had been alive when she left, though admitted they were thin and had fleas.

Inspectors took the eight cats for treatment and found all were suffering from cat flu, fleas and had behavioural problems.

“All but one had to be euthanised,” Ms Meyer added.

Representing Cormack, John Stokes said his client had been left depressed following the death of her husband in 2007.

Mr Stokes said: “He died from a liver complaint.

“She married him at home 13 days prior to his death.

“Since the death of her husband there has been an emotional slide in her life. She effectively gave up with life.

“She is truly remorseful so far as her actions are concerned.”

Cormack, who does not have any previous convictions, was ordered to pay £1,000 towards prosecution costs and an £80 victim surcharge.

The Pet Industry Federation has this week announced details of a range of online pet care courses aimed at people working with pets which will shortly available through its website: www.petfederation.co.uk

These twelve ‘Pet Handling & Welfare Courses’ are short courses covering a range of different taxa, including guinea pigs, ferrets, chinchillas, rats, cats and dogs. They have been developed by PIF to provide guidance and information to pet professionals and cover biological data, identifying breeds, handling and determining gender as well as correct care information.

The online format is convenient, reducing time away from the business; and helps keeps the costs low. Learners can track their progress by doing a short test at the end.’

Nigel Baker, PIF’s Chief Executive, said: "These online courses are perfect for all staff working in a range of pet businesses such as retail outlets, kennels or catteries and can even be useful for more experienced pet people looking to refresh and update their knowledge.

"They will  help retailers comply with the requirement in the Model Conditions for Pet Vending Licensing 2013 to ensure that staff have the appropriate training and knowledge in the care and welfare in the animals they stock."

The guides are part of a raft of online courses which PIF is launching over the coming weeks, including the Level 3 City & Guilds Pet Store Management course. Details about all PIF’s online courses and registration are available through ‘PIF Education’ at www.petfederation.co.uk.

As ever, PIF members get a discount on online courses, so it pays to become a member. Find out today how our range of benefits can help your business by telephoning 01234 273933 and talking to a member of the Customer Service team. 

Exo Terra Infrared Thermometer The Exo Terra Infrared Thermometer is a pocket sized, lightweight “point-and-click” thermometer that instantly measures the temperature of a surface or object. Point the Exo Terra Infrared Thermometer towards any desired object and with a click on the button the temperature will be shown on the large, easy-to-read digital display. 

The Infrared Thermometer can be used to determine the temperature of basking sites, hiding caves and shelters, hibernation temperatures, incubation media, your reptile’s body temperature, or to measure temperatures “on-the-spot” during field trips. 

To determine temperature gradients, the Infrared Thermometer will measure the ambient temperature as long as you press and hold the button, once you release the button the last measured temperature will be displayed. 

A small LED targeting light assists you to measure the correct spot and shows the diameter of the measured surface. It also allows you to scan difficult-to-measure spots with low light conditions, like inside hiding caves, behind branches, underneath leaves, etc… 

Key Features: 

• Instantly measures temperatures of a surface or object 
• Ideal to monitor basking site, incubation medium temperatures and Substrate temperatures 
• Easy to use point & click 
• Temperature display in °F or °C 
• Auto shut-off after 15 seconds 
• 2 AAA Batteries included 
• Great tool for field herping 

RRP: £24.99 

For more information contact Rolf C. Hagen (UK) Ltd on 01977 556622 or visit www.exoterra.com