HOWND hoping to clean thousands of mucky paws
Following the launch of its ‘Cruelty Free’ range of emergency dog wipes, HOWND - a natural pet care brand for happy canines - has received fantastic feedback from customers about their usefulness outdoors.
Created by pet loving duo Mark Hirschel and Jo Amit, Yup You Stink! Emergency Dog Wipes are perfect for cleaning mucky dogs on the go and have had the thumbs up from dog lovers across the UK.
Following the launch of its ‘Cruelty Free’ range of emergency dog wipes, HOWND - a natural pet care brand for happy canines - has received fantastic feedback from customers about their usefulness outdoors.
Created by pet loving duo Mark Hirschel and Jo Amit, Yup You Stink! Emergency Dog Wipes are perfect for cleaning mucky dogs on the go and have had the thumbs up from dog lovers across the UK.
“We’re thrilled with the response to our new emergency dog wipes. We’ve had interest from pet box subscription services and retailers in the UK and overseas - the antibacterial wipes combat the problem of fox poo in the UK and skunk spray in the US! The whole team worked incredibly hard to create a set of wipes that are light, compact, yet won’t tear in the dog owner’s hands. Most importantly, they had to be kind to the dog’s skin and coat, while being capable of providing a gentle and effective clean while on the go,” explains Jo Amit, co-founder of HOWND.
“One wipe should suffice for most stinky or mucky dogs out there, but those which are especially grimey may benefit from a bath and spritz with Yup You Stink! Conditioning Shampoo! and Yup You Stink! Body Mist later in the day.”
Alcohol and paraben free, each pack of emergency wipes contains five jumbo size (30cm x 20cm) PH-balanced wipes. Designed to be gentle on a dog’s skin and coat, each wipe is infused with orange (insect-repelling), coriander (antioxidant) and bergamot (deodorising) essential oils, aloe vera juice, and gentle odour control agents. The result is a durable wipe, that effectively cleans off fox poo, cow dung, mud, urine, slobber and anything else that’s grimey or smelly.
Yup You Stink! Emergency Dog Wipes are available to the trade in 10 pack cases with prices starting from £16. Retailers and groomers will get an introductory 10% discount for each case (SRP) until August 31 using WIPES10 at check out. The RRP per pack of wipes is £2.95.
HOWND is only one of six global pet brands to receive the Leaping Bunny stamp of approval from Cruelty Free International. This is the only international guarantee against animal testing.
In order to become certified by the Cruelty Free International Leaping Bunny programme, companies are required to open their supply chain to monitoring and meet external audit requirements.
For further information about HOWND’s trade prices and Yup You Stink! Emergency Wipes, please register your details here, or call a member of the team on +44 (0)20 3004 5255.
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Pets Corner reveals new £9m headquarters plan
This is the first image of the £9 million state-of-the-art offices Pets Corner want to build off the A23. The regional distribution centre and business park is being proposed near Hickstead in Sussex...
Pets Corner, which was founded in Haywards Heath and has offices in Brighton and Crawley, wants to build a new HQ that will be at the forefront of environmental sustainability and bring more than 100 staff under one roof.
This is the first image of the £9 million state-of-the-art offices Pets Corner want to build off the A23. The regional distribution centre and business park is being proposed near Hickstead in Sussex.
Pets Corner, which was founded in Haywards Heath and has offices in Brighton and Crawley, wants to build a new HQ that will be at the forefront of environmental sustainability and bring more than 100 staff under one roof.
The expanding firm is desperate to buy the freehold – but could relocate outside Sussex if permission is refused.
Leading Sussex brewer Dark Star is also keen to take on freehold space at the site, but could also be forced to leave the county if the proposals do not go ahead.
It is feared Mid Sussex District Council could reject the application because it is too far from the commercial cluster of Burgess Hill and would be considered a blight on the countryside.
Dean Richmond, managing director of Pets Corner, said: “We want to be as green as possible and build something that is going to represent that. "People work with us because they care about animal welfare and sustainability is also something I care about passionately.
“Because we want to build that type of building we need more than just a tin box, we need the freehold.
“Hickstead works well for us and brings all our operations together under one roof. It will be accessible for staff in Brighton and Crawley so no-one will have to leave the company."
Pets Corner is opening 18 new stores this year and by the time the centre is built in two years' time its workforce could have expanded significantly.
An agent for the developer estimates the outline scheme at Northlands Farm would generate 200 to 325 construction jobs over two years, 775 to 995 jobs when finished and add £16 million to the local economy.
The centre would create up to £2 million in business rates with £1 million to be retained by Mid Sussex District Council.
The site is not within the national park, green belt or area of outstanding beauty, and already has permission for large-scale agricultural warehousing.
Some 17 businesses have already enquired about freehold opportunities.
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Pets Corner his opening a new store in Tring Garden Centre, Bulbourne Road on Saturday, August 1.
The Tring store is the 98th Pets Corner store to open and later this year a milestone will be reached as the national brand opens their 100th store.
Pets Corner stores are different to other pet stores in the UK. As a family run business the company’s focus is on providing the best possible advice to help customers care for their much loved animal family members through knowledgeable, friendly staff, quality products that last and the best animal welfare in the industry.
As well as stocking an extensive range of naturally sourced, quality products for a range of furry, feathered and scaly companions, Pets Corner cares about the way their animals are bred and looked after in the store. They also care about who takes home their animals, carefully interviewing each potential new owner.
Julie Britnell, Store Manager, said: “Having grown from a small corner pet shop, Pets Corner, an independent family enterprise, has rapidly expanded over the years and has become one of the leading ethical pet businesses in the UK.
“It’s really exciting to be opening the new Pets Corner store in Tring. My staff and I, having undergone extensive training in animal husbandry, pet behaviour, animal treatment and medicine and nutrition, are raring to go and looking forward to advising the local community on all their pet issues and day to day questions.”
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Beco Poop Bags help top eco-pet firm to scoop major export award
Beco Pets has become the first-ever winner of a new award at the GIMA Awards 2015, representing the UK’s Garden Industry Manufacturers Association. The London-based firm, that sells its products to 43 countries around the world, won the PetQuip Export Achievement Award amid stiff competition from rivals, with judges saying they'd been “inundated” with entries.
Beco Pets has become the first-ever winner of a new award at the GIMA Awards 2015, representing the UK’s Garden Industry Manufacturers Association.
The London-based firm, that sells its products to 43 countries around the world, won the PetQuip Export Achievement Award amid stiff competition from rivals, with judges saying they'd been “inundated” with entries.
One of the biggest sellers for Beco Pets in garden trade stores across the UK are their eco-friendly Beco Poop Bags, which are extra-strong, anti-tear and fully degradable. Beco Pets’ success in selling their bags around the world contributed to their overseas sales figures that so impressed the judges.
Beco’s focus on building strong relationships with distributors, especially in the US, helped sales double in the last year, exports making up 68 per cent of turnover, which also drew the attention of the GIMA adjudicating panel.
Today, Beco Pets Co-Founder Toby Massey (pictured above, second left) said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won the PetQuip Export Achievement Award. We continue to focus heavily on our international markets which are continuing to grow, and we’re fortunate to have great distribution partners worldwide who work tirelessly to build the Beco brand.
“It makes all those trips abroad living out of a suitcase worthwhile, and being recognised by GIMA for our export achievements is fantastic news just before we head to Superzoo in the US next week.”
GIMA said: “When it came to the export category, the judges were inundated with entries from both garden and pet suppliers, with pet supplier entries matching garden suppliers entry for entry.
“As a result, the 2015 GIMA Awards included a newly introduced PetQuip Export Achievement Award. The winner of this award in its inaugural year was Beco Pets.”
The GIMA judges commented: “The judges selected Beco Pets due to its belief in building strong relationships with distributors, and its unrelenting hard work resulting in worldwide distribution in 43 countries. In the last year, the company has visited Canada, America, China, Australia and Europe, helping export sales to now account for 68 per cent of the company’s annual turnover.”
And GIMA Director, Vicky Nuttall, (pictured above, far left), added: “I would like to be the first to extend my congratulations to all of the winners. It’s been another tough year of judging, due to the incredibly high standard of entries.
“My sincerest congratulations to all our winners who are truly deserving of the accolade given to them. They have all demonstrated exceptional qualities, from cutting edge design to inspirational retail support.”
Six years after launching their company, Beco Pets, young British entrepreneurs, George Bramble and Toby Massey are now building strong relationships with distributors and retailers overseas. Last year they visited Canada, America, Europe, China and Australia, clocking up more than 100,000 air miles and spreading news of their products, which are all designed in Britain.
Beco aims to double its exports this year, moving into five new markets. In the US, their sales have experienced rapid growth after partnering with the world’s biggest distributor, Animal Supply.
Beco markets include Denmark, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, New Zealand, Iceland, Austria, Lithuania, Latvia, Germany, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Portugal along with many others. Retail scalps include PETstock (Australia) Animates (NZ) Maxi Zoo (Italy), Stockmann (Finland), Woof Gang Bakery (US), Petland (Canada), Sagaflor (Germany) and Masque Pets SL t/a Kiwoko (Spain).
The company recently launched their 'Project Poop Bag' campaign (Campaign motto: 'We Love Poop!', logo pictured below), inviting independent pet retailers to register to become a Beco bag stockist.
Beco Co-Founder George Bramble (pictured below) said: “We started Project Poop Bag and so far we have had nearly 550 retailers sign up to the campaign. The results have been fantastic with more than 60 per cent re-ordering within a month. It’s clear that pet owners are looking for strong degradable poop bags in eco-friendly packaging, something our competitors don’t offer. The bags are even eco to the core – they have a recycled cardboard centre unlike competitor products that use plastic.”
As one of the UK's leading poop bag specialists, Beco Pets have sold a staggering 10 million bags to 15 countries around the world. With 8.5 million dogs in the UK, enterprising British entrepreneurs George Bramble and Toby Massey seized a gap in the market for bigger, stronger and more eco-friendly poop bags.
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Gardman’s new Ernest Charles dog food range has won a top honour in this year’s GIMA Awards.It was voted best product in the Pet Care, Aquatics and Wild Bird Care category. Gardman worked with nutrition experts to create special puppy, adult and senior formulations that are hypoallergenic and gentle on a dog’s digestion. Made from a single meat source, they provide controlled levels of energy and minerals, making them ideal for a dog’s heart, brain and joint health. All Ernest Charles dog foods are 100% wheat-free and made without soya, dairy, pork and fillers. They target discerning pet owners. RRP: £7.99 (2kg pack).
Steve Harper and Lolly Lee of Gardman receive their GIMA Award at the Celtic Manor Resort ceremony.
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 Dr Roger Mugford, the internationally renowned animal behaviourist and founder of The Company of Animals, has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from The World Pet Association.
The presentation of the 2015 Matsui Award, named after the former WPA President Jiro Matsui, took place at Superzoo in Las Vegas this week.
It is considered to be one of the most exclusive lifetime achievement awards in the pet industry, and the honour has only been bestowed 32 times since its inception in 1969.
A 3-minute video, recognising Dr. Mugford’s dedication to improving the lives of animals and his contribution to the pet industry, prefaced Dr. Mugford receiving the Matsui Award on stage. Following the award, Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart produced a brilliant performance for the guests.As Britain’s leading animal psychologist and a pioneer in behavioural therapy, Dr. Mugford’s career has led him to train the Queen’s corgis and speak on behalf of animal welfare in courts across the world. “Roger has raised the bar for the entire pet industry, especially within the training category,” comments Mike Lasky, Board Member of the WPA. Dr. Mugford is a prolific author, educator and animal welfare advocate. In 1979 he founded The Animal Behaviour Centre in Surrey, a referral service for veterinary surgeons and their clients with problem pets. More than 80,000 pets have benefitted from the Centre’s services to date. That same year, he founded The Company of Animals brand where he invented and developed a range of products that have revolutionized the way people train their pets. The HALTI® head collar and Pet Corrector® auditory training tool are among his exemplary products frequently copied by competitors but unmatched in quality or effectiveness. Dr. Mugford is also a Dogs for the Disabled patron, Cancer & Bio-detection Dogs Trustee and 2005’s Blue Cross Welfare Award recipient. Proud to maintain a link with his Devonshire farming heritage, he resides at Ruxbury Farm where he personally cares for a herd of 70 purebred South Devon cattle, 100 sheep, horses, llamas and of course dogs! “Roger is humble and generous. I can’t think of a more deserving person to receive the WPA’s highest honour,” continues Lasky. “His interests in the pet industry are for the pets themselves. He’s a trainer and behaviourist first, and a product developer out of necessity: as such, his products are regarded as the most humane and effective available.”
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Pooch & Mutt is celebrating the birthday of its office dog Pepper today by giving their trade customers a special discount off direct orders.Pepper is turning three years old – 21 in dog years. As chief taste tester at the Pooch & Mutt office in south London she also takes part in regular photoshoots. Email samantha@poochandmutt.com to receive your surprise birthday discount The bestselling range of grain free foods includes: Slim & Slender, Fresh Breath, Health & Digestion, Calm & Relaxed and Move Easy. The range is natural and ethically made, packed full of different active ingredients to achieve the company’s mission to help dogs lead happy, healthy lives. The foods are available in 2kg and 10kg bags.
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Independent retailer Brendan Austin has spoken out over the selling of pet products and food in a Supadrug store next door to his Pets Place shop in Worcester Park Surrey.
Brendan says: "We have become used to our share of the market being eroded by the multiples – they all seem to want a share of it. This week I've noticed that Supadrug are now selling the range of dog shampoos, toys, food and treats, and Frontline. I understand why they would want to sell the latter, being a pharmacist and in direct competition with other high street multiples, but I’m totally at a loss as to why they would want to offer a small range of dog accessories when their tagline is Beauty, Health and Pharmaceuticals.
"We have a Supadrug immediately next to our shop in Worcester Park and there has been a good neighbourly relationship between us for 25 years. And, as someone older and wiser, and indeed perceptive of the retail trade, I understand Supadrug’s rationale in selling Frontline.
"It does grate though when you take the following scenario into consideration. For us to sell Frontline, each candidate has to sit an exam to become a Suitably Qualified Person (SQP). This can take several months of home learning. It covers small animal care, including sheep dipping, anatomy and dietary needs and the administration of Frontline and other specialist drugs. The cost is £265 per candidate. We then have to pay for their annual registration of £22. There is also the top-up-their-knowledge fee of approximately £120 per candidate every two years. We then have the inspection of premises fee of £110 and the annual registration of the premises £70.
"We have to record batch numbers, names and addresses of customers, ask them a host of other questions and justify why customers don’t get the same hassle when buying from Tesco or Sainsbury or even buying online via eBay. Also they fail to understand why, when an SQP is not available, they cannot purchase at all.
"Now I know in south-west London there are not that many sheep, but we have to know about these subjects. So, I wonder why Supadrug's staff were just given a leaflet to read. The VMD states through Harper Adams University (their examination board): 'This qualification is primarily intended for pharmacists involved or wishing to develop an involvement in the animal health industry and in the supply and use of animal medicinal products. Pharmacy technicians or other pharmacy staff may study the taught modules at a lower academic level which would incorporate appropriate SQP qualifications'.
"So who is at fault? Merial (the manufacturer), or the wholesalers for providing the goods, but you need the licence before you can get Frontline; Amtra for not policing the system fairly; or the VMD for issuing licences to all and sundry. Yes I agree, a pharmacist has a good level of education but this does not mean that his or her staff or indeed he or she is qualified to administer to animals.
"I suppose it’s down to market forces and that’s also reflected in the prices that they are selling it for, but that’s a whole different story. We will certainly carefully reconsider whether or not it’s worth the hassle and expense before offering Frontline in the future."
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Even more choice to hydate pets with PetSafe Drinkwell 360 pet fountain
A pet’s health and wellness is a key priority for PetSafe and the global pet product expert has developed its Pet Fountain range with this in mind. Adding even more choice for its customers, Pthe company has extended its popular Drinkwell range to include the Drinkwell 360 Pet Fountain...
A pet’s health and wellness is a key priority for PetSafe and the global pet product expert has developed its Pet Fountain range with this in mind. Adding even more choice for its customers, the company has extended its popular Drinkwell range to include the Drinkwell 360 Pet Fountain.With a capacity of four litres, the Drinkwell 360 Pet Fountain has five interchangeable spout rings that provide additional water outlets. The spout rings are accessible from all sides of the fountain making it the ideal solution for multi-pet households. The interchangeable spout rings can be configured to adjust the flow of water to suit the needs of individual pets. The plastic fountain makes for an unobtrusive and hygienic design. Completely dishwasher safe, it also has replaceable foam filters to prevent hair and other debris from collecting around the pump. Noise is kept to a minimum thanks to a quiet submersible pump and receiving ramp, which reduces splash and the sound of falling water. As with other Drinkwell Pet Fountains it uses patented technology to create free-flowing streams of water, which entice pets to drink more throughout the day. As oxygen is drawn into the stream of water, the surface tension is broken and water stays fresh tasting, unlike water in conventional bowls, which can quickly become stale. Charcoal filters in the Drinkwell Pet Fountains remove any unpleasant tastes and odours from the water, giving pets the best possible and most appealing way to stay hydrated. Angela Critchley, PetSafe International Marketing Director, says: “We’ve been focusing on informing owners about hydrating their pets. Our recent survey results show that 70% of owners don’t know if their pet is hydrated. With this in mind, fountains are obviously a great way to ensure that pets have readily available water to drink. This new addition to the collection of fountains gives our customers even more choice to help keep pets fully hydrated throughout the day.” The 360 Pet Fountain is just one of the Drinkwell® fountains on offer as part of the PetSafe Health and Wellness range. Others include: the space-saving Drinkwell Mini Pet Fountain for cats and small dogs; the Drinkwell 360 Stainless Steel Pet Fountain and the Drinkwell Avalon Ceramic Pet Fountain.
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Pet Industry Federation Awards open for entries
Does your business have something extra to offer? Do you have a colleague who goes the extra mile? Why not put them forward for a Pet Industry Federation Award? Nominations for the 2015 Pet Industry Federation Awards are now open, and all pet businesses are invited to enter their business or a colleague in one of 10 Award categories...
Does your business have something extra to offer? Do you have a colleague who goes the extra mile? Why not put them forward for a Pet Industry Federation Award? Nominations for the 2015 Pet Industry Federation Awards are now open, and all pet businesses are invited to enter their business or a colleague in one of 10 Award categories.It’s free to enter the Pet Industry Federation Awards and to be in with a chance of winning you simply need to explain, in no more than 500 words, why you think your business should win. To help steer you in the right direction however, we have put a list of criteria together that judges will be specifically looking for in the entries. Shortlisted companies will be publicised in September. The winners will then be announced at the glittering Pet Industry Federation Awards dinner on Tuesday 17 November at the Crowne Plaza City Centre Hotel, Liverpool in front of nearly 250 pet industry guests. Winners will receive their awards from stage and screen legend, Brian Blessed, who will then regale the audience with an entertaining after-dinner speech. The black-tie gala evening will have a 60’s theme and will include pre-dinner drinks (sponsored by Burgess Petcare), three-course dinner, entertainment (sponsored by Compton Hall) and live band. It promises to be spectacular and memorable! To enter, visit PBW News’s website (http://www.petbusinessworld.co.uk/pif-awards/), the event’s media sponsor. The deadline is Friday 14 August. The award categories are: - Pet Retail Chain of the Year (five or more stores) - sponsored by Natures Menu
- Independent Retailer of the Year (less than five stores) – sponsored by Intelligent Retail
- Manufacturer of the Year – sponsored by PATS
- Wholesaler of the Year – sponsored by PATS
- Exporter of the Year
- Kennel or Cattery of the Year
- Pet Service of the Year
- Grooming Business of the Year
- Top Sales Representative
- Top Retail Assistant
Tickets to the Awards dinner are available online from the Pet Industry Federation’s website, along with further information about the event [http://www.petcare.org.uk/index.php/events2/pet-industry-federation-awards-2015]. You can also call Alexandra Baker on 01234 224507. The Awards take place midway through the annual Pet Industry Federation Forum –a conference offering inspirational and high-level talks for pet businesses. Prior to the Forum, a unique ‘Meet the Buyers’ event bringing together 12 UK and overseas buyers with manufacturers is taking place on Monday 16 November. For further details, visit PIF’s website [http://www.petcare.org.uk/index.php/events2/pet-industry-forum-a-awards] Sponsors of the Pet Industry Forum: Crown Pet Foods, Hills Pet Nutrition, Mars Petcare, Nestle Purina and Spectrum Brands.
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A pet shop owner in Chester is appealing for information after his shop was broken into and stock valued at £15,000 was taken.
Dave Clarke, who runs Contact Pets, on the Parade in Blacon, has said the break-in was like being “stabbed” and that he is “absolutely devastated” about the theft.
Mr Clarke said that he doesn’t know how he will cope financially and fears some of his staff may lose their jobs as a result of the burglary.
The burglary happened some time between 6pm on Saturday and 8am on Monday as the shop was closed all day on Sunday.
Mr Clarke is appealing for information about the theft and said the theft will affect him particularly badly because he was not insured at the time. He said:
“The vast majority of stuff which was taken was fishing tackle. Small items such as rods, quite a few reels, lures and things like that. They also took a few reptile bits and they must have a small dog because they took a particular flavour of small dog food.
“The total value was £15,000. We have been in Blacon for 16 years and it is a little family shop. When the insurance came in for renewal they asked for an upgrade to the alarm system which cost about £1,000.
“Unfortunately I couldn’t afford it at the time because we had just opened a new shop in Deeside and we were saving up. We had the insurance but weren’t covered for theft until the alarm system went in and that’s when they have hit us.”
Contact Pets have put a lengthy post on their Facebook page explaining their predicament which has had over 10,000 views on it so far.
Mr Clarke is hoping that someone may have information and he is hoping to get some of his stock back.
He fears some of his eight staff may have to be laid off as a result of the loss.
He added: “The only slightly positive thing would be to get some of the products back because I haven’t even finished paying for it because I got it on credit.
“The staff have worked so hard to build the business up because we have had trouble with the building works going on at the Parade.
“This feels just like I’ve been stabbed or something. I’m absolutely devastated. It could cost jobs but I do not know how we are going to deal with it.
"We will have to do the best we can by our staff because it is their income and they all have families and babies and things.
"It is unbelievable that people can do this.”
If you have any information about this incident or are offered any of these items please contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting crime reference number CC15210953.
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Retailers offered chance to win tickets to the PIF Awards and Conference
Two retailers have the chance to win tickets to this year’s Pet Industry Federation Forum & Awards event, which is taking place from Tuesday 17-Wednesday 18 November at the Crowne Plaza City Centre Hotel, Liverpool. The prize also includes a night's accommodation, and has been sponsored by Bern Pet Foods.
 
Two retailers have the chance to win tickets to this year’s Pet Industry Federation Forum & Awards event, which is taking place from Tuesday 17-Wednesday 18 November at the Crowne Plaza City Centre Hotel, Liverpool. The prize also includes a night's accommodation, and has been generously sponsored by Bern Pet Foods.The Pet Industry Forum provides pet businesses with inspirational talks, networking sessions and social opportunities. The Pet Industry Federation's Awards, taking place at the end of the first day, are a celebration of the industry's achievements and will be announced by stage and screen acting legend, Brian Blessed. To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize, retailers simply have to answer the following questions: 1. Bern Pet Foods are the exclusive importers and distributors of which two pet food products? 2. What are the main selling points of these products (the clue is in BAFRINO™)? Visit www.BernPetFoods.co.uk for further information and help with the questions above. Email your answers to alexandra.baker@petfederation.co.uk by 31 July 2015. Full details about the competition are available on the Pet Industry Federation’s website - http://www.petcare.org.uk/index.php/events2/retailer-competition
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Vet charity PDSA is bidding a fond farewell to one of its Senior Veterinary Surgeons, Elaine Pendlebury, who is retiring after 37 years loyal service.
Elaine will be very much missed by colleagues and supporters alike for her wisdom, expertise and dedication to the UK’s leading veterinary charity – a cause very close to her heart.
Graduating with a BVetMed in 1978, Elaine devoted her entire veterinary career to helping sick and injured pets cared for by PDSA pet hospitals. She worked in every area of veterinary care before gaining managerial responsibility, finally reaching the position of Senior Veterinary Surgeon for Science and Welfare.
Elaine has a special interest in the bond between pets and their owners, and has helped pioneer the promotion of responsible pet ownership. A big part of her PDSA role involved regular media appearances on a wide range of issues and projects. TV appearances include BBC’s The One Show, Channel 5 News and most recently as an expert on Channel 4’s Dogs – their secret lives.
Elaine was also invited onto Celebrity Antiques Road Trip on BBC Two to share her extensive knowledge of the role of animals in wartime. She has conducted thousands of radio interviews on almost every pet subject: from cats listening to rock music, to dogs drinking beer. She has been interviewed in all sorts of location, including windswept beaches, busy surgeries, city centres and even a motorway service station restroom!
Working for PDSA has involved Elaine in some very special and unique situations. She said: “It’s been a hugely enjoyable and varied 37 years. Some of the stand-out moments include doing a live TV interview at the crack of dawn on a field in Scarborough to award Dotty the donkey a PDSA Commendation for saving the life of Stanley the sheep, and being the mystery guest on the BBC Radio Two Breakfast show.
"More recently I have had the chance to embrace more modern communication channels such as hosting live Facebook and Twitter chats to provide advice to pet owners.”
PDSA Head of Pet Health and Welfare, Nicola Martin, said: “We are very sad to be saying goodbye to Elaine. Her outstanding commitment to PDSA has helped thousands of pets and their owners, both as a practising vet and through raising awareness of key pet health topics through her extensive media activity.
"We thank her for her contribution to animal welfare, for her tireless work and dedication, and we wish her the very best in her retirement.”
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The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association has welcomed a report from the ICUN’s Home Aquarium Fish Sub-Group following its inaugural meeting at Aquarama.
This global group brought together representatives from the ornamental fish trade, including OATA’s Chief Executive Keith Davenport (right), with interested NGOs and public aquariums and zoos to discuss the way forward.
Its aim is to find ways to showcase positive examples of the home aquarium trade at zoos and public aquariums as a way of fostering a potential new market for aquarium fishes that are sustainable, benefit the environment, and help support local livelihoods.
The Home Aquarium Fish Sub Group is now working on producing a first draft White Paper describing examples of where the home aquarium fish trade currently provides environmental and/or socioeconomic benefit to countries. It will also look at examples where the industry can provide more benefits to local communities by adapting its practices and it will highlight where there is the urgent need for environmental stewardship or livelihoods that could be attained from the aquarium trade.
“The report can be found on our website and adds a lot of detail to the future plans of this group. In particular we welcome the group’s work on drafting this White Paper bringing together positive examples that show the good work being done by the industry with wild caught fish,” said OATA’s Chief Executive Keith Davenport.
“This is an issue that’s close to our heart and we’ve already researched some great examples from Peru and Indonesia that we’ll be contributing to the paper. We firmly believe there is a good news story to be told around wild-caught fish and the benefits they can bring to some of the poorest parts of the world.
“Consumers should not shy away from buying wild caught fish and we need to get better at finding ways to educate fish-keepers about this issue. Working with public aquaria and zoos certainly offers us a great opportunity to reach more people with this message.”
The Home Aquarium Fish Sub Group’s report can be found here. http://www.ornamentalfish.org/home-aquarium-fish-sub-group
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A dog walker was left needing stitches after being hit in the face and head with a tin of pet food in a Derbyshire town.
The victim was walking his dog along Station Road, Hadfield, at about 9pm on July 9 when he was challenged by a man who told him the pet was not under control.
After a brief verbal argument, the offender took out a tin of dog food from a carrier bag and hit the victim repeatedly to the face and head.
The 48-year-old victim needed several stitches to a cut on his face and staples to a gash on his head.
The offender was white, about 6ft tall, of stocky build and aged between 25 and 30. He had short, blond hair and a beard at the time.
He was wearing a white shirt with blue or red pinstripes, dark jeans and dark canvas shoes with white soles. He was also wearing a red pair of Beats by Dre headphones.
Police want to hear from anyone who recognises the description of the offender or who may have witnessed the assault.
Anyone with information should call Derbyshire police on 101, quoting crime reference 29109/15.
You can also call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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An American pet shop worker has been found dead in his car from a suspected cobra bite.
Grant Thompson, 18, was pronounced dead at St David’s Round Rock Medical Centre in Austin, Texas on Tuesday night after being found unconscious in a car park near the Fish Bowl Pet Express where he worked in nearby Temple.
According to local news website, myFOXdc.com, paramedics said he had gone into cardiac arrest and had puncture wounds on his wrist.
The website said the man who called emergency services after spotting the teenager in the car had said: "Can I tell you something? He has bumper stickers that say I brake for snakes.
"I don't know if he was bitten or anything.”
Animal Control services later discovered a bullfrog, six tarantulas and one other non venomous snake inside the car, according to Sky News.
Police say a monocled cobra was missing from a cage inside Mr Thompson’s home and wasn’t found in the car.
According to a local news channel, KVue, the snake was later found dead not far from the car.
Monocled cobras, which are typically found in south-east Asia in Thailand, Myanmar and Laos.
They use venom in their fangs to kill prey as they cannot hold them down. In humans the venom spreads rapidly in a human’s bloodstream, usually within 30 minutes, and causes respiratory failure.
The majority of deaths from cobra bites are in Thailand.
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