Online supermarket giant Ocado has launched its own pet store and is now delivering to homes throughout the UK. It follows a successful regional trial.

Fetch is a standalone pet website currently stocking more than 8,000 products, ranging from food and treats to specialist healthcare, toys, beds and accessories.

Prices start at just 49p and Fetch offers free delivery when customers spend £10 or more. There is also next day delivery in hourly slots from 6am until 11.30pm.

Food brands on the site include Hills, Royal Canin, James Wellbeloved and Nature’s Menu. Other popular brands include Frontline, Kong, Feliway, Adaptil, Beco Things, Pooch & Mutt and Billy+Margot.

The site allows owners to create personalised profiles for their pets – in other words, the pet becomes the customer. This saves information for future shops based upon key factors such as weight and health condition to help filter product suggestions.

“Britain is famous as a nation of pet lovers and we’ve seen real demand for high quality, great value pet care products and so fetch.co.uk was born," said James Matthews, director of non-food at Ocado.

"We know that pets are very much part of the family and we’ve designed Fetch to help our customers’ pets lead full, healthy and happy lives. Just think of us as your friendly local pet shop."

For more information visit www.fetch.co.uk

Billy+Margot launched its range of ‘doggy ice cream’ at Crufts in March 2012 and after just two years has already reached the amazing milestone of selling 100,000 tubs.

"I am delighted that dog owners have recognised the unique nature of our products and have helped us achieve this milestone ahead of schedule," said company founder Marie Sawle.

"I always believed that iced treats would be very well received in the UK market and am so pleased that Deborah Meaden shared my views."

The iced treats are sold by pet shops, garden centres, dog friendly pubs, beach and park cafes and are also available online through Ocado. The iced range consists of three flavours - apple, banana and carrot; strawberry and apple; and honey and banana.

With the Met Office forecast of ‘hotter summers’ Marie emphasised that it is more important than ever to help dogs cool down either in hot weather or after a long walk.

"Serve iced cold and the treat will survive hundreds of licks. Slip it in a plastic bag and put back in the freezer for another day or let it melt a little before serving it as a delicious and special treat."

Billy+Margot has a unique group of ‘tasters’ ranging from small breeds to large dogs who enthusiastically sample all new products with their owners providing valuable and honest feedback.

Since securing investment from Deborah Meaden on Dragons’ Den in October 2012 with this original and award-winning ‘Iced Treats for Dogs’, Billy+Margot has extended its range to include Popcorn with seaweed, Venison Treats, Joint Care Treats, Training Biscuits and Fish treats.

The latest offering is a British manufactured selection of super premium complete wet dog food recently launched at Crufts.  Available to buy in 395g tins from its network of high-street stockists, Billy+Margot’s ‘Nutritious Complete Pet Food for Adult Dogs’ is suitable for all breeds of dogs with four flavours – Chicken, Beef & Green Tripe, Venison and Fish, and a fifth recipe designed especially for puppies.

As with all its products, Billy+Margot responsibly sources ingredients and production from within the British Isles to ensure superior quality and complete traceability of all its ingredients, which in the new premium wet dog food include: 60% human-grade quality meats, apples, blueberries, carrots, green beans, omega 3 rich salmon oil, flaxseed and herbs. No grains, meat meal, fillers or artificial flavourings are used in any of the brand’s product range.

For further information or to become a Billy+Margot stockist, email woof@billyandmargot.com or call 02392 633 855.

Maidenhead Aquatics and Jollyes Superstores are taking over the running of the fishkeeping and pets departments at Huntingdon Garden and Leisure, which is now owned by The Garden Centre Group.

TGCG did not wish to comment on the matter, but it's understood that the company is talking to a number of prospective concessions partners about the pets and aquatics departments in the remaining G&L sites, which the company bought last year. But no decisions have been taken with regard to them yet.

Cadbury Garden and Leisure was voted Best Pet Retailer for 2013 in the Pet Industry Federation Awards, but the company's pet and aquatic buyer Ben Williams has since left to join the Dobbies Garden Centre group.

As well as Maidenhead Aquatics and Jollyes there is also a unit for VetSavers, and spokesperson Julie Howard said the company hoped to increase their presence in garden centres later in the year.

Jollyes has been advertising for sales assistants at Huntingdon G&L on its website this week.

Doogie Stuff, voted PetQuip Exporter of the Year in 2013, is putting the final touches to its plans for Interzoo in Nuremburg, Germany, where it will be promoting its award-winning Litter Kwitter cat toilet training system and introducing Pet Diner, a new range of automated pet feeders.

The feeders, which enable a pet to feed when the owner is not present, are programmable with up to four meals per day over 28 days.  

The Pet Diner’s digital timing mechanisms make sure pets dine at the allotted time. 

Also on show is the Litter Kwitter, a device to help people train their cats to use a human toilet. The product comprises a special white base plate (like an oversized toilet seat) plus 3 colour-coded training discs.  The white base plate fits on the porcelain rim of all standard toilets while the training discs fit inside the base plate to form the platform on which the cat learns to navigate the toilet. 

Doogie Stuff has recently gained listings in leading French pet store chain Animalis for Litter Kwitter and Pet Diner.

Animalis has more than 40 stores across France, including 17 in and around Paris. Operating since 1998, Animalis was voted preferred pet products desitination by French pet owners for three years running.

Coletta & Tyson Garden Centre in East Yorkshire has relaunched its pet shop, 4pets, with state-of-the-art repitle and aquatics sections plus a small animal island.

“We have worked so hard to make sure our new pet department is efficient, innovative and a great place for customers to come and spend their time," said marketing manager Lauren Cocks. "The feedback so far from the customers has been great."

Alongside the animals and fish, 4pets has an extensive range of feed and care items for pets new and old. There is a large range of branded food and treats as well as everything a customer may need to train and keep their pets happy. .

From the Oasis Café, customers can see into the aquatics section and view the selection of marine, tropical and goldfish. The aquatics specialist can assist customers with their new or current tanks, and can provide a home water-testing service to check the tank has the right conditions for the fish. 

Within the reptile section, customers can find snakes, lizards, tortoises, frogs and toads, salamanders, tarantulas and spiders, stick insects and even various species of invertebrates. They can also ask questions of a specialist staff member, who is passionate about the creatures he cares for.

Since 4pets opened the garden centres has worked with the local college to provide work experience and apprenticeships for students on their Animal Management course. The students add to the team of seven staff who are all experts in their areas.

For more information visit www.colettagardencentre.co.uk

The phrase ‘working like a dog’ is often associated with long-hours at the office, fuelled by several cups of hot coffee. But that phrase may adopt a new meaning this summer, as employee well-being takes centre stage in the UK’s first Bring Your Dog To Work Day.

Set to be held on Friday, June 27, businesses from across the UK will welcome their dog-loving employees into the workplace, along with their loyal four-legged companions.

Both businesses and individuals can make online donations of £50 and £2 respectively to participate, with all proceeds being split between All Dogs Matter, Animals Asia and Pup Aid - three organisations that make a huge difference to the welfare of animals.

“Many scientific studies have shown that the presence of pets can substantially reduce a person’s stress level in the workplace and be beneficial to a person’s well being,” says Jo Amit (pictured left), co-founder of natural grooming product company Butch & Bess, one of two pet industry businesses behind the initiative.

“But what really inspired Bring Your Dog To Work Day was my own experience of taking my labradoodle Laila into the office. She was such a calming influence whilst developing our first range of products. It even made me ask our building manager if I could bring her in on a regular basis, but he declined and sent Laila packing with her bed, treats and water bowl!

“So we thought an annual Bring Your Dog To Work Day would be an excellent way to highlight the role dogs can play in creating a productive work environment, while raising money for three organisations that champion the rights of animals. And if you already take your dog to work, even better!”

Businesses can participate in the day by becoming an official sponsor. In return for a minimum donation of £50, a company logo and website link will be displayed on Bring Your Dog to Work Day’s homepage.

Providing there is employer permission, individuals can also bring their dogs to work. For a minimum donation of £2, an individual can submit a picture of their dog to be published on the official website’s gallery entitled the ‘Dog With A Job Hall of Fame’, along with a description of the dog’s work duties for the day.

“We’re absolutely certain that Bring Your Dog To Work Day participants will create a new kind of Friday feeling in the company of man’s best friend,” explains Leean Young (right), director of healthy dog treat company LoveSniffys, who also helped organise the event.   

“The amount of interest we’ve seen from businesses across the country has blown us away, so we’re really hopeful of raising some significant funds for the three animal organisations we’re working with.”

The animal organisations that stand to benefit from Bring Your Dog To Work Day were chosen because of their noticeable work for protecting and promoting the welfare of vulnerable animals.

For instance, All Dogs Matter rescues and re-homes more than 300 dogs a year in London, Norfolk and the surrounding areas. The dogs in they care for are usually homeless, or come from local dog pounds. A mixture of foster homes and kennel spaces are used to take care of the dogs.

International charity Animals Asia is devoted to ending the barbaric practice of bear bile farming, as well as improving the welfare of dogs and cats in China and Vietnam.

Pup Aid is an organisation that aims to end the practice of puppy farming in the UK. Last year it launched an e-petition to help ban the sale of young puppies and kittens. Over 100,000 people provided signatures and the topic is guaranteed debate in parliament.

Please visit bringyourdogtoworkday.co.uk for further information on how to donate and participate.

With tougher laws surrounding antisocial dog behaviour coming into force today, responsible dog owners might find themselves worried what the changes could mean for them. 

World-leading pet product and training supplier The Company of Animals is reassuring owners practical help is on-hand to control and train assertive or nervous dogs, give peace of mind and stop antisocial behaviour before it could become a threat.

The legal changes mean a possible 14-year prison sentence for owners of dogs that kill, as well as gaol terms for people whose animals attack a person in a home or private property, or attack assistance animals such as guide dogs.

Arguing that proactive training and restraint is part-and-parcel of being a good owner, leading pet psychologist and The Company of Animals founder Dr Roger Mugford said: “Good training aids such as muzzles have done more to protect owners and their dogs than legislation.”        

Dr Mugford himself designed a new breed of muzzle, the Baskerville Ultra Muzzle, to provide restraint for assertive, potentially aggressive, animals or those who are nervous and might lash out to protect themselves. The muzzles provide reassurance while safeguarding the dog’s comfort and wellbeing.

The attractive-looking blue muzzles are made of lightweight plastic and webbing, come in a wide range of size and allow dogs to eat and drink normally, guaranteeing both dog welfare and human safety.  

The Kennel Club has welcomed amendments made to the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991) which extend the law to cover incidents on private property, increase maximum sentences for owners of dangerous dogs, and makes injuries to assistance dogs an aggravated offence.

However the organisation remains disappointed that Government has again missed the opportunity to repeal ineffective breed specific legislation, which has failed to reduce dog bite incidents or the number of banned breeds currently in the UK, instead simply putting the welfare of thousands of dogs at risk.

The amendments to the Dangerous Dogs Act have been enacted as part of the new Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, and the changes are widely regarded by leading animal welfare organisations as being a huge step in further protecting the public and the estimated 9 million dogs in the UK, the vast majority of which live with responsible owners.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary commented: “The Kennel Club sees these amendments as being extremely positive overall for the welfare of millions of dogs in this country, as well as helping to protect the public and the UK’s responsible dog owners. For too long, irresponsible owners who consistently allow, or even encourage, their dogs to act aggressively or behave dangerously have essentially been protected by regulations which tend to penalise the dogs rather than their irresponsible owners. This updated legislation makes it absolutely clear that this is not acceptable and owners must take responsibility for adequately training their dogs.

“We have been very careful during our work with Government to ensure that there are adequate defences for those otherwise responsible dog owners who find themselves in unforeseen circumstances. This includes scenarios such as dogs protecting their homes from intruders or responding to provocation.

“Disappointingly however, the issue of breed specific legislation still remains unaddressed, with the government failing to use the opportunity whilst amending the Dangerous Dogs Act to repeal this ineffective element of the law.

“The Kennel Club believes in the principle of ‘deed not breed’ and that genetics plays only a small part in the temperament of a dog, with breeding, socialisation and environment having a far greater effect. The majority of dog bite incidents are a result of the irresponsible actions of owners who have either not taken the time and trouble to train their dog correctly, or have in fact trained them to behave aggressively. Consequently any legislation based on genetics that ignores the influence of the dog’s keeper on its behaviour is highly likely to be ineffective, as has been proven with the Dangerous Dogs Act.”

The British Veterinary Association also welcomed the new dog control laws but warned that more work is needed to make the failed legislation effective.

BVA has long campaigned for a total overhaul of the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991) on the grounds that it fails to protect the public and their pets from attacks and targets breeds rather than behaviour.

BVA President Robin Hargreaves said: “We welcome these amendments as we have long argued that the Dangerous Dogs Act fails in its aim to protect the public and their pets.

“We are pleased to see the inclusion of preventive measures in the form of antisocial behaviour tools. These are not the Dog Control Notices we had campaigned for but we hope they will allow the police and other enforcement agencies to act before attacks take place.

“We welcome the new protection afforded to guide dogs but are disappointed that the opportunity was missed to extend this protection to other animals. Dog attacks on innocent pets have distressing consequences for animals, owners and vets, and can be a precursor to attacks on people.

“We are particularly disappointed that the ineffective breed-specific elements of the legislation remain in place, despite evidence that they fail to protect the public while stigmatising certain breeds. This was a missed opportunity and we will continue to campaign for further overhaul of the legislation.

“Our members also believe that more needs to be done on educating the public if we are to see a reduction in the terrible incidents like those we’ve seen in the headlines in recent years.”

Pet shops in China are selling out of adorable 'Panda Dogs' as the country goes crazy for the fluffy black-and-white canines.

Despite their appearance, the dogs are not some bizarre new breed - but common Chows which have undergone a clever cosmetic makeover.

In Chengdu city in southwest China’s Sichuan province, pet shop owner Hsin Ch'en cannot satisfy demand among the country's new middle class who want the cute dogs as pets.

"Ten years ago the natural instinct of a Chinese person was to eat a dog," he said. "Now we are like westerners and want one as a companion. The cute breeds like French bulldogs and Labradors were the favourites, but now it is the panda dog."

Hsin Ch'en said he had perfected the technique of making a Chow resemble a panda - which is taking China by storm.

He said: "With a bit of careful grooming and colouring it is easy to turn a chow into a panda dog in about two hours.

"Then the look will stay with the dog for around six weeks and the owners bring them back for some touching up.

"There are no chemicals or cruelty involved. But the price of the dog does rise significantly because of the amount of grooming that goes into it.

"People don't mind paying the extra though - they like the fact that heads turn in the street and they can tell their friends: 'I have a panda dog'."

Pet accessories expert Ancol has launched its 2014/15 trade catalogue with more new and extended ranges than ever.

Sarah Lane, Sales Director at Ancol, says: “This catalogue is our best yet - we have never launched so many new products at one time! We've spent time over the last year talking to our retailers, listening to customer feedback and researching new trends before developing lots of new products.

“We are enormously proud that the catalogue features our hugely successful Viva retractable lead, which we have sold more than 20,000 since its launch late last year. And we are pleased to have been able to maintain the same prices for the majority of our products. We hope that you love our products as much as we do and thank you for your continued support.”

The catalogue also includes additional products aimed at small animals, a new range of bedding for dogs and cats and new high visibility products designed to keep dogs and owners safe on night time walks. Plus Ancol's extended Christmas and new Halloween range of dog clothing, their new stylish ceramic feeding bowls and lots more.

To request a catalogue call 01922 402428, email sales@ancol.co.uk or ask your local sales representative.

Sales of new products from leading small animal food manufacturer Mr Johnson's – Advance rat & mouse food and Advance hamster and gerbil food – are taking off in pet shops thanks to eye-catching free standing display units.

The two items were launched at PATS Sandown to compement Mr Johnson's existing range, which is formulated to ensure pets receive a nutritious balanced diet in one tasty nugget to prevent selective feeding. .

Advance Rat & mouse food 750gr – a tasty crunchy nugget contains antioxidant to help support urinary tract health, Verm–x for natural control of intestinal hygiene and essential oils for healthy skin and coat.

Advance hamster and gerbil food 750gr – a tasty crunchy nugget contains pre-biotic supporting digestive health, Verm-X for natural control of intestinal hygiene and essential oils for healthy skin and coat.

To coincide with the new product launch Mr Johnson’s have a limited number of eye catching ‘free standing display unit’ (FSDU) to merchandise the Advance range on which are available with a buying in offer via your Mr Johnson’s account manager while stocks last.

The new Advance lines and the FSDU’S have been extremely well received by retailers since their launch in March at PATS.

If you would like to find out more about this ‘Advance offer ‘or would like a visit from your Mr Johnson’s area representative contact your account manager direct or call the office on 01476 577 670.

Mr Johnson’s will be attending Interzoo this year for the first time and can be found in Hall 9 – stand 145.

For more information visit www.mrjohnsons.co.uk or email enquires@mrjohnsons.co.uk

The Pet Hut chain from Poundstretcher opens its latest store in Cleethorpes tomorrow as it bids to reach 100 shops by the end of the year...

Part of a chain of 52 stores operating across the country, the business pledges to offer a wide range of food and pet accessories at low prices.

Store manager Hayley Weatherhill said: "We are sure the new store will be a big hit with all pet owners. Our prices are very competitive, plus you are sure to find something to spoil your best friend."

Business is booming for the Pet Hut chain, with plans to open another 50 stores by the end of this year, taking its total number to over 100.

Sparsholt College started the breeding process in May 2013 after receiving one male and three female geckos and needed the right equipment to create an optimal environment that would encourage the Lizards to breed. This is where Exo Terra came in!

Sparsholt required terrariums that provided optimal ventilation, ideal lighting conditions but that were also easily accessible and secure. Exo Terra terrariums ticked all the boxes and were chosen as the preferred brand and environment to rear the delicate hatchlings in.

An Exo Terra spokesperson said: "Exo Terra is delighted to support this breeding programme to ensure that endangered species in the wild are recognised and that something is done to protect these species. Exo Terra as a brand regularly undertakes expeditions to help contribute to the scientific and conservation communities, broadening our knowledge and assuring the future of reptiles and amphibians. This is another great initiative that is helping to do that."

Sparsholt have had unprecedented success with each of the three females successfully producing viable eggs. At the present moment in time some have hatched while others are still in the incubation period.

Sparsholt Animal Centre manager Chris Mitchell said: "We were thrilled with the new equipment from Exo Terra. Due to their kind sponsorship of 10 terrariums, hoods and lighting systems we have been able to successfully rear these delicate animals. Everyone at Sparsholt is delighted with the progress of these unique and exquisite animals and we hope to continue this success in the future."

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

Group55 have boosted their multi-award winning Animology product range with the introduction of an exciting new product – Animology Clean Sheets.

Animology Clean Sheets are not like ordinary pet wipes; each sheet is a high performance, extra large, super tough, dual sided pet cleaning wipe that contains an advanced Animology no rinse shampoo formulation to help keep pets cleaner and fresher for longer.

Animology Clean Sheets have a textured side to rub and scrub at dirt, and a smooth side for more gentle wiping. They are twice the size of standard wipes, so adequately cover an adult's hand - perfect for removing sticky, slimy mess, such as fox poo!

Unlike most pet wipes on the market, which are commonly little more than cheap baby wipes, which often break up easily, Animology Clean Sheets are constructed from a hydroentangled substrate, which stands up to more rigorous use and is far less likely to allow the user's fingers to break through.

Animology Clean Sheets contain an advanced no rinse shampoo formulation which is degreasing and deodorising, allowing the cleaning process to start before a full bath can be given. They are supplied in a large tub of 80 wipes with an SRP of £9.99.

Animology Clean Sheets were the subject of a soft launch when Animology exhibited at Crufts for the first time earlier this year, and proved to be enormously popular, selling out by the end of the second day of the four day show!

The product was unveiled to the trade at PATS Sandown in March, and has since been ranged by all of the key wholesalers.

Group55’s Sales Manager, Martin Breen, commented: “We are delighted with the reaction that Animology Clean Sheets have had from both the trade and dog owners so far.

"When we assessed the wipe market we identified a real lack of quality in the sector, so we have developed a product that our customers are telling us is better than anything else on offer. Innovative products that make positive contributions to pet owners lives sell and in Animology Clean Sheets we have delivered a significant improvement within the pet wipe category."

For more information visit www.animology.co.uk

The shift in focus means the centre, in Lordship Lane, will be able to triple its space for cats in need of rehoming, from 10 to around 30.

The only London branch of the charity, which is now in its 90th year, will also be able to provide advice and preventative treatments including neutering, vaccinations, microchipping and flea and worm treatments to more pet owners as a result.

The concentration on prevention and care will also see the centre extend its reach into the community, with staff visiting schools, local businesses and community groups to promote animal welfare and responsible pet ownership, and behavioural and welfare advice and support sessions will be run at the centre.

The move means that, going by numbers, the charity will be able to help far more pet owners than it currently can through its veterniary clinic, and by educating owners about responsible pet ownership, it hopes to reduce the incidence of common problems it sees at the clinic, such as skin problems from untreated flea problems and unclaimed stray pets without microchips.

Clive Byles, chief executive of Wood Green, The Animals Charity, said: “Although we are changing what we do at our London centre, we believe that the changes we are making will enable us to reach out and support even more pets in the north London community.

“Wood Green opened its doors 90 years ago in order to make a difference. Whilst the social context has changed, our ambition has not. We continue to make a difference for pets, people and the communities they live in.”

The charity will also put more resources into a joint programme with other charities and agencies aimed at cutting the number of stray and unneutered pets in the community.

A Scarborough pet shop owner is appealing for thieves who stole a tortoise from his store to return it immediately.

Dale Hick, who runs Peter’s Pet Shop in St Thomas Street, had the £100 animal taken on Monday morning when a group of men in their early 20s took it from the store.

If not given proper care it is likely the animal will die in a couple of weeks.

Police were called and are now examining CCTV footage to see if they can trace the men involved.

Mr Hick told his local newspaper, the Scarborough News, that the group caused a distraction to help them in their crime.

He said: “A group of lads came in dressed in shorts and T-shirts and I didn’t really think much of it.

“On the way out they knocked over a cage, to cause a distraction it seems, as when I had got it tidied away I noticed the tortoise had been taken.

“They probably saw the price tag and thought they might be able to get some money for it."

The cascading water helps to stimulate the natural drinking behaviour of reptiles and amphibians such as chameleons, anoles and water dragons helping prevent hydration whilst increasing humidity levels in the terrarium.

Cleaning is easy, as the waterfall can be dismantled into several parts and only requires removal of organic waste from the collection tank at regular intervals to keep the water clean. An Exo Terra Repti Flo pump is included to provide water circulation and the sturdy design means it is a very stable accessory that cannot easily be tipped over by larger reptiles.

Available in three sizes: Small PT2910, Medium PT2912, Large PT2914. RRP from £37.79 - £78.79

For more information visit www.exo-terra.com or find your nearest stockist on www.hagen.com. 

Club Assured Breeders will receive a discount on the cost of registering their puppies in appreciation of their loyalty for a scheme that promotes and encourages responsible breeding and puppy buying.

The Members of the Kennel Club voted for a decrease in the fees for Kennel Club Assured Breeders, from £15 to £14, at the Annual General Meeting held today (14 May 2014).

The approved motion also proposed that there will be a £1 increase in the fee to register puppies outside of the Assured Breeder Scheme from £15 to £16, to cover the increased costs in postage and administration.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “The Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme is central to the Kennel Club’s objective of improving the standard of breeding and helping puppy buyers to more easily identify and find those breeders.

“We thank members of the scheme for their continued loyalty and support and the decrease in the cost of registering a puppy is just one of the many incentives that we offer them. We hope that more and more responsible breeders will unite under the scheme’s banner.”

The Members of the Kennel Club voted for the reinstatement of the Kennel Gazette, which was replaced by the Kennel Club Journal at the beginning of the year. The General Committee will discuss the future direction of a revived Kennel Gazette at it next meeting.

The Members approved a decision to amend the fees for heelwork to music show licences, since the discipline was granted listed status in April 2014, so that the fees are in line with other listed status shows for agility and rally. A licence for a Premier Heelwork to Music show will cost £45, whilst licences for Open shows will cost £35 for registered societies and £60 for listed status organisations.

The new Marina iFilters are a compact yet powerful range of filters designed for use with Marina goldfish aquariums or any other goldfish or tropical tank.

The filters cater for tanks from 25 litres to 160 litres, making them a very adaptable and reliable filter that effectively filters water through 3 stages of filtration, creating a cleaner and healthier aquarium environment.

The filters uniquely designed Power Cartridge (included) enables the water to enter the centre of the cartridge for an effective mechanical, chemical and biological filtration process and exit from the polyester foam layer leaving all trapped debris inside the cartridge, ensuring your aquarium water is crystal clear.

The Marina iFilter range consists of the i25, i110 and i160 and retails from £17.99 - £35.99.

Key Features:

• Enhances aquarium water quality
• Bottom positioned motor for quiet operation
• Waterfall spout for continuous oxygenation
• Effective 3 stage Filtration (mechanical, biological, and chemical)
• Easy replacement of Power Cartridge
• Compact size and energy efficient
• Refill Power Cartridges available (sold separately)

 For more information or to find a stockist visit www.hagen.com

BVA President Robin Hargreaves posed questions about the future of the veterinary profession in an independent Scotland at the British Veterinary Association’s annual Scottish dinner hosted by John Scott MSP in the Scottish Parliament.

In a keynote speech Mr Hargreaves promoted the BVA’s campaign to end non-stun slaughter, raised questions about veterinary surveillance, and underlined BVA’s support for the compulsory microchipping of dogs.

Guests, including MSPs and MEPs, key representatives of animal health and welfare organisations and the agri-food industry, and senior members of the veterinary profession, were also addressed by Christine Grahame MSP, chair of the Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Animal Welfare.

The dinner took place as the Cross-Party Group hosts a weeklong exhibition in Parliament for Celebrating Scotland’s Animals Week.

On Scottish independence, Robin Hargreaves said: “As a non-partisan organisation BVA has not taken a position on Scottish independence, but we have tried to provide a forum for informed debate to take place amongst our members and we’ve asked questions of Scottish Government and the RCVS.

“It is clear that there has been a degree of frustration from some members who are looking for clearer answers about the future regulation of our profession in an independent Scotland. We are a small profession, but one that I hope you will agree is vitally important to Scotland’s livestock business and to the health and wellbeing of the nation’s pets.

“We have questions around the impact on veterinary regulation, on funding for Scotland’s network of world-class research institutes and the potential for duplication, on funding for places at Scotland’s two excellent veterinary schools, and on veterinary surveillance.”

Promoting the BVA’s campaign on non-stun slaughter, Mr Hargreaves said: “BVA has long argued that all animals should be stunned before slaughter. The welfare compromise associated with the legislative derogation for certain religious communities affects millions of individual animals every year.

“We understand that very little non-stun slaughter takes place in Scotland – a small amount of non-stun poultry slaughter – but we don’t know how much non-stun slaughter produce is on Scottish supermarket shelves or sold in food outlets.

“Two weeks ago we launched our epetition calling for an end to non-stun slaughter and, at the very least, a debate about ways to reduce the harm caused by non-stun slaughter. We have been overwhelmed with support from consumers who want to improve animal welfare at the time of death.”

On veterinary surveillance, Mr Hargreaves said: “It must be recognised that Great Britain is a single epidemiological unit and disease knows no political boundaries.

“In recent years the detection of Schmallenberg virus and the identification of bleeding calf syndrome, and in recent months the discovery of psoroptic mange in cattle for the first time in 30 years, have all served as timely and stark reminders that we reduce our surveillance capacity at our peril. Robust veterinary surveillance is essential if Scotland is to maintain its worldwide reputation for excellence in food.”

On compulsory microchipping Mr Hargreaves said: “BVA has long campaigned for the compulsory microchipping and registration of all dogs. We have been pleased to see so much political support for the move which would provide a safe, permanent and effective way for any dog to be reunited with its owner – a significant dog welfare measure.

“We were also pleased to hear the Environment Minister’s comments in a recent debate recognising that widespread muzzling is not necessarily a proportionate step. We have expressed serious reservations that compulsory muzzling of dogs would have a hugely detrimental effect on the animal’s ability to exhibit normal behaviour.”