The Communication Workers Union has slammed a pet treat firm for calling one of its products 'Roast Postman's Leg', claiming it makes fun of dog attacks on postal workers...

But the manufacturers of the £1.49 treat insist the name is purely tongue-in-cheek and pet owners see the joke with several thousand of the bones sold every week.

A union spokesperson said: “Whilst we appreciate the intended humour in the name, over 26,000 postal workers have been attacked and injured by dogs in the last six years.

“Two postmen were nearly killed in attacks in 2007 and 2008, and many others have lost fingers and parts of limbs.

“Reckless and negligent owners who fail to act when their animals attack and injure postal workers or anyone visiting their home, can now face prosecution.”

The Postman’s Leg bone is sold all over the UK and Europe and is produced by Dugdale Davies Pet Treats, based in Lancashire.

The firm’s director, Phil Garvey, said: “The name is in no way intended to make light of the excellent work done by the Royal Mail.

“Our logo features a picture of a cartoon dog, which is why we decided on Postman’s Leg as the name, hopefully providing a little amusement.

“We recognise there is nothing remotely amusing about the problems faced by postal workers, especially with regard to dangerous dogs.

“But we would hope they too would see that it is meant purely to be tongue-in-cheek.”

Royal Mail said they were not anti-dogs, but support responsible ownership.

Their spokesperson added: “Dog attacks are a significant hazard faced by postal workers on a daily basis.

“Since April 2011, there have been over 5500 attacks on Royal Mail postmen and women, some leading to a permanent, disabling injury.

“Attacks have resulted in the loss of 4100 working days due to injuries.

“Nobody should have to endure this and postal workers should not be at increased risk of such attacks simply because of the job they do.”

Waitrose has launched waitrosepet.com - on online offering of pet products which it has created in partnership with Monster Pet Supplies.

Some 9,000 products are being offered, including 60 Waitrose own-brand lines, spanning foods and accessories for cats, dogs, birds and fish.

The site also offers access to a telephone advice line and is offering free delivery on all orders over £30 and a repeat ordering service.

The range will be extended to include specialist equine and reptile products in 2015.

Customers are also being offered a 15% discount off their first order until 30th October.

Robert McCarthy, Head of Waitrose Direct Services, said: "We are very excited to be the first multiple retailer to launch a website of this kind, with such an extensive range of products designed to meet the needs of all pet owners and animal lovers.

"WaitrosePet provides our customers, 45% of whom are pet owners, with a convenient one-stop shop for pets of all ages and breeds, whether they are looking for a specialist food for a feline friend or a Christmas treat for man's best friend."

Pet owners are being tempted by a monthly delivery service – similar to the Graze concept – which offers them a package of products and presents for their animals...all for £17.95 per month.

Each month, subscribers to PawPost will receive a box of five or more carefully selected items, including healthy and wholesome treats (always natural, often organic and grain free),  eco-friendly, high quality toys and accessories, and natural, nourishing health and hygiene products. 

PawPost boxes are al way for owners to pamper their pets, while ensuring both health and happiness are considered in the creation of each box.

A share of PawPost’s profits go towards PupAid, which supports the fight against puppy and kitten farming.

The team at PawPost is dedicated to finding new and exciting products, driven by its founders’ vision of a box that delights both pets and their owners, whilst saving its customers time and money.  

PawPost was started by Adam Byford, Ben Woolley, Lupe Sanchez, and their dog Oscar. With Oscar's picky palate and food sensitivities, it was necessary to buy and sample a multitude of quality products to discover ones he actually enjoyed.  

Paw Post strongly believes in the importance of helping animals in need and is working with PupAid to raise awareness of the cruel practice of puppy and kitten farming. TV Vet Marc Abraham is the founder of this important campaign which is striving to put an end to the horrifying mass commercial production of puppies and kittens. 

PawPost, with the help of its customers, is supporting this wonderful cause by donating £1 from each box to PupAid.

Monthly subscription rates start at £17.95, and can be delivered worldwide. For more information visit www.pawpost.co.uk

Ahead of the fast-approaching festive season, natural pet grooming product company Butch & Bess has already helped retailers and pet hamper businesses find the perfect stocking filler for customers looking for quirky, yet natural, products.  

The company showcased its limited edition seasonal Christmas product, Santa Paws Festive Mists for ‘Him’ and for ‘Her’, at PATS Harrogate last month. Available in 250ml bottles, the mists evoke joyful feelings of Christmas, while eliminating the smell of soggy doggy!

The product contains uplifting notes of orange, precious wood and cedarwood (for boy pooches), with the female scent created from a delicate blend of aromatic bergamot, orange and ylang essential oils.

Jo Amit, co-founder of Butch & Bess, explains: “Last Christmas, Santa Paws featured as number two in the Daily Mail best gift barometer, one of four best gifts for ‘furry friends’ in the Metro, and received fantastic reviews in the Sunday Mirror magazine and the Telegraph.”

Pet businesses can pre-order Santa Paws Festive Mists at a special trade discount to achieve a gross margin of up to 70%. Depending on the quantity ordered, volume trade prices can start as low as £2.50 (RRP £10).

Santa Paws is alcohol and chemical free. It will refresh and moisturise a dog’s skin and fur, with natural ingredients including aloe juice, oat kernel, hydrolysed wheat protein and argan oil. It’s also safe to use in the home and on your pooch’s bedding.

Visit www.butchandbess.com for further information about Butch & Bess products. Alternatively, call 020 3004 5255 and a member of the Butch & Bess team will be happy to assist with your enquiry.

A pet-care service in Yorkshire has expanded beyond the county boundary for the first time, with a new franchise in Lancashire, and eventually intends to go nationwide...

In addition to the Southport operation, The Dog Walker, which is headquartered in Sherburn-in-Elmet, has also launched a new franchise in Silsden in West Yorkshire.

The business, which was founded in 2006 by Richie Womersley – Harrogate Advertiser series Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2013 – with just £500, now has 10 franchisees and is looking for more in other areas of the UK.

The Southport franchise has been set up by former English teachers Harvey Summers and John Taylor, and the Silsden operation is being rolled out by a former RSPCA main board director Mike Hogg, who spent more than 20 years with the charity.

He said: “I seized the opportunity offered by the latest round of restructuring at the RSPCA to restructure my own work-life balance. After researching animal care businesses nationally and meeting with Richie, I decided I liked its business model and animal-focused ethos.”

Mr Womersley said he planned to roll out the franchise framework nationally over the next couple of years, and hoped to start in Manchester and London.

Delegates at this year’s Pet Industry Forum will learn the secrets of retail success from a fascinating workshop delivered by top US retail expert, Bob Phibbs.

The talk entitled ‘Visual Merchandising for Sales’ will take place on Thursday, October 23, as part of the Pet Industry Federation’s Forum and Awards event at Whittlebury Hall, Towcester, Northamptonshire.

Bob Phibbs - The Retail Doctor - is an expert retail speaker, award winning author, and in-demand motivational speaker who has been transforming businesses big and small into thriving operations since 1994.

Great visual merchandising skills are the foundation of a healthy business and Bob’s workshop will be hands-on and interactive and will show delegates how, even in a challenging economic environment, businesses can make merchandise fly out the door with the mechanisms of effective display.

It will also give delegates the confidence to create show-stopping displays by identifying which products to display in the first place and understand how traffic patterns can make or break a bestseller.

In addition to Bob, delegates will have the chance to listen to Tim Wass MBE of Animal Kind, a former RSPCA Chief Inspector, who will explain why it’s crucial to ensure that animal welfare is at the heart of any pet business; and Steve Charman of Pets Corner will offer delegates his unique take on the pet industry.

There will also be the opportunity for delegates to take part in smaller breakout sessions on a wide range of business-related topics that will offer direct and relevant advice to each business attending, as well as a range of social and networking activities to ensure that delegates are able to take full advantage of their time at the Pet Industry Forum.

The Forum begins on Wednesday, October 22, with a selection of ice-breaking events, including rally driving and a charity golf tournament and an evening buffet. The 2014 Pet Industry Awards will then be announced during the evening of Thursday, October 23, presented by boxing legend, Frank Bruno MBE. 

Lead sponsors of the Forum are: Crown Petfoods, Nestle Purina, Mars Petcare and Hills Pet Nutrition.

 A range of ticket options is currently available, and delegates are advised to book now to avoid disappointment. Further details about the event can be found at www.piffa.co.uk. You can also telephone 01234 273933. 

SureFlap, the microchip-operated pet product specialist, has completed a hat trick of new awards and been shortlisted for a customer service award.

The company has recently won the PetQuip Product Innovation of the Year Award 2014 for its range of microchip pet doors, with special recognition for its DualScan Microchip Cat Flap, the only cat flap to scan on both entry and exit giving cat owners complete control. 

It has also won the PPM (Pet Product Marketing) Retailer Recommended Awards 2014 for Cat Product of the Year for its range of microchip pet doors. 

Finally, the innovative company has won an International Cat Care (ICC) Cat Friendly Award in recognition of making a ‘real difference’ to cat wellbeing and welfare for its cutting-edge product range.

With a strong track record in customer service, which challenges the perception of the pet care industry, SureFlap was a finalist in the Best eCommerce Customer Service Award at the eCommerce awards 2014, which took place in London yesterday.  The company was up against some of the ‘big boys’ in eCommerce, including eBay and Wowcher and was the only pet care company shortlisted.

Nick Hall, founder and managing director of SureFlap, says: “We’re absolutely delighted with our hat trick of awards which recognise the hard work and dedication of our team in developing and marketing innovative, cutting-edge products and providing exceptional customer service which goes above and beyond the norm.”

For further information on SureFlap’s microchip operated pet products, visit www.sureflap.co.uk, phone 01954 211664 or email enquiries@sureflap.co.uk.

Pictured above: The International Cat Care (ICC) Cat Friendly Award was presented by media vet Emma Milne to the SureFlap team consisting of Trevor Tsaagane, Gayle Bentham and inventor Dr Nick Hill.

The Pet Charity will be auctioning two of its trustees at this year’s Pet Industry Federation Forum & Awards to be put to work in the winners’ businesses.

Renowned within the pet industry, The Pet Charity’s Chairman Paul Miley and Trustee Tim Wass, will bravely put themselves up for auction at the Pet Industry Federation Forum & Awards. The auction aims to help raise money for The Pet Charity to continue its research programmes and campaigns. Anyone attending the awards dinner, on the evening of Thursday 23^rd October at Whittlebury Hall Hotel & Spa, Northamptonshire, will have the opportunity to join in the bidding.

Paul is offering a day of his consulting time to the highest bidder. Although well-known in running pet food companies, Paul is now partner in his own consultancy company M-Squared, and can assist in a broad range of areas, such as purchasing, manufacturing and communications. He is able to assess and review a business, identify areas that need attention and propose changes for improvement.

Tim is offering a day of his time to visit and conduct an independent animal welfare compliance audit. Previously a Chief Officer for the RSPCA, Tim is now the Director of Animal Welfare for Animal Kind ltd. Tim’s audit will be a business-in-confidence procedure, which measures the company’s operation against UK and European animal welfare law and best practice, and he will also conduct an Animal Kind ethical test. The audit can be applied to any business which works with, supplies or manufactures products for animals. 

Paul Miley, Chairman for The Pet Charity, says: “It is a real privilege to be chosen as the supported charity for the Pet Industry Federation Forum & Awards, which is one of the most anticipated events in the pet industry calendar. It is going to be a great few days of fundraising for The Pet Charity, with a golf afternoon, an auction and a raffle. Both Tim and I can’t wait to get the bidding underway and I’m sure those attending will be very generous when bidding to put us to work.”

As well as the Trustee auction, The Pet Charity will also be holding an ice-breaker charity golf afternoon on Wednesday 22^nd October, which includes a buffet dinner and a quiz in the evening. There will also be raffle to help raise further funds with some fantastic prizes up for grabs. Raffle tickets will be available throughout the event and the winners will be drawn after the awards dinner. Some of the prizes include an Amazon Kindle, Motorola’s new Wi-Fi pet video camera, Darlington Crystal vase, Whittlebury Hall Spa day for two, Venture Photography voucher, Pet Angel brushes and display, a luxurious Christy towel bundle and much more. 

For more information about The Pet Charity visit the website at www.thepetcharity.org.uk, call 01234 224506 or email info@thepetcharity.org.uk

Taunton-based Interpet has been awarded the official Investors in People accreditation after demonstrating its commitment as a leading employer. Investors in People is the UK’s leading recognition for business improvement through people management.

Interpet Limited is part of the Central Garden and Pet Company and has developed a highly committed team of employees who deliver great customer service and strive to make caring for creatures at home more enjoyable and successful for everyone. 

Paul Devoy, Head of Investors in People, said: “Achieving the Investors in People standard is something that any organisation should be truly proud of. It is the sign of a company which is truly committed to good people management practice and we’d like to congratulate Interpet Limited on their achievement.”

Commenting on the award, Mark Hoskins, Managing Director of Interpet, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been recognised as an Investor in People.  The underlying themes of the award, such as employee development, involvement and empowerment, recognition and management effectiveness, are all fundamental to the continued success of our business which as always is attributable to the people that work for the Company.

“We were delighted with many of the comments from our employees in support of this award, especially about our good working environment, trust, the clear path to progress and the opportunities for training,” he said. “By having a thriving and happy working environment, we know this will assist in giving the best possible services to everyone...and of course that also means to our end customers, the pets!”

 Pictured: (from left) Mark Hoskins, Managing Director of Interpet with Cathrine Gear, HR Manager, and some of the Interpet team along with additional team member Mozart, a Westie.

Hedgehog Helpline, a charity dedicated to caring for sick, weak, injured and orphaned hedgehogs, so that they can be returned to the wild, is now using Verm-X as an important part of the rehabilitation process for its prickly residents.

Following a successful trial, centre manager Lisa Wall, explains: “We really appreciate continued support from Verm-X as we believe it may be of great benefit in our welfare and conservation work with hedgehogs.

“The Verm-X Pellets are not only enjoyed by the hedgehogs, but they also appear to encourage appetite in those that are unwell. As hedgehogs are faced with intestinal challenges it is great to know Verm-X is protecting them and in addition providing vitamins and minerals for general good health.”

This award-winning product, for the natural control of intestinal hygiene, uses 100% herbal and natural ingredients that, whilst effective, are gentle on guts and the digestive system.

Verm-X is recognised for Environmental Best Practice by the Government supported Green Apple Awards, has Ethical Accreditation from the ECO and is the only approved product of its approved for organic systems.

Verm-X is available for a wide range of farm and domestic animals.

For any further information or to find your nearest stockist contact Verm-X on 0870 850 2313 or visit www.verm-x.com.    

A recent British Veterinary Association (BVA) survey shows that 1 in 5 British vets are concerned about rabbits being kept as pets.

BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey asked companion animal vets what types of pets the general public should be discouraged from keeping.

Surprisingly high on the list were rabbits, with 22% of companion animal vets responding that people should be discouraged from keeping rabbits unless these animals can be properly looked after. Overwhelmingly, the message from vets is that while many people think rabbits are easy to look after and ideal pets for children, rabbits have complex needs and the traditional idea of the rabbit in the hutch can mean misery for these pets.

Many of the vets who responded to the survey voiced concern about single rabbits kept in hutches by themselves. Rabbits are very social animals and need contact with their own kind.

Being kept on their own causes these animals to experience boredom, frustration and fear. Survey comments from vets included:

• “Rabbits should not be solitary animals left in the hutch 23 hours a day.”
• “Rabbits often get forgotten and are kept as single pets.”
• “Rabbits are often bought for children who grow bored of them – rabbits can live for a very long time in a small hutch and often get quite neglected.”

The most recent PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) report highlights how widespread and serious this ‘Bugsy Alone’ syndrome is, reporting that in 2013, 65% of pet rabbits were living alone. 

Vets who responded to the BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey also commented on poor diets and poor husbandry as problems they commonly see when treating pet rabbits. One vet said:

“Many rabbits have poor husbandry, nutrition and clinical care. The traditional hutch does not meet their physical, social or environmental needs.”

BVA President and small animal vet Robin Hargreaves commented:

“Pet owners, particularly parents trying to buy a suitable pet for their child, have the very best intentions. But I would urge them to stop, think and ask before purchasing any animal, and give careful consideration to their ability to fully provide for its welfare needs as well as the child’s relationship with the animal.

“Do your research first – ask your vet and read through helpful documents such as the Animal Welfare Foundation’s free Caring For Rabbits leaflet.

“Rabbits need the companionship of other rabbits and should never be kept alone or with guinea-pigs. The best combination is a neutered female and a neutered male rabbit.

“Potential rabbit owners also need to think about where their rabbits will live and what they eat. As prey animals, they need to be able to hide from danger and they need to be able to run, jump, and dig as they would in the wild.

“Rabbits eat grass in the wild and pet rabbits need a similar diet. Therefore the bulk of your rabbits’ diet should be grass or good quality hay and a rough guide is that they need a pile at least the size of their own body a day.

“Do not feed ‘muesli’-style dry food because it can cause a lot of problems. Rabbits pick out the bits they like and leave the rest, leading to an unbalanced diet. The food is almost too easy to eat compared to grass so their teeth overgrow which can have fatal consequences and many eat too much so become overweight.

“We know as vets the pleasure that pet ownership can bring to the whole family, including children. But the golden rule is always to put the animal’s welfare first so that you have a happy, healthy animal who is part of the family.”  

Vets must maintain trust in a changing and cynical world is the message from outgoing British Veterinary Association (BVA) President, Robin Hargreaves.

In his final Presidential speech in Manchester today, Mr Hargreaves pointed to the tradition of integrity and professionalism that vets enjoy, saying that,

“Trust exists in every individual vet/client relationship, in the relationship between BVA and our members, and between the veterinary profession and policymakers.”

Mr Hargreaves emphasised the need to build on this trust to defend and champion the veterinary profession, particularly in relation to the challenges and opportunities he then went on to outline.   

On the future of the veterinary profession, Mr Hargreaves said:

“As new veterinary schools open and the existing schools increase their intake our members are understandably concerned about the impact in terms of underemployment, salary suppression, and the availability of adequate teaching staff and high quality EMS.

“Of course market forces will dictate the future in terms of pure numbers, but it’s our job to think about the consequences, to inform decision makers, and to make sure the next generation of aspiring students understands the changing veterinary landscape.  

“Managing the expectations of young people making the transition from school to university to practice becomes increasingly important when you consider the enormous pressure that young vets are put under.”

On non stun slaughter, Mr Hargreaves said: 

“We were overwhelmed by the positive response from the veterinary profession, but also from members of the public who thanked us for shining a spotlight on such a significant animal welfare issue.

“Our government e-petition attracted 70,000 signatures in just two months revealing the strength of feeling amongst the public not just in favour of better animal welfare standards, but also in support of clearer information about the food they buy.

“And we have been at pains to stress that this is an issue of animal welfare.

“There are those who have attempted to hijack our campaign for their own ends. There are those who refuse to accept our scientifically sound assertion that slaughter without stunning compromises animal welfare. But we have responded to those challenges, engaged with people on both sides of the argument, and we will continue to keep up the pressure.

“We still have some way to go to reach our target of 100,000 signatures and so I implore each of you to promote the petition to your friends, family and colleagues. To share it on social media and to carry on informing people about why it is so important to stun animals before slaughter.”

On bovine TB, Mr Hargreaves said:

“It will come as no surprise that one of the biggest challenges I have faced this year is in managing our response to the pilot badger culls in England.

“It remains a hugely emotive and difficult issue and we acknowledge that there are strong differences of opinion within our membership. It has not been an easy process and I am proud that we have managed to maintain a fragile consensus through our Council for our science- and evidence-led position. That is thanks in large part to the willingness of our divisions and our members from different ends of the spectrum of views to come together to analyse and debate the issues.

“I am also proud of the fact that despite enormous public and media pressure, we didn’t take a populist line. We considered the evidence in great detail, debated it from all angles through our committees and Council, and took a view on how we can deliver the greatest benefits in terms of disease control and eradication.   On so many animal welfare issues politicians are in danger of taking the view that if it’s not popular it’s got to be wrong. But that would be to miss the detail, the nuance, and the scientific rigour that should be applied to animal health and welfare policy.”

On BVA Membership, Mr Hargreaves said:

“I am delighted to report that BVA membership continues to grow.  I’m proud of the way BVA responded so clearly and positively to our comprehensive 2012 member research. The implementation of those changes continues and we are already seeing the results.

“You told us you wanted BVA to be more visible and this year we have seen a 90% increase in our media coverage. You told us we needed to do more to engage our members and we introduced a survey panel to capture members’ views and experiences. And you told us we needed to improve our communication with you and last month we launched our new website on time, within budget, and fully integrated with our new database to ensure members receive the information they are most interested in.

“In meeting these colleagues from all walks of life I have often been struck first of all by how far they have gone in the profession and how different their career paths have been to my own. But I am also struck by how similar we are, and by the extent to which we remain connected.

“Because as veterinary surgeons we are united by certain fundamental values and principles, and it is these we employ in educating and shaping the next generation. We must never lose sight of how much we have in common.

“Specialisation is clearly a trend that is here to stay and I couldn’t countenance not being a member of the specialist divisions in my own area of work, these being BSAVA and SPVS. But equally I couldn’t imagine not being a member – and a vigorous and determined supporter – of BVA.

“Because BVA is the glue that holds us together and it is a reflection of our shared values. It’s the one organisation that recognises and champions the connection we all share. And it is important that those on the outside see that strength in numbers and hear that collective voice.”

Eight members of the Berks Search and Rescue Dog team and their dogs visited CSJ after completing the ‘3 Peak Challenge’.

The challenge took place over three of the UK’s largest mountains - Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon and meant a five-day break from their search volunteer work in an effort to raise funds for the charity.

In a twist to the usual 3 Peak Challenge the team also met and trained with their Mountain Rescue counterparts on each of the three peaks.

On the peaks the team walked 50km, climbed 11,000ft and drove over a 1,000 miles in between before arriving at CSJ’s headquarters in Denbighshire.

CSJ are always happy to meet with Berkshire SAR team members and their canines, having been sponsors of the charity for some years by supplying them with dog food.

This time Philip Eichmann gave CSJ’s owners Ceri and Phil Rundle a graphic account of their challenge including commenting that they’d had an “Awful descent from Ben Nevis!”

Berkshire Search and Rescue Dogs is a volunteer dog organisation on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to assist search and rescue teams, the police and other emergency services.

Their primary role is to assist in locating lost or missing people within Berkshire and its surrounding areas.

Berkshire SAR Dogs was formed in 2002 and became a registered charity in the UK in March 2004. It is entirely reliant on sponsorship and donations to exist and carry out its work.

The team is made up entirely of volunteers who (together with their dogs) undergo constant training and must meet rigorous standards in order to obtain operational status. Most of the dog handlers and support staff fit this in around full time jobs.

Berkshire SAR Dogs currently has approximately 43 human and 42 K9 volunteers as full time members of the team – 11 of their dogs are operational search dogs. Whilst the majority of their dogs are working breeds, all types of dog breeds are considered on their merits and must pass an initial evaluation before being accepted into the team for training.

There’s even more about Berkshire SAR Dogs at www.k9-sar.com and about CSJ’s ranges of all natural feeds and herbs at www.csjk9.com

Beaphar has introduced a special trade zone to its newly developed website, www.beaphar.co.uk.

The facility enables retailers and wholesalers to place and track orders 24/7 through a personalised trade account. They can also access visual merchandising ideas, download additional point of sale material, keep up-to-date with the latest monthly deals, read up on the latest campaigns and find tips and suggestions to help promote Beaphar products in-store.

"We know that you, as our buyer, are the key to our business, and hope that you find this new facility useful," said AmyHepworth, Head of Marketing.

"Updates and additions to our website are on-going and we will keep you posted on new innovations that we introduce over the coming months."

To set up your new account, simply head to the homepage on beaphar.co.uk and register!

For more information on the new website or any other product from the Beaphar range, 01440 715100 or alternatively email info@uk.beaphar.com.

More than 100 pets, including iguanas, a chameleon and 11 tortoises, were rescued by firefighters from a house fire in Southampton.

The three-bedroom suburban property housed a menagerie including chickens, turkeys, ducks, parrots, fish, mice and rats.

It also contained dozens of cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets.

Four animals died in the kitchen of the property in Seafield Road and a person was treated for smoke inhalation.

Fire crews had to negotiate a large tortoise in the middle of the living room as they searched for occupants in the smoke-filled property.

Crews calmed six frightened dogs before leading dozens of animals to safety. Two soot-covered dogs and a ferret were even resuscitated by firefighters using oxygen masks

Tortoises and iguanas were given antibiotics and monitored by a specialist exotic pet vet to treat them for smoke inhalation, and the dogs were also treated by vets.

Jim Green, the animal rescue manager for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, said firefighters were met with a "dramatic" and "panicked" scene when they arrived.

Mr Green said: "Walking through the door it was pretty normal, but the living accommodation had animals in cages.

"It wasn't a mess, it was a very tidy set-up. These people are pet lovers and they just collect a variety of different species."

A couple believed to live at the property with their children were said to be shocked.

"You can imagine that these animals are their lives," said Mr Green. "You can understand how people's emotions will be at the time. This family were very calm and understood that there was nothing really that they could do."

Mr Green praised the swift work of the firefighters, which he said saved dozens of lives.

He said: "Their quick action prevented the situation being a lot worse... they undoubtedly saved the lives of more than 100 animals."

The RSPCA attended the scene. The cause of the fire is unknown but the house had no smoke detectors, the fire service said.

A study, conducted by perfectchoicefunerals.com, polled 1,608 British adults who were questioned about the steps they took when their pet died.

Those taking part were asked 'Did you have a funeral of some kind for your deceased pet(s)?'.

Although the majority said yes, 49% said ‘no’, with many of them stating that they didn’t believe in commemorating the passing of an animal.

The poll revealed that dogs were mostly likely to have a funeral held for them after their passing, followed by cats and then rabbits. 

"There are those who may find these costs extraordinary, but to many people the loss of a pet can be just as distressing as losing a family member," said Emma Simpson of perfectchoicefunerals.com

"What we can see from the results of this survey is that Britain really is a nation of animal lovers and some are even prepared to part with sometimes large sums of money in order to ensure that their pets are honoured in a dignified manner.”

The winners of a commemorative hamper in a prize draw on the Johnson's Veterinary Products' stand at PATS Harrogate have been named. They are Mike and Julie of Pets Corner in Cheadle Hulme.

Johnson's Veterinary Products entered names into a draw for all customers placing an order over the two days of the Show. 

Mike and Julie will be donating the hamper to their auction evening, which is being held on Saturday, October 25.  All proceeds will be going to the June and Brian Cox Foundation, which will help raise funds for a medical centre and ambulance in Gambia.

Two brave heroes who risked their lives to rescue dogs trapped in the deadly Manchester Dogs’ Home blaze have been nominated for a top animal award.

Jason Dyer and his nephew Dean Rostock jumped over a fence at the Harpurhey sanctuary and kicked open a number of kennel doors after hearing trapped dogs barking and yelping in panic inside.

Now the daring duo have been nominated for a prestigious Animal Hero Award.

The annual awards, backed by the RSPCA, recognise and celebrate the most inspiring examples of bravery, dedication and resilience in the animal world. Honours go to animals along with individuals and teams who make a difference.

Jason, 41, and Dean, 25, who live near the dogs’ home, were one of the first people to reach the burning buildings and told the M.E.N. how they were greeted by a scene of devastation and horror.

But between them they rescued around 20 dogs, putting leads on them and bringing them to safety before tying them to a nearby fence.

Jason, who livs on nearby Moston Lane, said: “We initially ran into the bit that was on fire but we couldn’t get those dogs out. We went to the other kennels and began kicking out the doors. We just wanted to get them out.

“This place is part of our childhoods. We both have dogs and love dogs - of course we are going to run in there. We just wanted to make sure as many as possible would be okay.”

The pair then went back inside in a bid to rescue other trapped dogs.

The devastating blaze - which is being treated by police as arson - killed 60 dogsbut an astonishing and unprecedented fundraising drive led by the Manchester Evening News raised almost £1.5m.

Staff and volunteers are continuing clean-up work at the site and structural and architecture experts are due on site soon ahead of planning to rebuild the sanctuary.

Bosses are also set to issue an open community invite to a huge clean-up.

The sanctuary has been swamped with offers of help and hope hundreds of supporters will bring brushes and shovels for an ‘open house’ day of tidying and cleaning.

A 15-year-old boy arrested on suspcion of arson remains on police bail pending further investigations.

Nominations for the awards close on October 17 and winners will be announced at a glittering gala event in London in November.

Farm animal and equine veterinary surgeon John Blackwell has been elected President of the British Veterinary Association.

The ceremony took place during the Association’s Members’ Day, held at the Midland Hotel in Manchester.

Mr Blackwell was born and brought up in Wrexham, North Wales, and graduated from the University of Liverpool Veterinary School in 1985.  He is currently a director of Brownlow Veterinary Centre, a three-centre mixed practice in Ellesmere, Shropshire.

A former President of the British Cattle Veterinary Association, John is also a director on the Animal Medicines Training and Regulatory Authority (AMTRA) Board and an external lecturer on the emergency slaughter of cattle at Nottingham Veterinary School.  His theme for his Presidency at the BVA will be ‘Delivering Change and Shaping the Future’.

Commenting on his election, Mr Blackwell said: “I am proud and honoured to become the President of the BVA. I look forward representing our members views and to the challenges that lie ahead as we continue to promote the value of veterinary healthcare and expertise to society ensuring that all animals have a life worth living.”

Charity veterinary surgeon Sean Wensley has been elected Junior Vice President of the British Veterinary Association for 2014/2015.

The ceremony took place during the Association’s Members’ Day, held at the Midland Hotel in Manchester.

Mr Wensley was  brought up in Formby, Merseyside, and graduated from the University of Liverpool Veterinary School in 2003. He is currently Senior Veterinary Surgeon for Communication and Education at veterinary charity the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) and is based at the PDSA PetAid hospital in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Sean is an Honorary Lecturer in Animal Welfare at the University of Nottingham as well as a committee member of the Companion Animal Welfare Council (CAWC).

On his appointment as Junior Vice President of the British Veterinary Association, Sean Wensley said:

“It’s a great honour to be joining the Officer team of the BVA. During my 10 years of involvement with the Association, I have seen at first-hand the huge commitment of its staff and committees. I am looking forward to joining a team that is dedicated to assisting the veterinary profession advocate for the good health and welfare of animals, thereby contributing to solutions to many of the complex global challenges affecting animal and human wellbeing.”

A starving cat which had lost its home and couldn't eat because of bad teeth managed to get itself help by heading to the nearest branch of Pets at Home in Liskeard, Cornwall.

Ginger Tom George wandered up to the pet chain in a bedraggled state and managed to attract the attention of staff.

After offering him food, the staff managed to get George a place at a shelter.

George was first noticed by staff at Pets at Home Liskeard.

They began by offering him something to eat before they contacted Margaret Green’s Wingletang rescue centre to ask for their help.

Senior animal welfare worker at Wingletang, Deana Perrin, said: "It was quite a shock to see how skinny George was when he first arrived here. His teeth were also in a terrible state which would have meant eating was difficult and very painful for him."

She added: "It was obvious that George had been in a home at some point as he had a mark around his neck where a collar had been. At some point his collar must have been excruciatingly tight as the skin around his neck is completely bald."

Staff believe George, a friendly cat who likes to cuddle, is around 11-yearsold and are focusing their attention on finding him his perfect home where he can relax and enjoy his twilight years.

If you think that you may be able to offer George a home, call Wingletang on 01822 810215 or email wt@margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk