Can independents survive the changing landscape of the pet industry?
What a week it has been for the pet industry! First a North-East pet shop calls for action to safeguard the future of independent stores. Then the biggest pet chain Pets at Home changes its CEO as it continues its path towards opening more outlets. And to cap it all Pets Corner increases its portfolio by 51 stores after buying PamPurredPets. It all begs the question: is the landscape of pet retailing changing?
What a week it has been for the pet industry! First a North-East pet shop calls for action to safeguard the future of independent stores. Then the biggest pet chain Pets at Home changes its CEO as it continues its path towards opening more outlets. And to cap it all Pets Corner increases its portfolio by 51 stores after buying PamPurredPets. It all begs the question: is the landscape of pet retailing changing?
Last week Pet Trade Xtra reported that Caroline O’Neill, who runs pet supplier Mannings of Alnwick, is concerned about the potential effects of the increasing number of chain stores that are aiming to set up shop in the market town.
She says that independent traders can win by offering the personal touch but they still needed help from the authorities to protect local heritage and to support small businesses.
“We know our customers, the names of their pets and we’re happy to carry their bags out to the car. It’s all about old-fashioned personal service, which only independent businesses can supply.
“People come for more than just pet supplies, they come for a friendly chat and maybe a little advice.
“I’d like to ask and encourage our customers, who enjoy our shop and customer service, to write to the council and put their objections to these huge shops coming into the town. We need to protect our heritage and support our local businesses.”
Caroline spoke out in light of Pets At Home building a store on a site across the road from her shop.
Her feelings are shared by hundreds of independent retailers throughout the UK, who have seen an astonishing number of pet superstores being built over the past few years.
There seems to be no let up in the building of new pet shops either with the two biggest retailers Pets at Home and Pets Corner both announcing plans to introduce more stores in the coming year.
Independents can set themselves apart by providing an exceptional and personal services as mentioned by Caroline O’Neill but they do need help and support from local councils as well as the pet industry.
So is the landscape of pet retailing changing? If you have a view on this subject then please post your comments.
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There are some 3,500 pet shops and approximately 600 specialist aquatic centres employing over 15,000 people in the UK, according to the Pet Industry Federation. When you consider the biggest retailer chain Pets at Home currently owns 417 stores, it's clear to see that independents are still the major force in the industry.
Here's a quick guide to how many stores are currently run by some of the major pet retail chains:
- Pets at Home – 417 stores, including four high street-based dog outlets called Barkers. The chain also have 359 vet practices on their premises
- Pets Corner – 161 stores folowing the acquisition of PamPurredPets
- Jollyes – 61 stores
- Just for Pets - 23 stores
This picture from a local shopkeeper caught our attention on Facebook this week. We liked the sentiments and felt they were worth repeating here...
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North Norfolk pet shop for sale
Pets Emporium, a well established business of over 35 years in the beautiful coastal area of North Norfolk, has been put up for sale...
Pets Emporium is a well established business of over 35 years.
It's situated in the beautiful coastal area of North Norfolk in the village of Snettisham.
The shop is in a good location, is well presented with quality fixtures and fittings, holding a wide variety of food and accessories all merchandised to a high standard.
We have a loyal customer base throughout the year – the area is very dog friendly, with many hotels, holiday parks and second home owners. It all adds up to being a very busy area.
There are opportunities to re-establish boarding which was very viable and a profitable part of the business, and having the pet shop alongside makes it a good proposition.
It is a large detached property. The downstairs consists of shop, WC , staff room, two store rooms, kitchen and office. It has a spacious flat with kitchen, dining area, large lounge, master bedroom with en-suite, double bedroom and shower room. Outside there are large gardens, a garage and out buildings, and the property has ample customer parking.
It is a lovely life style business – the reason for sale is purely personal.
For more information contact Susan Hall on 07825581857 or email Susan.hall31@hotmail.co.uk
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Dog Rocks appoints new Head of Sales
Dog Rocks Distribution Ltd has announced the appointment of Louise Wilkins as its new Head of Sales. Louise joins the company from her sales representative role at HG Gladwell & Sons...
 Dog Rocks Distribution Ltd has announced the appointment of Louise Wilkins as its new Head of Sales.
Louise (pictured) joins Dog Rocks from her sales representative role at HG Gladwell & Sons, one of the largest independent manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors in the South East, where she has spent the last eight years managing supplier accounts and gaining extensive knowledge of the pet industry.
"I am excited to be joining the company and look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead,” she said.
“I am a firm advocate of natural products and there is considerable scope to extend Dog Rocks’ sales in both the UK and Europe.”
Louise will be responsible for nurturing the company’s current accounts, as well as looking for new routes to market.
Carina Evans, CEO of Dog Rocks Distribution Ltd, said: “Louise brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role.
"This is a new position within our company and one which reflects our desire to grow the business. This is a busy and exciting time for the company and we look forward to welcoming Louise to the team.”
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The Dogs Trust says as many as 1.4 million dogs still don’t have a chip, though – despite the law coming into force in Scotland, England and Wales yesterday (Wednesday).
Owners who have not yet had their dogs chipped could be issued with a compliance notice to ensure it is within 21 days – or be issued with a £500 fine.
Adrian Burder, CEO of Dogs Trust said: “For many years Dogs Trust has campaigned to bring about the introduction of compulsory microchipping and registration.
“Therefore, we are very pleased to welcome the legislation, which will go a long way to improving dog welfare.
“Losing a dog is an extremely upsetting time for both dog and owner so we urge the public to check their pets are chipped and address details are up to date.
“To date, Dogs Trust has microchipped nearly a million dogs and we’re still working tirelessly to ensure as many dogs as possible are given these essential pieces of technology.”
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Johnston & Jeff, so well-known for both the quality of its wild bird foods and its innovative packaging style, has just launched a new range of in pouches.
The range includes three types of suet pellets in two sizes, and two sizes of mealworms, 100g and 500g – the 100g is in a Euroslot pouch.
Chris Grange, the company’s Commercial Manager, who has a very strong retail background, says that the demand for good quality add-ons in this market is significant.
“People want to feed extras, they want to be able to top up specific types of nutrient, and to use several feeding stations, each with a different food. But the demand is increasingly for good food, not cheap stuff. And good means exceptional quality of ingredients, and exceptional cleanliness. Johnston & Jeff in other words.”
And the format?
“This is very easy for retailers to display, and very easy for consumers to add to their basket. Plus it’s a much higher value offering. We wanted important foods - supplements - like pellets and mealworms to be presented in a way which shows their significance.”
For more information visit www.johnstonandjeff.co.uk
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Burgess urges vets to suppport Rabit Awareness Week
Burgess Pet Care will be calling on veterinary practices to sign up its RAW campaign when it attends the British Small Animal Veterinary Associations (BSAVA) congress in Birmingham, which starts today (Thursday)...
Burgess Pet Care will be calling on veterinary practices to sign up its RAW campaign when it attends the British Small Animal Veterinary Associations (BSAVA) congress in Birmingham starting today (Thursday) – outlining how RAW not only benefits bunnies but business as well.
The Burgess team and its partners, including Wood Green Animal Shelter’s head of small animal welfare Marie Pavaday-Pillay and Rae Todd from the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund, will be asking vets to hop onboard RAW (running from June 18-26) to raise awareness of rabbit companionship, offer free rabbit health checks, and get more rabbit owners through the practice door.
“Up to 57% of rabbits live alone and we believe this number is still too high and are urging vets to support us in getting owners to pair up their bunnies with rehomed buddies from rescue centres. Last year we saw more than 3,000 vets pledge support for RAW but we’d like to top this, this year!” says Burgess Pet Care’s small animal brand manager Rehana Kausar.
“Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the RAW campaign has not only put rabbit welfare high on the agenda but has helped hundreds of practices improve their services to rabbit owners and in turn increase footfall and turnover. Some practices have seen as much as a 60% increase in rabbit owning clients.”
As well as being able to pick up a ‘Don’t Forget the Hay’ t-shirt- highlighting the multiple benefits of a hay rich diet for small animals – visitors to BSAVA will also get the chance to learn more about Burgess Pet Care’s Excel Feeding Plan and test drive its innovative Excel rabbit food range – already recommended by 92% of vets.
Excel was the first rabbit food range to tackle the problem of selective feeding, understand the essential role of indigestible fibre and introduce a Light food for overweight rabbits. The Burgess team will also be presenting their new Nature’s Blend food, which is packed with wild ingredients designed to mimic a rabbit’s natural foraged diet.
The BSAVA congress brings a cutting edge programme of more than 350 lectures and practical sessions to Birmingham’s ICC and Barclaycard Arena, alongside an extensive exhibition of more than 250 of the industry’s finest companies.
Find out more at www.rabbitawarenessweek.co.uk, www.burgesspetcare.co.uk or www.bsava.com
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Cats are known as solitary survivors, yet a recent survey found that 44% of cat owning households have more than one cat, with nearly a third of those questioned stating that they had experienced fighting and aggression between pets in the household.
Ceva Animal Health has launched an innovative new pheromone to help with this common issue, FELIWAY FRIENDS, which will join the popular FELIWAYCLASSIC F3 range. FELIWAY FRIENDS is the only cat pheromone clinically proven to help reduce tensions and conflicts in households with more than one cat.
FELIWAY FRIENDS is a synthetic copy of the cat appeasing pheromone (CAP) naturally produced by nursing queens to support their kittens after birth. This pheromone helps cats feel safe and secure and maintains a harmonious bond between them.
FELIWAY FRIENDS significantly decreases the intensity and frequency of signs of tension in households with more than one cat. In a recent study, 84% of cat owners believed there was a significant improvement in how their cats got on after using the product.
FELIWAY FRIENDS has been clinically proven to help in homes both with newly occurring fighting or ongoing fighting. Additionally the product also helps prevent unwanted tension and conflicts between cats after introducing a new cat/kitten to a home.
FELIWAY FRIENDS and FELIWAY CLASSIC can be used at the same time if the owner is experiencing conflicts alongside other stress-related behaviour problems such as urine marking, scratch marking and general anxiety.
Available as a 30-day diffuser and refill, FELIWAY FRIENDS lasts for up to 30 days and covers an area of up to 70m2. Its refill is convenient and easy to replace and comes with a peel off sticker as a reminder to renew the refill.
“Inter-cat aggression is a major problem in multi-cat households, with many cats experiencing stress in the home due to sharing resources,” comments Claire Russell, FELIWAY product manager at Ceva Animal Health.
“FELIWAY FRIENDS is a great support to encourage harmony in multi-cat homes. By introducing the cat appeasing pheromone and educating owners on resource management and how to create a cat friendly home, we can significantly improve feline relationships in our UK multi-cat homes.’’
Ceva Animal Health has launched a range of marketing material to support the launch of FELIWAY FRIENDS including an eight page pet owner leaflet and poster.
For information on FELIWAY visit www.feliway.com/uk.
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DogTastic Live 2016 is a groundbreaking new conference bringing the leaders in holistic pet care together in a ‘melting-pot’ of expertise.
Held on Friday 3 to Saturday 4 June at Regent’s Hall, London, this unique two-day event is open to anyone with an interest in canine health, either as a professional or pet owner. It promises to be an inspiring and insightful look into the exciting future of canine care.
DogTastic Live 2016 will be accessible to all via live online streaming and is expected to attract a worldwide audience. It will also be available to watch again after the event.
World-renowned speakers taking part in this exciting event include award-winning pet nutrition blogger Rodney Habib, International ‘holistic Vet Karen Becker is making a rare UK appearance as is integrative vet and immunologist Dr Jean Dodds. In addition, the UK’s longest serving homeopathic vet Christ Day, Dr Isla Fishburn, and CIVT-trained broadcaster Anna Webb join the line-up.
Rodney Habib is passionate about enabling pets to live long, healthy lives and shares his discoveries in natural dog care with thousands of like-minded owners through his popular website (www.rodneyhabib.com). He says, “I’m on a mission to change the way people feed their pets. I teach people to feed their pets whole, fresh, real food because I believe it dramatically improves the wellness of our animals and ultimately extends their lifespan.”
Dr Jean Dodds is well known for her pioneering work in minimum vaccine protocols and is the founder of Hemopet – the first non-profit animal blood bank and Greyhound adoption centre. She is also the author of Canine Nutrigenomics: Foods that heal your dog and co-author of The Canine Thyroid Epidemic.
Dr Chris Day has 40 years experience as a holistic and homeopathic vet. He established the Alternative Veterinary Medicine Centre (AVMC) in Oxfordshire as a dedicated holistic veterinary practice in 1987. He is mainly known for his work with homeopathy, acupuncture and herbs, however he also uses a wider spectrum of natural therapies to offer his patients the best of integrated care.
With topics such as vaccination, environmental effects on canine health and de-sexing dogs to whet your appetite make sure you book your tickets now so you don’t miss out on this monumental event.
Find out more at www.dogtasticlive.com
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The pet trade can look forward to some exciting changes in the Lintbells product range that should see this best-selling brand fly off the shelves with even greater regularity. Lintbells brands include YuMEGA Itchy Dog, the UKs number one* veterinary skin supplement and YuMOVE, the UKS number 1 veterinary joint supplement brand.
The fresh, new look will more clearly communicate the companys head and heart approach, blending the best of science with an appreciation of the love people feel for their pets. Changes to packaging include colour coding, enabling pet owners to quickly identify the right product and to produce a clear blocking effect to give stand out on shelf. Pets that are visibly full of life also feature prominently on pack, which will help communicate the noticeable differences pet owners can expect to see.
Some products will be renamed to more clearly communicate their benefits, most noticeably YuMPRO becomes YuDIGEST and YuMEGA Plus becomes YuMEGA Itchy Dog. This ultimately makes the retailers life easier, signposting pet owners to the product they need and a transition booklet is available to provide additional support.
Lintbells will continue to use high quality local suppliers and a smaller number further afield to source the highest quality specialist ingredients, such as green lipped mussel. The rebrand includes the use of a trademarked source of green lipped mussel developed by the company Vitaease which offers a highly concentrated source of omega-3 and is exclusive to Lintbells.
Known for validating the strong evidence base for its products, Lintbells has taken a very different approach to supplements and it has clearly hit a chord with pet owners. The company is also launching a new-look website to attract pet owners to the brand and keeps them informed about health, nutrition and pets.
Co-founder John Howie says that 2016 marks an exciting year for the company, Retailers have been able to enjoy the benefits of our brand growth over the last ten years. Their support has ensured that the results have been impressive by anyones standards. This year weve been even more ambitious in setting stretching targets and we look forward to making sure that Lintbells supplements are the movers and shakers in the category that offer retailers repeat business and impressive profits.
* Gfk VetTrak Sales Data, MAT values (February 2016)
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A High Court judge has clamped down on demonstrators fighting the sale of puppies at a Reading pet shop.
Members of Stop Pet Shop Pups (SPSP) have been organising regular pickets outside Lintons Pet Store Ltd, in Hare Hatch.
However, they will now be able to protest for just four hours each week, and only one at the weekend, after Mr Justice Garnham said their activities were "arguably oppressive and unacceptable".
The judge, sitting in London, said the protests disrupted Lintons and other traders at Ladds Garden Village, in Bath Road, where the pet shop is based.
He added: "This conduct, in my view, crosses the line into a form of torment and harassment."
Lintons says all of its dogs come from licensed breeders. The judge also said there was "no evidence to suggest any unlawful trading" at the store.
Lintons' owners, Jean and Loridana Agius, took legal action against SPSP, saying the group's activities had gone "way beyond peaceful protest".
Mr Justice Garnham said SPSP were entitled to express their views "forcefully and publicly" and could not be censured if they put people off buying puppies from the store.
However, he said their protests would be restricted because they affected the businesses at the garden centre "week in, week out".
The judge said: "There is a good arguable case that the defendants' objective is to mount their protests at a time, and in a manner, calculated to cause financial harm to the claimants.
"They do so in a manner which also has an indirect effect on the garden centre.
"That is bound to cause, and in my judgment has caused, real difficulty and distress to the claimants and to the other traders.
"It is not oppressive for the protesters to make their points forcefully and publicly, nor is it objectionable if their protests have the effect of persuading people not to purchase puppies - that is their aim.
"But the purpose of their protests is to intimidate potential customers into not visiting the garden centre."
The group can only protest between 10.30am and 11.30am on Saturdays as well as for a single, three-hour, period during the week.
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UK retailer Pets at Home has launched an interactive campaign across social media to celebrate its 25th birthday.
Developed by digital performance marketing agency iProspect Manchester, the concept took two months to execute and involved sister agency Carat Media as well as video production company The Gate.
iProspect sourced a variety of celebrity pets including Instagram stars: winnythecorgi, acornthebunny and brunotheminidachshund (pictured).
Following on from previous #MyPetMoments adverts, the new campaign will see Pets at Home encouraging customers to submit videos of their pets.
The best user-generated content will be included in the official 25th birthday video, which will go live on ITV Player on Monday 18 April (5pm), the week of the retailer’s official birthday.
Customers whose pets are chosen to be in the video will also receive a £10 voucher.
Tim Dowling, head of external comms at Pets at Home, said the firm wanted to create a campaign that would encourage participation.
"We loved iProspect Manchester’s idea of teaming up with some of the UK’s biggest social media stars to help us kickstart the campaign and they didn’t disappoint us.
"Their performances in the teaser video were very cute and entertaining and their involvement in the campaign has already created a lot of buzz and excitement among their followers. Content submissions are already flooding in and we’re excited to see what the final birthday video looks like on 18 April."
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Animal VC for heroic US Marine dog
A retired US Marine Corps dog who protected the lives of allied troops in Iraq and Afghanistan has been honoured with the PDSA Dickin Medal – the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross...
A retired US Marine Corps dog who protected the lives of allied troops in Iraq and Afghanistan has been honoured with the PDSA Dickin Medal – the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.
The 12-year-old German Shepherd, who lost a leg while on duty, successfully completed over 400 separate missions during six years of active service. Her heroic actions were recognised by the UK’s leading veterinary charity, PDSA, at a ceremony at Wellington Barracks, London (Tuesday 5 April) which was attended by Lucca and her owner, Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt) Christopher Willingham.
The famous medal was instituted by PDSA’s founder, Maria Dickin, CBE, in 1943. It is the highest award any animal in the world can achieve while serving in military conflict. Lucca’s is the 67th PDSA Dickin Medal to be awarded and she is the first US Marine Corps dog to receive the esteemed honour.
Lucca’s skills as a specialised search dog, who was trained to sniff out munitions and explosives, protected the lives of thousands of allied troops, according to the US Marines. Her success was such that there were no human casualties during any of her patrols.
On her final patrol, on 23 March 2012, Lucca discovered a 30lb improvised explosive device (IED) and as she searched for additional IEDs, a second device detonated. She instantly lost her front left leg and suffered severe burns to her chest. Corporal (Cpl) Juan Rodriguez, her handler on the mission, administered life-saving first aid to Lucca. Through all of her emergency treatment and recovery, Cpl Rodriguez never left Lucca’s side.
 Lucca’s award-winning work
After training together, Lucca and GySgt Chris Willingham served together for two tours in Iraq. In 2007, they conducted clearing operations along the Tigris River, South of Baghdad. In 2008, they conducted counter insurgency operations around Diwaniyah. Lucca made a number of finds; including weapons caches, IEDs and bombs. Also, she was directly responsible for the apprehension of four insurgents.
In November 2011 Lucca and her new handler Cpl Juan Rodriguez were selected from 60 Military Working Dog teams to deploy to Afghanistan in support of the Marine Expeditionary Force.
Lucca and Cpl Rodriguez led 75 patrols in Helmand Province; an area heavily laden with IEDs. They were at the front of the patrols to ensure the safety of those behind them. Despite being targeted with gunfire on several occasions, they successfully continued their search for IEDs.
On 7 March 2012, Lucca and Cpl Rodriguez were leading a foot patrol when Lucca gave an indication which Cpl Rodriguez quickly recognised and he called the patrol to a halt. A 30lb pressure plate IED had been placed directly in the patrol’s line of travel. Once the IED was rendered clear, Lucca and Cpl Rodriguez led the patrol safely back to their base.
On 23 March 2012, Lucca and Cpl Rodriguez were ahead of a foot patrol when she signalled on a haystack in a poppy field where a weapons cache was discovered. Resuming the patrol, Lucca took the lead and later alerted the patrol to a 30lb pressure plate IED, which was successfully located and cleared.
Resuming their patrol, Cpl Rodriguez sent Lucca to clear a nearby path when a 30lb pressure plate IED detonated underneath her, causing the immediate loss of her front left leg and severe burns to her chest, neck and head. Cpl Rodriguez applied a tourniquet to Lucca’s leg and bandaged her burns, while a fellow patrol member called in a Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) team.
Cpl Rodriguez said: “The explosion was huge and I immediately feared the worst for Lucca. I ran to her and saw her struggling to get up. I picked her up and ran to the shelter of a nearby tree line; applied a tourniquet to her injured leg and called the medics to collect us. I stayed with her constantly throughout her operation and her recovery. She had saved my life on so many occasions – I had to make sure that I was there for her when she needed me.”
Miraculously, none of the soldiers in the patrol were injured in the blast which injured Lucca.
Lucca was evacuated from Afghanistan to Germany and then to Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, California, to complete her recovery. Cpl Rodriguez stayed at her side throughout each move – even choosing to sleep next to Lucca as she recovered.
Within ten days of her injury, Lucca was up and walking.
Cpl Rodriguez continues: “Through all of her treatment and despite the pain she was in, her temperament never changed. Her fighting spirit was plain to see and I was so proud of how quickly she recovered.”
While she was rehabilitating, her adoption paperwork was submitted to retire her officially from active service and live with Chris Willingham and his family in California.
Award Reaction
Lucca’s PDSA Dickin Medal was presented by the charity’s Director General, Jan McLoughlin. Jan said: “Lucca’s conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty makes her a hugely deserving recipient of the PDSA Dickin Medal. Her ability and determination to seek out arms and explosives preserved human life amid some of the world’s fiercest military conflicts.
“I am thrilled that both Lucca and Gunnery Sergeant Willingham have made the journey to London to receive this very special award.”
 Gunnery Sergeant Chris Willingham said: “Lucca is very intelligent, loyal and had an amazing drive for work as a search dog. She is the only reason I made it home to my family and I am fortunate to have served with her. In addition to her incredible detection capabilities, Lucca was instrumental in increasing moral for the troops we supported. In between missions, I took the searching harness off and let her play and interact with the troops. Due to her personality, demeanor and proficiency as a search dog, Lucca made friends wherever she went. Today, I do my best to keep her spoiled in her well-deserved retirement.”
“Even when Lucca was injured, her good temperament and gentle nature never faltered. She has become an inspiration to everyone she meets and I am so very proud to see her decorated with this prestigious award.”
Lieutenant Colonel Abby DuBaree from the Royal Army Veterinary Corps said: “Lucca’s story has become famous in the US and I am so pleased that PDSA is honoring her contribution to the military campaigns in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Lucca’s efforts and the expert work she carried out for allied forces deserves full credit and recognition. I know that every Marine and soldier that served alongside her will be thrilled to see her receive the PDSA Dickin Medal.”
Lucca’s award will bring the total number of PDSA Dickin Medals awarded to animals in military conflict to 67. Since the introduction of the Medal by PDSA founder Maria Dickin, CBE, in 1943 it has been awarded to 31 dogs (including Lucca), 32 World War Two messenger pigeons, three horses and one cat.
PDSA is the UK’s leading veterinary charity, treating nearly 500,000 pets annually across its 51 Pet Hospitals and 380 Pet Practices. The charity strives to improve all pets’ lives through education, preventive care and emergency treatment and touches the lives of more pets and owners that any other animal charity. For more information visit www.pdsa.org.uk.
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 Ancol’s premium quality retractable lead Viva is now in its third year and is going from strength to strength, with over 400,000 sold across the world.
Following customer feedback, this year sees Viva extend to include a new hi-vis range plus an XL sized tape lead. The hi-vis lead features black tape with bold reflective edges woven in. And the XL sized tape is designed for larger dogs that weigh up to 75kg.
Viva is designed to allow dogs plenty of freedom, extending up to five metres yet allowing the owner to remain in complete control. It features a super soft grip handle with one easy-to use button to apply and release the brake.
Sales Director Sarah Lane comments: “We’re really proud to stock such a premium quality extending lead which has proved so successful in competing with the leading brands. Having listened to our customers, this year we’ve introduced a hi-vis range, plus an XL sized tape lead for dogs up to 75kg.
"As it’s not sold within discounters or grocery outlets, this allows retailers to make great margins. For more information about stocking Viva, talk to your Ancol sales representative.”
Viva has undergone rigorous quality control testing in the UK by INTERTEK, with fantastic results. Ancol stands behind the quality of Viva by offering a full guarantee for all material and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase.
Customers can choose from four colours: red, black, blue and raspberry and four sizes: small for dogs up to 20kg; medium for dogs up to 30kg; large for dogs up to 50kg and XL for dogs up to 75kg. The hi-vis range is available in small and medium sizes only.
The range looks great on the new Viva display stands, which are available upon request. They are designed to easily hang from hooks on either a peg board or slat wall shop fittings, creating a really high impact display in any sized retail area.
Find out more at www.ancol.co.uk/viva or talk to your local sales about the great sales margins Viva can offer you.
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BVA launches election manifestos calling for action on animal welfare
Ahead of next month’s national elections (5 May), the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and BVA’s Northern Ireland, Scottish and Welsh Branches have launched three manifestos urging incoming parliamentarians to take action on animal health and welfare under a One Health agenda for government...
Ahead of next month’s national elections (5 May), the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and BVA’s Northern Ireland, Scottish and Welsh Branches have launched three manifestos urging incoming parliamentarians to take action on animal health and welfare under a One Health agenda for government.
BVA’s three manifestos were developed drawing on the expertise and experiences of BVA’s members working throughout the UK and in all areas of the veterinary profession, and makes clear recommendations in three key areas: safeguarding animal health, promoting animal welfare and recognising the vital role of veterinary surgeons.
Each manifesto sets out almost 20 policy recommendations that provide a clear pathway towards improving animal health and welfare, and challenges the next governments to:
- Protect the welfare of animals by requiring all animals to be stunned before slaughter to ensure they are insensible to pain and, where there is little or no non-stun slaughter carried out, the next government should introduce measures to label meat as stunned or non-stunned to allow consumers to make an informed choice.
- Review their programmes to eradicate bovine TB – or, in the case of Scotland, retain its Officially Tuberculosis Free status – moving towards comprehensive programmes that include a regime of controls such as risk-based biosecurity measures, cattle controls, badger vaccination where appropriate and available, and the humane culling of badgers via cage trapping and shooting only.
- Continue to support the One Health approach, as outlined in the UK Five Year Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Strategy, to increase collaboration and integration of the veterinary and medical professions to promote the responsible use of antimicrobials.
- Ensure robust enforcement of existing legislation to tackle illegal import of puppies across borders due to the potential associations with disease, dog welfare and behavioural problems.
- Ring-fence or increase the budget to retain the local role of the vet to support the provision of vital veterinary services, especially in hard to reach areas like the Scottish Highlands and Islands, and to ensure robust disease control and eradication strategies.
- Embrace partnership working between government and the veterinary profession, recognising the unique skills, knowledge and expertise of veterinary surgeons across animal health and welfare and public health.
BVA President Sean Wensley (pictured) said: “As veterinary surgeons we are on the frontline caring for animals, detecting and treating disease, and undertaking pioneering research into animal and public health. We work at the cutting edge of science and at the heart of the communities in which we practise, guiding animal keepers and owners towards good animal welfare decisions and helping to maintain the strong human-animal bond.
“The UK prides itself on high, continuously improving animal welfare standards and voters care deeply about animal health and welfare issues, so we urge the incoming national governments to include this in their agendas and champion the concept of One Health in recognition of the inextricable links between animals, humans, and our shared living environment.
"Through our daily work, and these manifestos, we believe vets are in a unique position from which to offer the next governments in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales evidence-based and informed advice and policy recommendations.”
BVA’s manifestos will be sent to all candidates who are standing for election, relevant animal health and welfare government groups, BVA honorary associate MPs, Peers & MEPs, and respective Chief Veterinary Officers. Following the elections, BVA will also share the document with newly elected Members.
For more information about the national election manifestos or BVA’s public affairs and campaigning work, please visit www.bva.co.uk/News-campaigns-and-policy/Campaigns/
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An adored family pet cheated death after a high impact collision with a cyclist left him with near fatal internal injuries.
Staffordshire bull terrier, Shadow, initially walked away from the accident but, after collapsing at home, he was rushed to PDSA’s Gillingham Pet Hospital for an emergency operation.
Almost a pint of blood had to be drained from Shadow’s abdomen after his liver was severely damaged by the impact. Vets fought desperately for five days to save his life as his distraught family waited for him to pull through.
Three-year-old Shadow’s injuries were so severe that PDSA vets warned owner Sian Berry (30) that the odds were stacked against him surviving. An ultrasound scan revealed a lacerated liver and severe internal bleeding. He had lost around one quarter of his blood.
“I couldn’t believe what had happened,” said Sian, from Maidstone, Kent. “I was taking Shadow for his usual walk in the local park when a cyclist suddenly appeared and ran over him.
“He didn’t seem too bad at first, just in a bit of shock, but by the time I got him home I realised something was badly wrong. He seemed in pain so I took him straight to PDSA. When they told me how poorly he was it was just heart-breaking.”
Aoife McCormack, PDSA vet, said nearly a pint of blood had to be drained from his abdomen before vets could stem the flow and operate to repair his liver.
She said: “We were faced with the nightmare situation of bleeding from two areas – both from the vessels to his spleen and the tear in his liver. The trauma to the liver was the most worrying for us as it’s much harder to stem the flow.
“Shadow had some very serious injuries and it was touch and go whether he would pull through surgery. Thankfully, the operation was a success and he made a good recovery. But without swift treatment there was a very real chance he would have bled to death.”
Sian said the period Shadow was in hospital was like a ‘living hell’ and that her 10-year-old daughter Alisha was devastated at the thought of losing him:
“We were all on tenterhooks. Alisha thinks the world of him so it was a very worrying time. But thankfully he pulled through and the care he received from PDSA was amazing. If we had lost him, it would be like losing a family member. I can’t thank the vets and nurses enough for everything they’ve done.”
Shadow’s treatment cost vet charity PDSA nearly £700 in terms of supplies and vet time. The cost to the owner at a private vet practice could have been higher still. PDSA is urging owners to protect their animals through pet insurance. For more information visit www.pdsa.org.uk/petsurance
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Pet owners should be forced to take out insurance for their animals, according to SunLife.
Simon Stanney, General Insurance Director at SunLife, welcomes the new law on microchipping, but would also like to see this extended by making pet insurance mandatory too:
“Compulsory microchipping has many benefits, including making it easier to return lost or stolen pets with their owners and establishing liability and proving ownership, so I more than welcome the new microchipping laws. However, I think it would be beneficial to pets and their owners if pet insurance were to become mandatory too.
“According to the ABI, there are around 9 million dogs in the UK, but only 2.4 million are covered by pet insurance , which means almost three quarters without it. An overnight stay at the vets for a dog costs around £675, while treatment for spinal surgery can be as much as £2,000, and for those who can’t afford it the animal is either left to suffer or put to sleep.
“If pet insurance was a legal requirement, dog owners would have to think long and hard about the emotional and financial responsibilities of owning a pet, and, like with the £500 fine for not getting your dog microchipped, would face penalties if they didn’t comply.
“As well as protecting dogs themselves, pet insurance also protects owners and the public by covering any damage caused by the dog and any medical bills, legal cost or compensation claims that ensue. Furthermore, if pet insurance was compulsory for dog owners, it would become an even more competitive sector and, like with car insurance, providers would have to work hard to keep their customers loyal.
“There are arguments that if pet insurance was mandatory, overall dog ownership could go down, and this is probably true, but responsible dog ownership would go up, and that can only be a good thing.”
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Town and Country Petfoods strengthens HiLife team
Town and Country Petfoods, the company behind the HiLife brand for cats and dogs, is strengthening its team with three new employees, including Juliet Soffe, who joins as senior national accounts manager...
Town and Country Petfoods, the company behind the HiLife brand for cats and dogs, is strengthening its team with three new employees.
Juliet Soffe will be joining the Melton Mowbray-based business as senior national accounts manager, alongside new product manager Ashlie Langford and quality and specifications technologist Jaymini Tailor.
Juliet will be helping to grow the brand with key target customers including the major supermarkets where HiLife is stocked.
Ashlie is to become the first dedicated product manager within the business and will be responsible for helping the company stay ahead of trends, developing new lines and helping to shape the brand strategy.
In the new role of quality and specifications technologist, Jaymini will be working alongside suppliers and customers to maintain the brand and ensure that new products are brought to market.
Peter Parkinson, marketing director at Town and Country Petfoods, said: “We pride ourselves on our constant innovation and a market-based approach to product development which has helped us stay at the forefront of our market.
“We have strengthened our team to enable us to continue delivering our ongoing programme of new and innovative products. We are looking forward to Juliet, Ashlie and Jaymini joining the business and helping us to take the next steps.”
Pictured, from left to right: Ashlie Langford, Juliet Soffe and Jaymini Tailor.
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Hilton Herbs has introduced modern, multi-lingual packaging for its cat supplements.
The whole range of seven liquid herbal supplements for cats has been rebranded to be more visually appealing for retailers. The tamper-evident dropper bottles not only have new labels but are now packed in their own brightly-coloured, multi-lingual single unit boxes. Each product is available in packs of six in their own ready-made ‘stepped’ display case.
Hilton Herbs says the new, modern packaging is designed to promote brand awareness in an increasingly competitive pet supplement market, whilst retaining the colour-coded category system that runs as a common theme through all the brand’s packaging.
The new look was launched to the trade at PATS Sandown and will be showcased to the export market at Interzoo, in Germany, in May.
Hilton Herbs has been manufacturing herbal supplements and healthcare products for animals for more than 25 years. All products are manufactured in the UK in a UFAS-accredited manufacturing facility using human-grade herbs.
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