A new independent pet shop specialising in natural products is set to open in Haywards Heath next week.

Paws on Track is the brainchild of experienced dog trainer Jacqui Wingfield, who believes natural food and treats will help ensure the welfare of her customers’ pets.

“I have gone all natural for several reasons,” said Jacqui. “It is closest to what pets would have eaten before we domesticated them, it is healthier for them, it increases their immune system, improves their digestion, gives healthier skin and coats, improves dental health and is basically all round just better for them.”

Paws on Track is located at The Orchards in Haywards Heath and will be Jacqui’s first bricks-and-mortar shop. Her previous experience with pets has been as a dog trainer and has run schools for several years.

“I will have to put the training on hold for the time being while I establish the shop as I cannot dedicate the time I would like to it,” added Jacqui. “But once the shop is running smoothly I want to continue training as well.

“Paws on Track is a family-business and I will be the only full time member of staff but will be helped part time by my eldest son who trained in animal management at Merrist Wood College, Guildford. My husband will also help with our deliveries.”

As well as selling natural dog food and treats, Paws on Track will stock accessories, including toys, collars, leads, harnesses and beds, and will cater for cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters as well as dogs.

The shop opens on Tuesday (February 1) and Jacqui said it won't be a grand opening but with some special offers on the day.

The Dragons’ Den love affair with animals continues this evening (Thursday) with another pet product company appearing on the prime-time BBC One series.

Only three episodes of the new series have been aired so far and already pet firm Piddle Patch has secured an investment from a Dragon (episode two).

And another company, Barking Bags, seeks to win financial backing in the fourth programme being shown at 8pm. 

The pet accessory business based near Milton Keynes, which won the Best New Business at the Pet Industry Federation Awards sets foot in the Den. 

Barking Bags seeks investment to expand theenterprise from one of the formable multimillionaire business investors on the show – Deborah Meaden, Peter Jones, Sara Davies, Steven Bartlett and Touker Suleyman.

Barking Bags is the brainchild of Debbie Greaves and her partner Rob Angell, who were inspired by the need to find a bag that would carry all the paraphernalia required when training and walking their dog Maisie.

Barking Bags are fast becoming an essential companion for dog walkers. Their fashionable and multifunctional unisex design allows the wearer the flexibility to use them cross-body or as a bum bag. They are weatherproof and suitable for any climate or environment.

PATS, the UK’s number one pet industry exhibition, will be celebrating its 25^th show in style at Sandown Park in Surrey on 27-28 March 2022.

Exhibitors and visitors will be invited to a special 25^th PATS drinks reception, sponsored by pbwnews, after the first day of the Sandown show, where they’ll also be able to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of Pedigree Wholesale.

“We are really excited to be celebrating our 25^th exhibition alongside Pedigree Wholesale, who have supported our shows from day one. In fact, they will have exhibited at all of our 25 shows,” said PATS organiser Gordon Thomas.

“This year’s PATS Sandown will be a great occasion as the UK pet industry continues to recover from the effects of the pandemic. Our Telford show last September was the first face-to-face trade exhibition since the easing of lockdown restrictions and it proved to be a huge success in reuniting the industry. The Sandown event will help to build on that success, and as a thank you to all our exhibitors and visitors we’ll be inviting them to come along after the first day of the show and celebrate with us and Pedigree Wholesale.”

Gerard O’Mahony, Managing Director of Pedigree Wholesale, said: “As we mark half a century supporting independent specialists with their pet and aquatic needs, it felt only fitting that we kick off our birthday celebrations at the 25th PATS show. 

“PATS has always been a key event for us. A great place to exhibit new products and be face-to-face with our customers and partner brands. We look forward to exhibiting once again at PATS Sandown and hope everyone joins us on Sunday to raise a glass and toast the joint celebrations.”

The 25^th PATS Sandown will see more than 130 brands and companies showcasing their new products to a growing number of buyers.

Pet stores and garden centres are being urged to register now for free entry to the show.

Here’s just a quick summary of popular visitor attractions:

• The biggest and best showcase of new pet products
• The opportunity to have face-to-face meetings with suppliers
• Unrivalled show offers and competitions
• Top groomers giving insightful demonstrations, workshops and talks
• Free parking, free access and free parking
• Invitation to the 25^th PATS drinks reception, celebrating 50 years of Pedigree Wholesale, sponsored by pbwnews.

Exhibitors are well advanced in their preparations for PATS Sandown and are getting excited about showcasing their new products at the show.

Jim Weston, director of Little BigPaw, said: “PATS Sandown is the perfect place to launch our new treats to the pet market. With a bigger stand than ever before, Little BigPaw is planning to significantly expand its activities in UK in 2022.”

And Rob Newsome, director of sales and operations at Danish Design Pet Products, added: “Now in our 40^th year of manufacturing in the UK we will be proudly presenting at PATS once again in March. PATS has been the most important trade show for us over the years and still very much provides a great platform to grow our business further.”

You can register online at www.patshow.co.uk where you’ll also find a full list of exhibitors and information on how to reach the venue.

Rescue centres are bracing themselves for a surge of ‘pandemic pups’ being abandoned this year, according to new research.

Since the start of the covid-19 pandemic, 3.2 million households in the UK have acquired a pet but figures from Co-op Insurance reveal 12% of consumers regret their pets and would consider leaving an unwanted animal at a rescue centre.

The research found that pet lovers would take their pets to the vet more frequently than visiting the doctors themselves, yet unexpected vet bills make them wary of taking on a rescue animal.

In response to this data, Co-op Insurance has launched new pet insurance for dogs and cats over eight weeks old. To help make adoption more affordable, it includes an introductory discount on policies for those insuring a pet from a recognised animal charity or rescue centre – 7.5% for Co-op members and 2.5% for non-Co-op members.

The research carried out by YouGov shows that 91% of Brits looking for a pet would consider adopting from a rescue centre, however, 29% are deterred as they believe they would be expensive to insure and care for.

Of the 51& of the British public who would like to get a pet, the research revealed that 39% would be put off unless the animal was known to have a clean bill of health. In addition, 41% believe they are too high-maintenance, and 32% say they do not have time to look after a pet.

The Only Way is Essex television star Pete Wicks, who is also an RSPCA ambassador and Co-op Insurance customer, Pete Wicks said: “I’m delighted to be working with Co-op insurance on the launch of this new insurance cover. 

“My dogs really are the most important thing to me. Peggy and Eric [my French bulldogs] always have and continue to get me through tough times, so I find it crazy how some people don't prioritise their health in the same way we would our own. Insurance is the best thing we can give our pets.’’

Ryan O’Meara, founder of dog rescue organisation Dogs Blog, said: “When someone is thinking of getting a dog, it's a wise choice to think about adopting one first. One of the biggest myths about adopting from a shelter is that rescue dogs are somehow problem dogs. This could not be further from the truth. 

“There are multiple advantages to adopting, not least the fact that you are changing an animal's life. Rescue shelters work extra hard to make sure owners are matched to suitable pets. If someone is worried about adopting, it's worth remembering that dogs end up in rescue for many reasons - owners die, relationships break up, people's living arrangements change - and this means there is a rescue dog for everyone somewhere in Britain's shelters. 

“As a former professional dog trainer and the co-founder of dogsblog.com (which has helped more than 60,000 rescue dogs find new homes), I can safely say, adopting a dog is one of the very best things I've ever done in my life.’’

British company Bark & Birchl has expanded its dog services into several new territories, including Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Hong Kong.

The company will also incrtease its European presence to include France and Germany this year.

The move strengthens the brand’s global reach across the world and follows the official launch of Bark & Birch in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in December 2021.

CEO Nick Rijniers said: “2022 was always going to be a huge year for Bark & Birch. Expanding into Australia, New Zealand and Asia is huge for us, and we have already started recruiting for staff and dog trainers in these areas.

“We have always had the goal of becoming the biggest dog services company across the world and we are thrilled to be expanding into these territories.”

Nick is only 28 and has managed to lead the company to global success in two short years, turning over $8 million dollars in the second year of business. The company is predicted to be valued at $100 million in 2022 after a further investment round.

He started his career in the Dutch Special Forces, training German and Belgian Shepherds before launching Bark & Birch in 2019 in the UK with only two members of staff. It now has over 100 staff members globally and trains over 1,000 dogs a month. The ethos of the company is to give both dogs and their owners a better life together.

The team of highly experienced dog behaviourists and ex-police/army dog handlers rehabilitate and teach basic and advanced obedience, either as part of a residential ‘Board and Train’ event or through a series of private one to one sessions.

During the Bark & Birch ‘Board and Train’ events, dogs will be boarded at the homes of their trainers, enjoying home comforts for the duration of their stay alongside their training. The company provides daily video and photo updates, as well as progress reports for owners.

The company will always strive to build customised programs around each dog, knowing that every dog is unique and different.

The UK’s largest pet retail group, Pets at Home, has seen a 5.8% increase in total group revenue, a reflection of its sustained momentum across its retail and veterinary operations.

With this strong continued momentum into quarter 4, Pets at Home now anticipates group underlying pre-tax profit of at least £140m.

In releasing the company’s quarter 3 trading update yesterday (Wednesday), group CEO Peter Pritchard said: “Our unique, omnichannel pet care strategy continues to deliver strong revenue growth, reflecting continued momentum in customer acquisition, engagement and spend as the benefits of our ongoing investment in capacity and capability really start to deliver.

“We are firmly on track to report a record year of sales and profit growth, and I am incredibly grateful to all of our fantastic colleagues and Partners across the Group for their hard work and commitment to helping us become the best pet care business in the world.

“I remain confident that the combination of our strategic investments, strength and depth of our exceptional leadership team and successful initiatives to increase operational efficiencies across the Group will underpin sustainable, long-term and profitable growth.”

Pets at Home saw a record-breaking Christmas with record sales of seasonal ranges (including My First Christmas) and the biggest ever festive period for dog grooming (90,000 dogs groomed over the festive period, including 5,500 on Christmas Eve).

Peter Pritchard is stepping down from his role as CEO in the summer, and the search for his successor is well advanced, said the company. A further announcement will be made in due course.

Jane Balmain, CEO of the Vet Group, has signalled her intention to retire from the business by Spring 2023, having re-joined Pets at Home out of retirement over three years ago to lead the successful turnaround of our veterinary operations. A search for her successor will commence shortly.

Lily’s Kitchen has launched two limited-edition ‘Be My Valentine’ recipes for the occasion – a wet dog food tray for dogs and a paté tray for cats. 

The dog food recipe is made with freshly prepared beef and responsibly sourced salmon and prawns, as well as asparagus and peas. 

The cat version is a grain-free paté recipe made with salmon, chicken, and prawns. 

Both ‘Be My Valentine’ trays are nutritionally complete and contain a blend of natural botanicals and herbs.

The products have an RRP of £1.25 per dog tray and £1.00 per cat tray. Lily’s Kitchen will donate 20p from every dog tray to Dogs Trust up to £6,000, and 20p from each cat tray to LICK up to £5,000.

A petition has been launched calling for mandatory first aid qualifications for all UK pet professionals.

Currently the likes of dog walkers, dog groomers and pet sitters do not have to carry an animal first aid certificate, leaving them and the pets they care for vulnerable.

The Safe Pets and People campaign’s aim is to highlight the fact that currently, people caring for a pet in a professional capacity do not have to hold a first aid qualification, and urges the government to make the courses mandatory.

Endorsed by the RSPCA, The Groomers Spotlight and Street Paws, the campaign is led by national qualification provider – the iPET Network – which has launched a training payback scheme to help people make their businesses safer.

RSPCA head vet Jocelyn Toner said: “We advise that all professional dog walkers should have first aid training and we’d be supportive of any campaign to roll this out to include all individuals who work within the pet industry.

“Simple first aid skills could save a pet’s life or ensure an animal receives immediate care before they’re able to see a vet and we think it’s a wonderful idea that the Safe Pets and People Campaign wants all pet professionals - from groomers to breeders - to have basic first aid training.”

There are many competent pet first aid courses out there, and campaigners say that it doesn't matter which course learners choose, as long as they get the knowledge they need to act quickly in an emergency.

Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty of iPET Network, said: "We have worked as pet professionals for a long time, and regulation is an issue which constantly comes up.

"In the broader sense, this is the reason why we started iPET Network, which offers Ofqual regulated qualifications for dog groomers and other pet professionals.

"First aid is not an expensive course, and it doesn't have to be an iPET Network course that you do, we are not saying that and this isn't about selling our courses or making money.

"We are doing this because time and again we hear stories from our industries where something should have been done sooner, which really isn't good enough when people place their pets in your care.

"We think that people will be surprised to learn that pet professionals don't currently have to have first aid training, and we are so pleased that organisations like the RSPCA are getting behind us."

They added: "First aid training doesn't have to just be for pet professionals too. All dog owners would benefit from the confidence boosting knowledge that knowing what to do in an emergency gives."

Rachel Bean RVN and canine first aid course creator, said: "When we send our dogs to visit a professional, we are putting our trust in the staff that work there.

"Businesses are risking damage to their reputations, injuries and unwanted pressure by not stepping up, and leveling up their skills.

"I am so excited that the Safe Pets and People campaign is making this stand and campaigning for change. And I hope that others will join me in supporting this brilliant cause."

People can sign the petition at:  https://www.change.org/p/uk-parliament-mandatory-first-aid-qualifications-for-all-uk-pet-professionals

Latest research from the Royal Veterinary College has revealed the true scale of cherry eye, a condition which results in the appearance of a large pink mass in the corner of a dog’s eye. The study also identified the breeds most at risk of developing the condition, including English Bulldogs and popular crossbreeds, such as the Puggle.

Taking its name from the pink mass that appears from the inner corner of the dog’s eye, the cherry eye condition clinically known as Prolapsed Nictitating Membrane Gland, is a result of the gland on the inner side of the third eyelid prolapsing, becoming red and swollen and covering part of the eye. If left untreated, the condition can cause discomfort and lead to complications such as dry eye, conjunctivitis and eye ulceration. Surgery is usually required to treat the condition and reposition the affected gland. The sudden appearance of this large mass protruding from their dog’s eye is very alarming to many owners.

Led by the RVC’s VetCompass Programme, the study was the largest exploration of cherry eye in dogs in the world. The research team followed the anonymised veterinary health records of 905,553 dogs for a year and identified that 0.20% (1,802 dogs) were affected by this condition. However, some breeds, and especially those that are flat-faced (brachycephalic), were at much higher risk.

Some breeds showed significantly high proportions of dogs affected with cherry eye each year: Neapolitan Mastiffs (4.9%), English Bulldogs (4.8%), Lhasa Apsos (1.6%) and American Cocker Spaniels (1.5%). Importantly, some popular designer breeds of flat-faced dogs were also hugely affected, such as the Puggle (Pug x Beagle) (2.1%) and Jug (Jack Russell Terrier x Pug) (1.2%), suggesting the recent craze for designer crossbreeds does not eliminate health issues associated with the parental pure breeds.

Additional key findings from the study include:

• One in every 500 dogs (0.20%) overall in the UK suffer from cherry eye every year
• The average age at first diagnosis of cherry eye was 0.6 years
• Brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs had 6.9 times the risk of cherry eye compared with dogs with medium skull length
• Seventeen breeds showed increased risk of cherry eye compared with crossbred dogs. The breeds with the highest risk included Neapolitan Mastiff (x 34.3), English Bulldog (x 24.1), Lhasa Apso (x 12.4), American Cocker Spaniel (x 11.6), Puggle (x 9.5), Great Dane (x 6.2), Saint Bernard (x 5.3) and Jug (x 5.2)
• Sixteen breeds showed reduced risk of cherry eye compared with crossbred dogs. The breeds with the lowest risk included German Shepherd Dog (x 0.03), West Highland White Terrier (x 0.06), English Springer Spaniel (x 0.07), Labrador Retriever (x 0.12) and Lurcher (x 0.12)
• Purebred dogs had 1.4 times the risk of developing cherry eye compared with crossbred dogs
• Dogs aged under 1 year were at greatest risk of cherry eye (x 10.8) compared with dogs aged from 2 to under 4 years.

These findings provide valuable insight into the strong links between this important condition with specific breeds and can also help owners of high-risk breeds to identify the problem and seek appropriate veterinary care. Awareness of the link between the flat-faced (brachycephalic) skull shape of many breeds and the likelihood of these dogs developing cherry eye can also help the general public when deciding on which breed they should purchase.

Dr Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor in Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC and lead author of the paper, said: “Given that humans designed dog breeds in the first place, we all carry a heavy responsibility to constantly improve our designs to breed away from poor health for these dogs. The hugely increased risks of cherry eye in popular flat-faced breeds such as English Bulldogs suggests that we have some way to go before we can consider many flat-faced breeds as designed for optimal health.”

“The findings from this study will hopefully help prospective owners make better informed choices when purchasing a dog. We urge all would-be dog owners to follow advice from the UK Brachycephalic Working Group to ‘stop and think before buying a flat-faced dog’.”

Dr Minna Mustikka, Senior Veterinary Ophthalmology Resident in training at the RVC Queen Mother Hospital for Animals and co-author of the paper, said: “Cherry eye, if left untreated, may lead to other chronic eye problems, necessitating even lifelong medications and in worst case scenario, resulting in painful and potentially sight threatening complications. Raising awareness of this condition and it’s frequency in flat faced breeds is essential.”

Bill Lambert, Health, Welfare and Breeder Services Executive at The Kennel Club, commented: “This research, funded in part by The Kennel Club Charitable Trust VetCompass grant, helps us understand the prevalence of cherry eye in particular breeds. We hope to be able to use this evidence base to continue to work with each breed to identify areas of concern and closely collaborate to find steps that can be taken to improve the health of affected dogs. Using information and research in this way is invaluable in our work to make a difference to the lives of dogs and their owners.”

BVA President Justine Shotton, said: “This important study offers strong evidence linking certain breed types with a higher predisposition to cherry eye. It is of particular interest to see a significant correlation between skull length and cherry eye, meaning that flat-faced breeds such as English Bulldogs are at increased risk of developing this condition. We hope the research helps better understand and address the health and welfare impacts resulting from brachycephaly.

“Anyone concerned about their dogs’ eye health should always consult their vet for advice.”

Premium raw food company Rawgeous has developed a range of tasty recipes to help keep dogs fit and healthy during the winter months.

The team at Rawgeous believes it is vitally important to exercise dogs in the colder months and to feed a good diet to improve immune systems and protect the joints, coat and skin.

Lorraine Sweeney, co founder of Rawgeous Pet Food alongside business partner Eoin Sweeny, said: “We believe that one of the best ways to feed your dog is on a raw diet because not only are you feeding it what it would have eaten in the wild avoiding any intolerances and allergies that processed and commercial foods can sometime bring, but you are also controlling the protein content and portion size.”

Rawgeous raw dog food recipes include only the highest quality human grade, cuts of tasty Irish prime meat together with the freshest veggies, seaweed, an organic Kefir probiotic which works to maintain a healthy gut and six different omega oils. 

Rawgeous Pet Food was the first in Ireland to be 100% traceable from the farm of origin to the dog’s bowl. It is still the only pet food in Ireland that tests every single batch before it leaves its licensed premises to ensure the highest standards. 

Dog owners can choose from a wide variety of meat and fish complete meals or boxes of 12 sausages in a 41 g size which makes feeding the raw diet easier and helps to maintain portion size. This is particularly important when feeding smaller dogs as it avoids wastage. 

The brand’s packaging is sustainable  and 100% plastic free. 

For further information visit: www.rawgeouspetfood.com

Leading dog health and wellbeing company, The Dog Doctors has launched two new products designed to support dog’s paws, skin and coat during the winter months.

Using their experience from within the pet industry and investing in high quality natural ingredients which are 100% cruelty free, veterinary grade and BRC Certified, they have developed a new Paw Butter and Coconut Wash Dry Shampoo for dogs.

During the winter months it is vitally important to look after your dog’s paws. This can be done by wiping and drying the paws and keeping the fur short between the pads to avoid salt getting in there during icy and snowy conditions. The Dog Doctors Paw Balm will moisturise your pets paws and help avoid cracked and painful skin conditions that can occur during these times. The Dog Doctor’s natural Paw Balm is infused with nourishing sweet almond oil, olive wax and Lavender essential oils. The balm is designed to absorb quickly to leave dry areas feeling smooth and moisturised. Use post walks for maximum happiness!  RRP £13.99

The new Coconut Wash Dry Shampoo is a hassle free way of keeping a coat clean during the winter months. It is a fantastic alternative for those in a rush and needing a quick freshen up for their dogs without the hassle of the bath or bucket! It is perfect for all breeds, sizes and coat conditions. It cleans, conditions and detangles. It also repairs, strengthens and enhances shine and is puppy and sensitive skin friendly. It is Paraben and SLS free, contains no alcohol, is100% natural, cruelty-free and comes with a full satisfaction guarantee. RRP £9.99

For further information on any of The Dog Doctor’s range visit: www.thedogdoctors.co.uk for trade enquiries Email:daniel@thedogdoctors.co.uk

A Southampton pet superstore has launched a weight loss initiative called The Lean Club in a bid to help its customers’ pets maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The Healthy Pet Store in Totton is inviting dog owners to sign up to the three-month health and fitness programme.

The programme involves regular weigh-ins, expert advice and rewards for owners and their dogs. Members will receive advice on meals, portion size and exercise.

Pet firms will get the chance to find out more about future export opportunities at the Future for International Trade Conference, jointly organised by PetQuip at the Stratford Manor Hotel on March 17.

The agenda for the event has been confirmed, together with its keynote speaker, Shelley Boyle, Head of Business Development at online retailer, ManoMano.  

This popular event is sponsored by three of the leading trade associations in the garden and leisure, pet product and home enhancement sectors – Gardenex, PetQuip and BHETA – and this year special measures are being put in place to ensure the venue and the day’s activities are Covid-safe.

The afternoon break will be followed by the keynote address from Shelley Boyle of ManoMano.  The conference closes at 5.15 pm.

Director General of Gardenex and PetQuip, Amanda Sizer Barrett confirmed: “The Future for International Trade conference is always a lively and informative occasion focussing on retail trends in international markets, the practicalities of export logistics, compliance and the inspiring case studies by some of the UK’s leading exporters.   It’s all about helping UK companies navigate their best routes to secure international sales, especially in a changed world post-Brexit and with the ongoing impact of the pandemic.” 

BHETA’s Chief Operating Officer, Will Jones commented, “There is already significant industry interest in this top-level export conference thanks to the quality of the agenda and the insights, inspiration and practical advice that the speakers will give delegates.  As joint organisers and sponsors, BHETA, Gardenex and Petquip are working with the venue to ensure that all necessary safeguards are put in place vis a vis Covid to ensure that the conference is secure and both speakers and delegates can enjoy it with confidence.” 

Places at the conference can be obtained by contacting any of the organisers.  Contact Gardenex or PetQuip by emailing katie-mai@petquip.com; or visit www.gardenex.com.  Contact BHETA by emailing zm@bheta.co.uk or visit www.bheta.co.uk.   Members of Gardenex, PetQuip, CHA and BHETA can secure a preferential delegate rate of £69 per person at the conference. The event is also open to non-members at £149 per person (both plus VAT).   

The Future for International Trade Conference will be operating as a Covid -secure event and all guests are required to provide a Covid vaccination certificate (downloadable from the NHS app https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/) prior to arrival. Anyone unable to provide a certificate in advance will need to provide evidence of a negative Lateral Flow Test (taken no more than 24 hours before the event) on arrival at the venue.  This policy will be updated as necessary in line with any change to Government guidelines.

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The British Independent Retailers Association has revealed that 50% of its traders are still nervous about the restrictions being lifted by the government.

In a poll sent to all its members, it was an even split between the traders on if they were happy or not with the plans, while 55% believed the restrictions being lifted would increase footfall and confidence in the high street. 

Since the announcements, 84% of members however believed they hadn’t seen a noticeable increase in foot traffic since the news was released that Plan A was set to be put into place.

Over 60% of Bira traders however were adamant they would be keeping themselves, and their staff, masked in the shop, while 43% would still be asking customers to wear face coverings if they could.

Bira's CEO Andrew Goodacre said: "There is certainly still some nervousness around the restrictions being lifted. Shop owners are uncertain as they want to protect employees and customers.
 
“It is a positive sign to see the Omicron wave abating, and we hope that this continues once the restrictions are lifted.

“We now are looking for certainty for our future that our retailers will get support from the government to recover, and that more changes aren’t brought in again in the future.”

A woman received a 21-day prison sentence after admitting stealing from a pet shop.

Forty-one-year-old Michelle Parkyn appeared before Truro Magistrates’ Court, charged with two counts of theft from The Pet Centre in Newquay.

Parkyn, of Grovenor Avenue, Newquay, visited the store in June last year and stole goods of an unknown value. She returned the next day and this time took goods worth £200.

After changing an initial plea of not guilty, Parkyn admitted to the offences and was handed a 21-day prison sentence. She was also given a Criminal Behaviour Order lasting two years, and ordered to pay costs of £200.

Farmer and television presenter Jimmy Doherty has accepted an exciting new role as the Chancellor of Writtle University College in Essex. He will take over from the outgoing Chancellor, Baroness Jenkin of Kennington.

The Chancellorship is an unfunded honorary role with the holder acting as the ceremonial head of the institution, presiding at major events in the University College year such as graduations and prizegivings. 

Jimmy is a long-standing advocate of putting science into practice, he gained a degree in animal biology and a PhD in ecological entomology before launching his own farming career. 

In 2003, Jimmy created The Essex Pig Company with the aim of using traditional, free-range meat production practices to rear endangered British breeds and, in 2016, became the Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s youngest president to date. 

He has worked with the BBC and Channel 4 to educate the public on food production, animals and the agriculture sector. Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park in Suffolk features over 80 species and breeds from crocodiles, camels and capybara to pigs, and guinea pigs 

Jimmy said: “I am delighted to join Writtle in this role – we share the same passion for developing opportunities for young people to enter the industry and I look forward to work with the University College, not only in the ceremonial aspects of the role, but also in developing exciting opportunities to extend their learning through research, work experience and community projects."

Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Middleton said; “We would like to thank our Founding Chancellor Baroness Jenkin of Kennington for her outstanding support over the last five years, at a pivotal time in the University College’s history. 

“We’re delighted to announce that Jimmy Doherty will be our next Chancellor. Jimmy embodies Writtle University College’s values and has a long-standing commitment to conservation, agriculture and education. We look forward to working together to ‘put science into practice’.” 

Writtle University College shares Jimmy’s commitment to conservation and animal welfare. Since its founding in 1893, the University College has grown from its land-based roots to offering further and higher education courses in animal science and management, sport science, floristry and equine courses, in addition to agriculture and horticulture programmes of study. 

The University College’s countryside campus estate is just two miles from the city of Chelmsford. Learning spaces include state-of-the-art animal physiotherapy equipment and a welfare-focused unit that cares for species ranging from rabbits and reptiles to alpacas, emus and wallabies. 

The estate is also home to a specialist equine campus and the UK’s only on-campus horse stud, as well as a working farm, extensive sports facilities, laboratories and research greenhouses. 

The University College is rated good by Ofsted and, in 2021, received the highest student satisfaction scores in East Anglia in the National Student Survey (NSS 2021 Taught Data). 

For more information visit writtle.ac.uk. 

A Pets at Home store in Essex had to temporarily close its Vets4Pets department after a fire broke out on the premises.

Firefighters tackled the blaze, which was believed to have been started by a piece of electrical equipment being charged overnight.

No animals were hurt in the fire at the Pets at Home store on the Colne View Retail Park in Colchester.

A room where the fire started suffered significant fire damage but the remainder of the building remained intact.

A spokesperson for the Fire Brigade said: “We would encourage everyone to supervise electrical items while charging.”

With 8.9 million UK households owning a dog and more people than ever searching for alternative exercises methods, could our canine friend also be the perfect exercise partner?  

Athletic apparel retailer lululemon analysed a variety of metrics, including the cost of each breed alongside the types of run they would be suited to, as well as the dog’s temperament, size, life span, friendliness, trainability, popularity and living requirements.

Alongside this, they worked with City Dog Expert founder Kimberly Marie Freeman who gave her top tips for working out with your dog safely.  

Golden Retrievers are not only one of the most popular dog breeds in the UK with an incredible 8,653 registered in the UK in 2020, but their friendly, intelligent, and energetic temperament also makes them ideal running companions. These loyal dogs enjoy long and steady runs and are some of most trainable of all of the dog breeds. 

The Golden Retrievers’ friendly attitude towards strangers is a bonus for those running in crowded areas, where there will be interactions with other runners and dog walkers. Costing an average of just £740, they are also one of the more affordable dog breeds, although their unequivocal devotion is priceless.  

Not only does running help maintain your dog’s weight and improve muscle tone, but it also provides mental stimulation and an outlet for their energy. As certain breeds can tolerate different conditions and more strenuous exercise than others, it’s important to be mindful of your dog’s capabilities. Always have your veterinarian perform a physical check-up to ensure running is a safe activity for your dog prior to starting. 

You can find the full story here: https://www.lululemon.co.uk/en-gb/c/community/hubs/run/the-best-dog-breeds-for-running

American pet supplies company Worldwise has acquired Kitty Sift an innovative leader in the highly consumable cat litter and accessories segment.

Kitty Sift is a branded leader in the North American eco-sustainable cat litter and accessories space, providing creative supply chain solutions to both eCommerce-centric businesses and omni-channel brick and mortar retailers.  

Its patented eco-friendly, no-scoop disposable litter box has been recognised by the Pet Business Industry Recognition Awards and the Pet Care Innovation Network in 2021 as one of the most innovative pet care products in the industry.  

Worldwise, headquartered in Novato, CA, is one of the leading platforms in the pet supplies market.

Worldwise offers retailers a complete, branded one-stop-shop solution that serves the majority of pet supply merchandising needs and provides high-quality, thoughtful, fun, and eco-sustainable products that address both the joys and challenges of pet parenthood.  

Picking a puppy name can almost be as tricky as naming a baby and whilst the moniker we choose may be sentimental - or in many cases selected by our children - when it comes to naming your new companion, it’s useful to know the most – and least – popular names to choose from.

In wake of the news that Stacey Solomon has recently expanded her brood with the addition of rescue puppy Teddy, one of the world’s leading animal insurers - Agria Pet Insurance - has shared the 2021 pet names and trends that have shot up the charts.

Over the last five years, puppy names in the UK’s top ten have largely stayed consistent with Bella, Willow, Daisy and Lola leading the charge for female pets, whilst Teddy, Milo, Buddy and Reggie maintain the top spots for male dogs.

At the other end of the scale, female names with the biggest fall from grace include Roxi, Libby and Peach, in addition to male names Spike, Nacho and Alan.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, 2020 saw the rise of COVID-themed names with Corona and Covid entering the charts and although these failed to appear in 2021, new additions to the list include Pfizer and Zeneca.

Interestingly, Boris’s fame as a pet name was to be short-lived, with the moniker experiencing a 39 per cent drop year-on-year. However, Captain Tom Moore has secured a sentimental place in the nation’s heart with the name’s Captain and Tom rising in popularity. In fact, there were over 1000 per cent more puppies named Captain and over 350 per cent more named Tom registered in 2021 compared to pre-pandemic! 

Fashion brands have historically been a female puppy name favourite, and this year is no different. However, there has been a notable shift in the most-chosen luxury label. 2021 appears to be Fendi’s time in the spotlight as, although zero puppies received the name in 2020, 48 were listed in 2021. The fashion house takes the mantle from Chanel, which fell in popularity from 28 puppies in 2020, to zero in 2021.

Space-themed names have also seen a comeback, with names such as Rover, which experienced a 60 per cent uplift year on year.

Tom Vaughan, Head of Marketing at Agria Pet Insurance, said: “It’s fascinating to see the shift in pet names each year and the impact popular culture and every day life can have on the names we give to our family pets. Like we often see with baby names, there will always be ‘classic’ big names that appear on the list, but the pandemic appears to have had a significant role to play in this all-important decision over the last few years – as we can see with not just virus or vaccination-themed names, but through people that have made a lasting impression on society, too.”

Top 10 male puppy names:

1. Teddy
2. Milo
3. Buddy
4. Puppy
5. Reggie
6. Cooper
7. Loki
8. Max
9. Charlie
10. Bailey

Top 10 female puppy names:

1. Bella
2. Willow
3. Daisy
4. Lola
5. Ruby
6. Poppy
7. Rosie
8. Mabel
9. Bonnie
10. Nala

For more information, visit: https://www.agriapet.co.uk/

A pet firm owner intends to use investment secured after appearing on the BBC hit series Dragons’ Den to fast track the growth of her business.

Rebecca Sloan appeared in the Den earlier this month and managed to persuade the newest Dragon, Steven Bartlett, to part with £50,000 in return for a 20% stake in her company.

Canadian-born animal lover Rebecca unveiled her Piddle Patch product in the Den, and received four investment offers as the Dragons were impressed with the soil-free, real-grass toilet for dogs.

“Steven’s investment will allow us to fast track the growth of Piddle Patch, as well as launch a number of new products currently in development,” said Rebecca. “Steven’s advice, guidance, social media and marketing expertise will be invaluable and I am delighted to be working with him.”

Piddle Patch is an intuitive way to house-train dogs, teaching them to only toilet on grass and not on textiles.  This helps to reduce accidents in the home and speeds up the house-training process.  It’s the ideal solution for toilet-training a puppy, for dogs without easy access to an outdoor space, or for owners looking after a poorly or incontinent pet.

Piddle Patch is a natural alternative to puppy pads which are mass-produced plastic products and can take up to 500 years to degrade in landfill.  Piddle Patch grass is 100% biodegradable and its packaging can be recycled.

The product is grown in recycled textiles, instead of soil, to produce a longer lasting grass with a thick root system. It prevents muddy paw prints from being tracked into the home.  The grass is grown and harvested in the UK, without the use of chemicals or pesticides, and delivered direct to the door on a subscription basis, or as a one-off purchase.  

Rebecca added: “The inspiration for Piddle Patch came during a visit to the park. The dogs were happy to be in their natural environment and the stress associated with toilet time melted away because the dogs knew instinctively where to do their business. When house training a dog, it makes sense to teach them to behave as they would in the outside world – and so Piddle Patch was born.”

Steven Bartlett is the latest, and youngest-ever entrepreneur to join Dragons’ Den. The 29-year-old replaced Tej Lalvani on the 19^th season of the hit BBC programme. He is founder of Social Chain, a marketing agency worth over £50 million.

Rebecca’s appearance on Dragons’ Den can be viewed on BBC iPlayer by clicking here. She enters the Den after 43 minutes of the programme.

A South coast husband-and-wife team currently running a pet store and grooming business has embarked on an ambitious plan to offer a nationwide same-day-delivery service.

Kerry and Shaun Bennett, owners of Poole Raw Pet Food and Dogs & Mogs Pet Spa, are offering independent pet stores across the UK the chance to be a part of this new venture.

Same Day Pet Products UK, described by the couple as a multi-vendor store run on similar lines to Deliveroo, launched on Monday. 

Pet stores can sign up to the online platform and advertise their products to local customers for a fee of £350 per year. Any orders will then be delivered by Same Day Pet Products drivers.

Shaun said: “We take a commission of 15% on each order but we think that is a realistic and fair price. 

“We are currently recruiting self-employed drivers nationwide, and they will receive £4.50 per delivery. Since each delivery is within 10 miles of a store we are encouraging people to shop locally with the convenience of same day delivery to their home.”

As consumer buying patterns have changed during the pandemic, Kerry and Shaun believe their model has great potential.

For pet shops interested in becoming part of the Same Day Pet Products, they should contact Shaun on info@samedaypetproducts.com

A shop assistant has won her unfair dismissal case against an Essex pet shop.

Leigh Best was sacked from her job at Embark on Raw in Whitesbridge Farm Industrial Estate near Billericay, in May of 2020.

An employment tribunal was told that Leah Best had raised fears about covid-19 safety protocols.

She was employed from 29 January 2019 until her dismissal on 11 May 2020 on a ‘zero hours’ contract although she regularly worked ’full time’ hours every week. She claimed she was dismissed for reasons relating to her conduct briefly summarised as rude and confrontational communication with co-workers and managers. 

However, the tribunal decided that she was dismissed for the principal reason that she made protected disclosures, sometimes called whistleblowing, during the early part of the covid-19 pandemic of March-May 2020. 

A future hearing will take place on January 31 at which compensation to Mrs Best will be announced.

A full account of the case can be found by clicking here.

Natures Menu featured on Channel 4’s popular Food Unwrapped programme looking into healthy habits for the new year. 

Presenter Matt Tebbutt was guided around Natures Menu’s Snetterton factory by Technical Manager, Richard Hindley. Following the ‘Country Hunter Raw Nuggets – Chicken and Salmon with Superfoods’ production line, viewers were given a behind-the-scenes glimpse of how the complete and balanced dog food is made.

Broadcasting to 1.3 million viewers across the country, the episode communicated the reported benefits of feeding a raw food diet, as well as clearly showing the high-end ingredients that are used at Natures Menu.

Following the visit, Matt Tebbutt joined Natures Menu on The Pupcast, stating: “I was genuinely blown away by the quality of the ingredients and the process that goes into making the product – the pallets of whole salmon, fresh looking vegetables and high-quality ingredients that were being turned into pet food was extremely interesting.”

Technical Manager at Natures Menu, Richard Hindley, who appeared in the episode, said: “It was a fantastic experience welcoming Matt and the team to the factory and rewarding to see how well received the products are that we make at Natures Menu. We’re delighted that the reported benefits of a raw food diet were communicated throughout the ‘Healthy New Year’ show, as well as the impactful imagery used of the nutritious ingredients that go straight into our food.”

You can watch the show back on All4 and listen in to Matt’s appearance on The Pupcast on Spotify, Acast and iTunes.

Nationwide pet retailer Jollyes is pushing ahead with ambitious growth plans after seeing sales surge to a record high, including its busiest Christmas Eve when dog owners rushed out to buy presents for furry family members. 

In the half year to 30 November, revenue increased to £42 million, a 12.5 per cent rise in like-for-like sales against a year earlier and by 30 per cent the same period in 2019.  

The latest results indicate the UK has still not reached ‘Peak Dog’ as Britain became a nation of pandemic pet parents.  

December sales broke all company records, including a surge in demand for dog toys – reflecting the broader trend for “humanisation”, as dogs, cats and other animals are treated like companions amid growing awareness of the mental health benefits of keeping pets. 

Jollyes is building on its success with plans to open 20 new stores in the next 12 months and looking for more acquisitions following the successful purchase of two businesses in 2021 which took the total number of stores to over 70 for the first time. 

It is also investing in its existing store portfolio, in new product ranges, marketing and in recruitment and training to reinforce its position as “The Pet People”. 

Key business highlights: 

• Acquired Yorkshire-based The Pet Store in October 2021 with three stores at Barnsley, Denby Dale and Wakefield, and bought Bannerbrook Pets in Coventry in November. 
• Moved into a new store at Warmley, Bristol, replacing the existing store at Longwell Green, and relocated stores at Newtonabbey, Northern Ireland, to Glengormley and Cadbury Garden Centre in Congresbury, Somerset. 
• Gave makeovers to stores at Totton, Wakefield and North Harbour as part of the portfolio investment programme. 
• Continued investment in its online offer at www.jollyes.co.uk to bring a nationwide delivery on over 6,000 key items, integrating with a full click-and-collect service through its store network. 
• Launched a recruitment drive for 150 young people to get their dream job working with animals and invested in training to build on its reputation for expert advice. 

Key sales highlights 

• Footfall hit a record high in December. 
• Membership of Jollyes’ PetCLUB rewards scheme rose by over 20 per cent. 
• Sales of its exclusive, high quality Lifestage dog food rose by 60 per cent. 
• Continued trends in pet food that saw the combination of wet & dry purchases, and acceleration in frozen food raw feeding. 
• Top Lifestage choice for dog owners was the brand’s salmon grain free recipe, beating the Turkey Grain variety at Christmas.   
• Year-on-year growth in dog treats hit all-time highs with products like Natural Antlers doubling in sales. 
• Almost a quarter of sales in December came from products new to Jollyes. 
• Stores also supported local dog and re-homing charities, donating 10,000 meals for free. 

Backed by Kester Capital, Jollyes has 20 new store openings in the pipeline over the next 18 months, including important growth in Scotland and Wales. 

In the first half of 2022, Jollyes will open new Scottish stores in Edinburgh, Glenrothes and Stirling, a new Welsh store in Wrexhamand as part of its investment in Northern Ireland, opening a new store in Cookstown next month. 

In England, it will open new locations in Brislington (Bristol) and Stockton on Tees. 

It has cemented its relationships with existing suppliers, to develop new and extended ranges, such as its Lifestage dog food supplied by Mackle Petfoods of County Armagh, widening the availability of frozen yoghurt made by Belfast-based Frozzys and introducing dog beds from Dublin-based Beddies. 

Richard Cotter, executive chairman of Jollyes, said: “To come through the pandemic and all of the challenges it has presented to retailers in such good shape is testimony to the hard work of everyone at the business. 

“The tremendous half year sales and record December numbers show how much customers appreciate the work we’ve done to develop our ranges and invest in our people. 

“We’re well placed to push ahead with our ambitious growth and investment plans with an exciting pipeline of new stores and refurbishments, and keen looking for acquisition opportunities across the UK.” 

Among the top performing stores during the half year were Enniskillen, Skegness, Maidstone and Gloucester all delivering like for like growth of over 30 per cent compared to the prior year.

Blackburn-based pet food, healthcare and accessories manufacturer Pets Choice has submitted a planning application for a new warehouse, industrial unit and shop at its Lower Philips Road base on the Whitebirk Industrial Estate.

The proposed expansion follows the recent acquisition of The Hatchwell Company, also based in Blackburn, and will allow the company to further enhance its manufacturing capabilities in the region and anticipates the creation of 60 new jobs.

Tony Raeburn, CEO of Pets Choice, said: “Only two years ago we opened our 65,000 sq ft new state-of-the-art production facilities in Blackburn. The company has continued to grow substantially so we are pleased to have submitted this planning application to build additional new facilities on the Whitebirk Industrial Estate.

“This expansion will allow for us to expand our manufacturing capabilities in the UK and the opportunity to create more jobs in Blackburn.

“We have a number of top selling pet products in the UK and need to expand our facilities in order to increase manufacturing capacity.

“Should the planning be approved, we hope to break ground on the expansion project this year.”

Pets Choice has grown from strength to strength in recent years, following significant growth of its owned brands, increased private label manufacturing and following a number of acquisitions bringing its portfolio of brands to 14.

This application seeks planning permission for a new 120,000 square foot warehouse with three-storey offices in addition to a new access road.

This will support the company’s ambitions to be more sustainable, reducing transport of its products and subsequently reduce its carbon dioxide emissions, whilst also providing new full-time jobs within the local area.