|
|
Amazon has been criticised by a leading welfare organisation in the UK for choosing a picture of a single rabbit to promote the pet side of its business.
A two-year-old female Mini Lop rabbit from Worcester called Effie has been crowned the 'Face of Amazon Pets' following a nationwide hunt to find official models for the company's pets store.
But Rae Todd, of the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund, said the company had missed an opportunity to promote responsible pet care.
“Effie is absolutely adorable and I am sure much loved by her owners,” said Rae. “It is great to see rabbits being included in the competition and being chosen above the usually more popular dogs and cats.
“It does seem like an opportunity lost however, not just for welfare, but for the retailer themselves, that the face of Amazon Pets is a single rabbit and not a pair. Companionship is vital to rabbits' health and welfare and it is important to keep that message going by showing rabbits in pairs or groups. It's particularly timely as we have just finished Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW), where the theme was #buddiesforbunnies.
“All RAW Partners have been promoting the importance of companionship for rabbits, because solitary rabbits suffer terribly. I am sure that Amazon would want to promote the best welfare possible to their customers.
“As always, good welfare is good business as two rabbits eat more hay and nuggets, need more bedding, use more toys etc, so they could have used this to the advantage of their sellers.”
The company’s competition to find the ‘Face of Amazon Pets’ drew in animal owners across the country, posting over 28,000 photos of their pets online.
Seven finalists – Effie the rabbit, Bob the dog, Scrappy the cat, Harry the pony, Sammy the bird, Rango the reptile and Arin the fish – were then voted for by customers.
They were then invited to a London studio where they were photographed and filmed for a 'Petwalk', modelling pet products available at the online retailer.
Amazon Pet Store manager Melis Del Rey said: “We’re delighted to add Effie and the other six finalists to the list of gorgeous pets set for internet stardom and want to thank all of the many entrants for taking part in our competition.”
But Rae Todd added: “As you know, rabbits are not as easy to care for properly as people often imagine. I note that one of the judges is actually the category leader for pets so it seems a bit mystifying that they would not only be out of date with welfare advice, but also miss a commercial opportunity!”
 |
|
|
|
City centre pet shop to close after nearly 70 years
A pet shop in Oxford has closed its doors for the last time after nearly 70 years in the city's Covered Market. High rents, high business rates, and the emergence of two Pets at Home stores on the outskirts of the city have been blamed for the closure.
A pet shop in Oxford has closed its doors for the last time after nearly 70 years in the city's Covered Market.
High rents, high business rates, the Westgate redevelopment and the emergence of two Pets at Home supermarkets on the outskirts of the city have led to Price's Pet Supplies closing down.
The Covered Market unit has been a pet shop since 1947 when it was opened as Levett's Pet Shop.
Yvonne Winters, who has owned the shop with her sister Jean Reeve, since 2004 said it was a very sad decision to have to make.
She said: "We have some fantastic memories and have met some wonderful people and it's incredibly sad to have to shut the shop.
"When our rents went up 16.% four years ago we knew it would be tough and with the threat of another increase next year we can't keep the business going."
The 66-year-old added: "Ultimately it's because of the lack of footfall – and it has got worse since the start of this year. It seems people have stopped coming into the city centre.
"The emergence of Pets at Home in Botley and Cowley hasn't helped either, as people now tend to drive there and do larger shops rather than coming to us."
She said the shop had become a meeting place and point of contact for the city's pet owning community. "It has not only been a pet shop; it has also been a hub for pet owners.
"People come in and have a cup of tea and a chat, and occasionally, when their pets have passed away, they come for support."
|
|
New pet exhibition goes ahead at change of venue
Leading companies Collarways, Fish4Dogs and Symply Petfood are among a number of firms supporting a new pet exhibition where they will be able to present their products to the British media...
Leading companies Collarways, Fish4Dogs and Symply Petfood are among a number of firms supporting a new pet exhibition where they will be able to present their products to the British media.
Organiser Guy Burtenshaw, of Media-Events, admitted it had been a challenge to launch the Pet Press Event but felt confident that it would grow into a highly successful show.
The first Pet Press Event takes place at the Congress Centre, 28 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS, next Thursday (July 7th).It will be combined with the Home Press Event.
"We have discovered there are many crossovers with lifestyle journalists writing about both subjects, so we have now decided to hold both events at the same venue on the same day so that journalists and companies each make the most of their participation."
Media Events has successfully organised the Garden Press Event for 11 years , during which time the event has grown steadily. This year 295 media professionals visited the event, including all National and Sunday Newspapers, all UK Garden magazines including specialist publications, BBC Local Radio from all over the UK, TV programmes including Gardeners World, Love your Garden, Hort TV and UK Style, many syndicated writers and bloggers.
It had been planned to stage the Pet Press Event at the Barbican, the venue for the Garden Press Event. It was then switched to The London Hilton Metropole, but will now take place at the Congress Centre.
To find out more visit www.petpressevent.co.uk
|
|
Pet industry reacts to the Brexit vote
Pet Trade Xtra has been getting reaction from the garden industry following the nation's decision to leave the EU. Find out how what some of the industry's leading figures and organisations think of the dramatic turn of events...
|
|
Top European distributors have told Beco Pets, Britain's biggest manufacturer of eco-friendly pet products, it will be "business as usual" in the future despite the Brexit result.
The award-winning London-based firm exports to 43 countries and has built a healthy network of more than 20 distributors across the EU.
George Bramble, Beco's co-Founder and Sales Director, said the future was "still very bright for exporters" like his leading pet firm.
Bramble, who backed Remain, said: "We were all surprised by the result and a little saddened at Beco, but now we need to look to the future.
"We have over 20 European distributors, and we have touched base with them all saying "sorry we’re leaving", and they have only been supportive and have strongly assured us that it will be business as usual for them."
Beco has just staged the UK and European launch of its pioneering eco-conscious Food for Dogs, billed as being "better for your pet and better for the environment".
Until now, Bramble said it has been very easy to do business within the EU. "We hope this will continue," he added, "but additional admin will be a certainty in processing orders."
In the short term, the strength of the pound weakening against the Euro and US$ might lead to increased exports, he forecast.
Bramble added: "Beco has experienced great growth over the past few years, and we are forecasting for this to continue. We are confident that in an industry that is experiencing high growth, as long as British manufacturers continue to produce great products that have a strong brand story, as I believe we do at Beco Pets, then the future is still very bright for exporters.”
|
|
BVA statement on the outcome of the EU Referendum
President of the British Veterinary Association Sean Wensley said: "The UK's decision to leave the European Union will have a significant impact on matters of interest to the veterinary profession...
President of the British Veterinary Association Sean Wensley said: "The UK's decision to leave the European Union will have a significant impact on matters of interest to the veterinary profession, particularly in relation to regulation, education, and workforce planning, but also in terms of animal welfare, research, surveillance, and animal movements.
"BVA will work hard to ensure the voice of the veterinary profession is heard during the negotiation and discussions that will now begin, in order to secure the best possible outcomes for our profession and for animal health and welfare in the UK.
"The Vet Futures report provides an excellent summary of issues we need to consider in those discussions, and the Vet Futures Action Plan, due to be launched at the Vet Futures Summit on 4 July, outlines key initiatives that we need to take forward, albeit with revised timelines while the full impact of Brexit is determined.
"BVA will retain an outward looking and inclusive perspective through our relationships with international partners, including the Federation of Veterinarians for Europe (FVE), Commonwealth Veterinary Association (CVA) and World Veterinary Association (WVA) to ensure the UK veterinary profession continues to influence and engage on cross border issues such as disease surveillance, veterinary medicines and antimicrobial resistance."
|
|
PetQuip will work hard to support its exporting members
 Amanda Sizer Barrett MBE, Director General of the Gardenex and PetQuip associations, says: “Now that the British public has made its decision regarding European Union membership, the Gardenex and PetQuip associations will continue to work hard to help and support our member firms with all their export aspirations."
Amanda Sizer Barrett MBE, Director General of the Gardenex and PetQuip associations, says: “Now that the British public has made its decision regarding European Union membership, the Gardenex and PetQuip associations will continue to work hard to help and support our member firms with all their export aspirations."
"We are already best placed to support exporters, with our comprehensive range of practical export advice and information, market research and information and new international business contacts -- both within and outside the EU.
“So although there will inevitably be challenges for British companies, particularly in the shorter term as markets and countries absorb the decision, we will be working hard to provide the hands-on practical help, trade information and business introductions that British exporters in all of our sectors will need, in order to ride the uncertainty following the Referendum results and to open up new business leads and seize fresh export opportunities.
"We are fortunate that our growing body of members is innovative, entrepreneurial and pragmatic and ready to seize opportunities wherever they arise in the world. Therefore we are confident that in the longer term, British exports of garden, leisure and petcare products and services will continue to increase in established markets and develop in new territories and emerging markets around the globe.
"The Federation was in existence and helping exporters for many years prior to the UK joining the EU. Now that the decision has been made to leave, the Federation's experienced team is looking forward to supporting current British exporters and giving practical help to firms who are ready to start exporting".
Gardenex and PetQuip are trade associations that work on behalf of British companies to help their members increase sales worldwide.
|
|
Leading dog toy brand Chuckit! put its range of launchers to the test and had a ball with retailers at the Pedigree Wholesale Pet & Aquatic Trade Show – all in the name of charity.
Hosted at the Peterborough Arena and Showground on 15thJune 2016, the dog toy specialist not only exhibited its vast collections alongside over 100 other pet brands, but it also put its interactive Chuckit! Challenge to retailers in attendance, to see who could chalk up the furthest throw.
Using a variety of the best-selling launchers to throw 10 balls at bone shaped targets, with the closest target worth just one point, and the furthest target away worth four – the retailer champion that got the most amount of points from their 10 shots on the day, with a possible 40 up for grabs, won almost £300 worth of Chuckit! stock for their store as well as a £250 charitable donation made in support of Wood Green, The Animals Charity.
Winner Richard Perfitt of Harleston Pet Stores in Norfolk scored an impressive 28 points out of a possible 40 on the day - Richard commented; “The Chuckit! Challenge was brilliant fun and unlike anything we’ve seen at these events before! We’re really excited to receive our brand new range of Chuckit! stock and to be able to have funds donated on our behalf to such a worthy charity like Wood Green.”
Enabling retailers to not only compete against one another but also to physically test product quality and performance, a wide range of Sport, Pro and Ultra launchers were available to use, along with a variety of balls including Ultra Balls, Whistlers and Tennis Balls – all giving retailers an insight into the range and a chance to experience the benefits of each of the products.
Steve Brown, Managing Director of Pedigree Wholesale, comments: “It’s always impressive to see brands get creative with their exhibits, thinking of new and engaging ways to add to the trade show experience.
“The trade version of the Chuckit! Challenge definitely drew in the crowds and offered prospective stockists an interactive yet informative way to try out new products, increasing their knowledge of the Chuckit! range and improving the quality of service to better assist their customers.”
Prices start from as little as £2.99, and for more information on the brand, visit: http://chuckit-toys.co.uk. Retailers can also visit http://www.petproducts.co.uk to find out more information on stocking Chuckit!.
|
|
DogStar takes grooming to a new level
Group55 has created a new range of grooming tools under its recently launched DogStar brand to ensure all dogs look their best between trips to the groomers...
Group55 has created a new range of grooming tools under its recently launched DogStar brand to ensure all dogs look their best between trips to the groomers.
The DogStar shampoo range, which launched in September 2015, comes in five fragrances, including Honey and Shea butter and Raspberry and Vanilla and now there are four tools to complement the range.
“DogStar is a brand which doesn’t take itself too seriously, it offers a great product at an entry level price point,” said Group55 Managing Director Stephen Turner.
“The launch of our shampoos, which exceeded all expectations, has given us the confidence to roll out the range of grooming tools, which have proved to be hugely successful given the enormous interest shown at trade shows both in the UK and abroad.”
As well as a nail trimmer, which allows users to keep their dog (and themselves safe) from scratching, there’s also a flea comb and two different grooming brushes, perfect to help pamper pets.
The Slicker Brush is perfect for double coated and long haired breeds as well as those who just need a bit of pampering.
Finally, there’s the Combo Brush, which is the ultimate multi-tasker. The soft nylon bristle helps to remove any loose hair, while also massaging the skin to help stimulate natural oils which are essential in a healthy coat. On the other side the ball pins help reduce any knots and tangles, while also removing any dead and unwanted hair.
All brushes are available across the UK through retailers and distributors. For more information visit www.dogstarpet.com
|
|
|
|
|
direct to your e-mail inbox...
The best news service every week.
Subscribe for free by clicking here
|
|
Plans have been submitted for permission to convert a Northamptonshire pet shop into flats.
The application is for the proposed conversion of the ground floor commercial space into six flats at 216, Wellingborough Road, Rushden, which is the home of Pettifers Pet Shop.
The proposals are for five one-bedroom flats within the ground floor and a studio flat within the existing outbuilding.
If given the go-ahead, it is proposed that the units would be self-contained and the existing site and building access points would be retained along with the car parking area.
Documents submitted as part of the planning application state: “The proposal is to develop the existing ground floor, while making best use of the existing access points and existing window fenestration.
“It is proposed that each unit will have its own entrance door, which leads into habitable space.
“All units except one would have access via the car park area, one unit would use the existing access from Wellingborough Road.
“Each unit would have kitchen and bathroom, and most would have a separate bedroom, and all have living space."
|
|
A Llandudno pet store stepped in to save 37 abandoned guinea pigs.
They had been left in boxes outside the Pets at Home store on the Mostyn Champneys Shopping Park.
With the help of the in-store Vets4Pets, the team examined the health and wellbeing of the 38 pigs. Unfortunately it was found that one was too sick to survive and many of the males were also found wounded and injured with bites – most likely due to being kept in cramped conditions. Upon a full heath check, at least 10 females were also found to heavily pregnant.
Emma Nefield, a store colleague, took it upon herself to take up responsibility for the animals and is helping to nurse them back to full health. Emma, who works part-time at the nearby RSPCA branch, is unfortunately well accustomed to finding abandoned pets on her doorstep.
Emma said: “It’s always sad to see a situation like this but we are doing our best to care for them until we find them forever homes. Support Adoption for Pets has been kind enough to help us out and over the next few weeks many of the guinea pigs will be moved to other stores.”
Support Adoption For Pets will assist in the rehoming of at least 30 guinea pigs who will be moved to the Rhyl, Bangor, Wallasey, Queensferry and Holyhead adoption centres in an effort to find them new, loving homes.
Justine Quirk, Support Adoption For Pets said: “When we got the call from the store to explain what had happened our immediate concern was to make sure that they were all healthy and received the veterinary attention they needed. We then started to work with our local adoption centres in stores to find them room to recuperate and receive the love and attention that they deserve. Once they are given the all-clear from the vets we will be looking for permanent, forever homes for them.”
Due to the large number of guinea pigs, the team have been finding it difficult to keep track of them all so Emma has come up with a way of identifying them – by naming them after periodic table elements. So far, there has been Argon, Zinc, Copper and Nickel with many more.
Emma added: “We believe the owner has been struggling to cope with the animals due to the speed in which they breed. Guinea pigs can breed from four weeks so can quickly become a handful and take up a lot of space. When we find a home for one of our own guinea pigs, we also ensure they have a suitable enclosure waiting and are given away in same sex pairs.
“In store, we have a ‘rule of three’ where three colleagues have to have a consensus on the sex of the guinea pig we sell. That way we make sure a situation like this can be avoided. We just wish that the person who felt so overwhelmed with these guinea pigs came into store to talk to us before, so we could give advice and help.”
|
|
Nematodes will help protect dogs from lungworm disease
Lungworm disease, the potentially fatal disease for dogs contracted from slugs and snails, is spreading to virtually all areas of maintain Britain, and pet owners are now being urged to use a Nematode treatment to help protect their animals...
Lungworm disease (Angiostrongylus vasorum), the potentially fatal disease for dogs contracted from slugs and snails, is spreading to virtually all areas of maintain Britain.
Some dogs deliberately eat the parasites but they can also be ingested from foraging in undergrowth, eating grass, carrying around outside toys such as balls and rubber bones and when they infiltrate outside water and food bowls. They can also simply attach themselves to dogs’ coats.
Until now most available slug control methods are identified as being potentially harmful to dogs and other household pets. BASF’s Nemaslug system uses beneficial nematodes to seek out and destroy slugs.
This biologically secure produce produces fast and effective control and is simply watered on to plants and soil where slugs are present. There is no need to take any precautions over the treatment although dog owners should deliberately look for dead slugs and remove them.
Marc Abraham, or ‘Marc the Vet’ as he is more commonly known, explains, “Lungworm affects dogs of all ages and breed, and once infected, adult lungworms can live in their heart and the major blood vessels supplying the lungs, often causing a host of potentially serious health problems.
"Unlike many diseases, however, lungworm relies greatly on slug and snail hosts in order to grow and develop, and it's from ingesting these (or even just licking their trails or infected water from bowls left outside) that disease transmission may occur.
“So the more contact our dogs have with infected slugs and snails, the more likely this often fatal disease is rapidly spread. Lungworm can be easily prevented but if you suspect your dog is suffering from this relatively common disease (signs include weight loss, breathing difficulties, coughing), then please contact your vet immediately."
Lungworm originated in the south of England and Wales but it is now being reported throughout the Midlands and the north and is also in Scotland.
“Lungworm can be a devastating disease for dogs. We are the largest producers of beneficial nematodes in the EU and the only one in the UK, and we believe that though using nematodes to protect your garden against slugs, you can also protect your dogs from lungworm at the same time.” says Gavin Wood from BASF.
|
|
New dog fouling kit launched
Kemps-McCoy has launched a new dog fouling kit to encourage all dog owners and walkers worldwide to clean up their dog’s health...
Kemps-McCoy has launched a new dog fouling kit to encourage all dog owners and walkers worldwide to clean up their dog’s health.
Each kit contains 100 poop bags, which will biodegrade after use within 10 to 45 days if placed in a suitable environment. The kit includes a bottle of antibacterial hand gel.
The kit also features a zinc plated waistband or belt spring clip to secure a dog’s lead, leaving both hands free while cleaning up waste and closing the bag.
For more information contact Matt at info.kempsmccoy@aol.co.uk or call 07547 640587 (mob) or 01789 297762.
|
|
 PetSafe has launched its annual hydration campaign and has been asking the nation, ‘Does Your Pet Have a Drinking Problem?’
The campaign is running throughout July to raise awareness of the importance of pet hydration.
The international campaign, which is running in the US, the UK, France and Canada, aims to underline the signs of dehydration and provide useful information on how much pets need to drink.
As part of the campaign the PetSafe® brand conducted a far-reaching survey of over 1,000 pet owners in the UK asking them to consider their pets’ needs as hectic summer time activities get underway.
Reassuringly, the survey found that pets are top priority with 9 out of 10 owners saying they’ll put the needs of their furry friends first this summer, making sure their meals, hydration and exercise aren’t disrupted by the big games, BBQs, tennis or the Rio Olympics.
Wanting to do the ‘right thing’ for pets over the summer months came across clearly in the study. However, once the elusive summer sun comes out, there was confusion amongst pet owners about what the ‘right thing’ actually is – particularly when it comes to keeping pets cool and hydrated.
While 97%t of pet owners give their cats and dogs fresh water every day, over half (59%) are unsure how much water their pets actually need to keep cool and hydrated.
Uncertainty crept in over whether pets should be put outside in warm weather – or kept indoors as 15% said pets would be left outside as temperatures creep up to keep them cool.
Worryingly, almost a third (31%) admitted they couldn’t tell if their pet was dehydrated and common signs of dehydration were confused.
A staggering 81% thought panting or sweating was a sign of dehydration, which is a common misconception, and 39% also incorrectly thought whining was a sign.
Symptoms of dehydration include lethargy, sunken eyes, loss of appetite and depression. Another tell tale symptom is when pets’ gums lose moistness and become dry and sticky.
Angela Critchley, International Marketing Director, for the PetSafe brand, said: “Campaigns such as these really help get the right messaging across about hydration and using the summer activities this year was a useful hook. People generally want to do the right thing when it comes to pets’ hydration, they are just unsure what this actually is.
“There’s a lack of knowledge when it comes to pet hydration and the more advice we can give the better for owners and their pets.”
Throughout July the PetSafe brand is also running a social media campaign, showing useful information and infographics on pet hydration.
|
|
 
Skinner’s Petfoods has added two new hypoallergenic products to its Field & Trial Range – Puppy Duck & Rice and Junior Duck & Rice.
Both are specifically formulated to offer optimum nutrition from for the most crucial stages life stages through a puppy’s development into young adulthood.
Skinners Field & Trial Puppy Duck & Rice is completely hypoallergenic for puppies with sensitivities or allergies and can be fed from weaning up to approximately nine months of age (depending on the breed).
Feeding Skinner’s Field & Trial Puppy Duck & Rice is the perfect way of ensuring that your puppy receives all the proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and oils which are essential for steady growth.
As well as containing MOS (Mannan Oligosaccharide), a natural digestion enhancer derived from vegetable sources, to help maintain a healthy digestive system, it also contains marine algae providing enhanced levels of DHA Omega-3 which provides many natural health benefits including the support of brain and eye development and cognitive function.
Field & Trial Junior Duck & Rice is completely hypoallergenic and is made with British duck meat meal and brown rice as well as well as the same carefully selected vitamins, minerals and oils as Skinner’s Field & Trial Puppy Duck & Rice. It too contains MOS and marine algae to continue providing all the natural health and developmental benefits a puppy needs to take him through to adulthood.
Will Delamore, Sales Director at Skinner’s, said: “All puppies require up to twice the energy intake of adults per kilogram of body weight and need to have 25% to 30% of total energy provided by protein.
"Our new Field & Trial Puppy Duck & Rice and Junior Duck & Rice offer this as well as all the other vitamins and minerals they need for the best start in life.
"And because they’re hypoallergenic and free from artificial flavourings, colourants and preservatives, even puppies with sensitive tummies don’t have to miss out on the high quality nutrition they offer."
Skinner’s is passionate about nutritional pet food and how the ingredients should be tailored to suit a pet’s age and varying health and activity needs.
“It’s really important that pet owners invest in a food that’s suitable for their developing young pet and aim to provide them with the best start in life that they can," added Will.
Skinner’s is a family-owned and run company which has been producing premium quality complete dog food for nearly 50 years. All Skinners products are made at their 17th Century Mill in Suffolk using the finest quality ingredients from simple recipes.
The name has always been connected with working dog food and in particular gundogs but its popularity has spread in recent years due to its high quality and increased availability throughout the retail sector. Skinner’s Field & Trial is now firmly established not only as a working dog food but also as a premium pet brand.
Visit www.skinnerspetfoods.co.uk
|
|
|
|
|
