Nestlé Purina is trialling an innovative ‘odour neutralisation process’ in a bid to eliminate foul smells emanating from its factory in Sudbury, Suffolk.

In a long-running saga, the pet food company have received complaints from local residents over what has become dubbed the ‘Sudbury pong’.

In response, the factory has spent more than £250,000 in the last 12 months on equipment and monitoring devices. It has also held meetings with residents and town officials, the latest of which was last Friday.

“As part of the ongoing improvement work relating to odour management at the site, we have been working to an agreed action plan with the Environmental Agency (EA), most of which has been completed or is currently under way,” said factory manager Kevin Shrimpton.

“Despite the improvement work already carried out, a number of complaints are still being received.

“Therefore, as advised during the first liaison group meeting, engineers from the company and independent environmental specialists have been involved in a detailed technical assessment of the residue odour from the abatement processes and how that could potentially be eliminated.”

Mr Shrimpton said that, from these assessments, the company believed it had come across an innovative “odour neutralisation process”.

This involves using an organic natural oil product which captures odour molecules and neutralises them. The method is due to be installed and the results assessed in the coming months.

“Should the trial prove to be successful, the process will be fully adopted subject to EA agreement,” said Mr Shrimpton.

Pets at Home Group Plc today (Thursday) announced its preliminary results for the financial year ended 27 March 2014.

Financial highlights

·        Performance in line with management expectations at the time of IPO, underlying EBITDA of £110.7m, up 12.4% year-on-year

·        Revenues grew 11.2% to £665.4m, reflecting store portfolio expansion and strength across food, accessories and services

·        Like-for-like sales growth of 2.4%, driven by VIP Club success, strength in Advanced Nutrition, omni-channel, and the growing maturity of Groom Rooms and vet practices

·        Like-for-like growth in revenues generated within the Joint Venture veterinary practices of 14.0%, underpinning fee income growth

·        Underlying EBITDA margin expansion of 17bps to 16.6%, reflecting the leverage from our services business, which represents 7.6% of Group revenues (FY13: 5.3%)

Operational highlights

·        32 new stores opened during the year, taking our total store portfolio to 377

·        Now the largest small animal veterinary services provider in the UK with 277 practices, reflective of 47 in-store and 22 standalone openings in the year

·        Successful integration of Vets4Pets, acquired March 2013, with a single support office now established for the combined vet business

·        Largest number of Groom Rooms opened in a single year; 42 new salons, bringing the portfolio to 129

·        VIP Club reached 2m members at the end of FY14, 1.5m members added in the year

·        Pets At Home website relaunched in January 2014, now featuring a wider range of products, fewer clicks to checkout and enhanced presentation of our pet services

Nick Wood (above), Chief Executive Officer, commented: “It has been a pivotal year for Pets at Home. Our results demonstrate how we are building on our leading position in the UK pet care market, continuing to innovate and grow the business. I am excited with the progress made in our Vets Group, which through the acquisition of Vets4Pets and the opening of 69 new practices, has become the UK’s largest small animal veterinary services provider. None of this would have been possible without the commitment of our outstanding colleagues and I thank them all for their dedication.

"We are focused on delivering the growth strategy we set out to shareholders at IPO. Whilst the lack of a sustained increase in consumer disposable incomes gives some caution to the outlook, I believe the potential of our retail and services businesses will enable us to deliver our strategy and achieve long-term returns.”

Pets Corner in Dorking has installed a life-sized picture of a traffic warden to deter motorists from leaving their vehicles in its customer-only car park. But it has upset local traders, who have described it as being intimidating to people visiting the Surrey market town.

But the pet shop may be forced to remove the cut-out amid claims it is "out of keeping" with the rest of the town.

Fellow traders and residents have criticised the sign for exacerbating Dorking's parking problems and adding to the town's reputation for being a difficult place to "stop and shop".

In response Pets Corner's managing director Dean Hammond said: "The car park is ours and our customers depend on it being available to use, especially as we sell heavy and bulky items."

"The sign was installed as many people didn't realise the car park was privately owned and were being ticketed."

"Since it has been in place we are having to ticket very few people which is saving anxiety for all concerned and our customers are now able to park easily."

He added: "We are a local, family-owned business based in Crawley and think we have brought positive benefits to traders at this end of the town, increasing footfall.

"I suspect some traders are just being grumpy because they've lost the use of our car park to park their vans and staff vehicles."

Sonja Sefke, owner of a nearby vintage clothing store, said: "The sign is out of keeping and is quite an intimidating sight that is not welcome."

"I had a customer in the store the other day who said 'I've been trying to park for 45 minutes'. There is a huge amount of customers who moan to us traders about the situation."

The parking restrictions at Pets Corner are enforced by Total Car Parks, whose own sign is located next to the cut-out, a move it said it did not sanction.

Total said it would discuss the picture with Pets Corner to determine its next course of action.

Actor and TV presenter Stephen Fry has stepped forward to back a charity's campaign for justice after a monkey was left disabled and traumatised by spending nine years in a cage.

Mr Fry has adopted Joey, a Capuchin monkey who was rescued by the Primate welfare charity, Wild Futures, in 2007.

Joey had developed a fused spine, hip dysplasia, a poorly formed jaw and a vitamin D deficiency after being deprived of natural sunlight.

The case left Mr Fry shocked, and has led him to call for an end to the monkey pet trade.

He said: “We are meant to be a nation of animal lovers, so why the trade in a wild, social animal with complex needs is still legal, continues to astound me. Joey’s story is not unique – many of the monkeys rescued by Wild Futures have their own terrible tales.

Joey's owner, Juliette D’Souza, who fled the country in 2007, has returned to the UK and is facing 10 years in prison on 23 counts of fraud and deception, including holding a license for only one of the 9 years she held Joey.

However, she cannot be punished for her cruelty to Joey due to a law in the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which states that a court may try information “if it is laid before the end of the period of three years beginning with the date of the offence.” – as the potential offence took place 7 years ago, it is therefore outside the eligible time limit.

The case has led to calls from campaigners to raise awareness of the ‘unfair’ legislation and ultimately extend the prosecution time limit.

Joey was taken from the rainforest at three months old, when his mother was killed for bushmeat, and although Joey’s is one of the worst cases seen, Wild Futures estimates that approximately 5,000 privately owned primates are kept in the UK, with many suffering from mental and physical illnesses as a result.

Rachel Hevesi, Director of Wild Futures, said: “We hope that the Select Committee’s report, which is due to be published this month, favours primate welfare and, brings us a step closer towards a ban. We will not stop campaigning until we achieve Justice for Joey and justice for all the other monkeys out there.

“We hope that as many people as possible write to their MP and ask for justice by way of a ban. Enough is enough; the suffering must end.”

To see more of Joey’s story and for more details about the campaign, click here

MPs are calling for urgent government action to determine how many primates are being kept as pets across the UK.

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) committee says they are worried about the welfare of animals being kept privately.

In their report, the MPs say they support the idea of a ban on keeping and trading primates as pets.

Before that happens, they argue, the government must come up with accurate estimates on numbers and species.

Keeping primates as pets is currently legal in the UK. The big problem is that no-one is sure how many marmosets, tamarins, spider monkeys and others are in private hands.

According to the evidence taken by the MPs, the numbers could range between 3,000 and 20,000.

These figures were said to be at best, informed guesses.

To clarify the issue, the committee has recommended that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) commission independent research on the number and type of primates being traded in the UK.

They also want private owners to be given six months to register their animals before the count begins.

"What we did hear was that no one really knows what the scale of the problem is," said Anne McIntosh MP, the chair of the Efra committee.

"I really just think you need to know, on the basis of sound evidence, what the scale of the problem is, or if it is, I hesitate to say, alarmist."

Many campaigners feel that the report doesn't go far enough and say the only answer is a complete ban on trade and private ownership.

They are very doubtful that attempts to get people to register their primate will be successful.

The huge successes achieved by British petcare firms that exhibited at Interzoo in Nuremberg at the end of May in the 55-strong group organised by PetQuip underlines the surge in business confidence in world markets for pet related products, according to the Association’s director general, Amanda Sizer Barrett. 

She said: “As an association dedicated to increasing business between British suppliers and overseas buyers, we have identified this trend in recent months with those companies that exhibited in Global Pet Expo in Florida in March and this is now firmly underlined at Interzoo.” 

Amanda added: “With seasoned exhibitors such as Tastybone, The Canny Company and Barking Heads rating Interzoo 2014 the best show ever, and other ‘new to exhibiting’ companies reporting major successes at the show, it is surely a sign that there is a worldwide market eager to buy our UK industry’s  products”.

A survey carried out by PetQuip at the close of the exhibition on 1 June, shows that the British group exhibitors saw visitors from over 75 markets and took an average of over 75 enquiries each.   

Most visitors came from Germany, The Netherlands, Italy, France, Belgium and the UK but they also came from such markets as Brunei, Moldova, Montenegro, Tanzania, Malta, South America as well as the Seychelles and Philippines.  The British pet product information stand which was organised and manned by the PetQuip team received buyers from 55 countries and generated over 50 more direct business leads for its member companies. 

In addition to high numbers of enquiries from across the world received by virtually all exhibitors, the list of actual orders received at the show is highly impressive.  Among those firms to provide early feedback were Accapi who acquired thirty new customers. 

Among the other companies to report on new order gains were Ancol, Animate/Outhwaite, Animology, Beco Things, Bronte Glen, Butch & Bess, The Canny Company, CarPET hair remover, Doggee, Doggy Bag, Litter Kwitter, ROK Straps. Snugglesafe and TastyBone. 

Many more orders are expected as the UK firms follow up on the thousands of enquiries received, many utilising the export knowledge and pet sector expertise of the PetQuip research team to turn interest into new export business  Among the interesting enquiry recipients were Seneye who met hundreds of  buyers on their stand, and Multitier Aquarium Systems who will be following up with quotations to supply systems to  fish wholesalers and retailers  in Malta, Singapore, Dubai, Israel and Italy.

Many of the British exhibitors also reported that they had extended their distributorships around the world as a direct result of being at Interzoo.

“The PetQuip team has now turned its attention to helping  exhibitors to take full advantage of the many new enquiries received and to assist those companies in  converting sales leads into valuable long term export business, as well as providing valuable additional free post-show international press coverage to boost interest further in exhibitors’ products," said Amanda Sizer Barrett:

"The association has over 50 years’ experience of providing direct practical assistance in helping firms to deal in overseas territories.  Over the years, we have acquired a wealth of knowledge on how to deal with specific export markets and that experience is available free of charge and all year round to the companies in membership of the association.”

The next major international petcare trade shows where PetQuip will be organising British pavilions of UK suppliers’ stands will be Global Pet Expo in Orlando from 4 to 6 March 2015 and then Zoomark in Bologna, Italy from 7 to 10 May 2015. 

Companies interested in learning more about the opportunities that these exhibitions offer exporters, or the comprehensive range of export advice, market research, sales leads, international publicity for your products and practical export support available to member companies of PetQuip should contact the PetQuip team on 01959 565995.. Email:  info@petquip.com  or visit the PetQuip website on  www.petquip.com

Oscar & Hooch, the British manufacturer of premium dog collars and lead, has found there's a growing interest for UK-made pet products from overseas buyers.

The company made its first appearance at Interzoo in Nuremberg, and managing director Paul Steckler said: “We were overwhelmed by the positivity from overseas customers. British manufacturing quality is respected and trusted across the globe and this was verbalised by many buyers.“

Oscar & Hooch ensures that all point of sale support bears the ‘Made in Britain’ logo and this stood up well at Interzoo with overseas customers seeing this as a great benefit in store.

Support from Petquip and the UKTi helped this UK business begin its journey to exporting goods overseas.

Paul added: “The financial grants available are of course very welcome, but we’ve found the strategic counsel and tactical advice to be invaluable when seeking new markets."

The next steps for Oscar & Hooch are to ensure the brand is placed appropriately in key markets and to maintain focus on UK customers. In this respect the company will be returning to PATS Harrogate in September.

For further information on Oscar & Hooch products call 01934 713667 or email sales@oscarandhooch.com

Award-winning Precious Pets London, producers of luxury conditioning dog shampoo, received hundreds of inquiries from 33 different nations at Interzoo.

"Our Interzoo experience was phenomenal," said CEO and co-founder Charlotte Nash. "We are now exporting to several of countries by the pallet.

"The international reaction to the brand was amazing and we were rushed off our feet throughout the whole show."

Even the dog, Precious,  got into the act on the Precious Pets’ stand, pictured with Charlotte and Gregory Nash.

For more information visit www.preciouspetslondon.com

The Canny Company launched its Canny Magloc at Interzoo, and this resulted in the company having its best show on record. 

“It has taken me a while to get over it," said managing director Sean McElherron (pictured). 

The device, which allows an owner to ‘snap’ the leash onto their dog quickly and easily, captured the imagination of several large companies keen to manufacture under licence. 

It attracted interest from as far afield as Japan, Russia and Australia, plus definite orders for tens of thousands of pounds from old and new customers.  

As a result of the Russian interest, The Canny Company will now be participating in the Zoosphere show in St Petersburg in November, working with a new Russian partner. 

For more information visit www.cannyco.com

Spike’s World extended its poultry product range with the addition of its new ‘Feathers & Beaky’ Top-fill Drinker. As a result of exhibiting at Interzoo and Global Pet Expo, Spike’s World now has distribution in the US and is following up enquiries from Europe and Asia. Pictured (abobe left) with some of the products is sales manager David Tracey.

Ken Seymour (pictured, above centre), managing director of TastyBone, has been in the pet care sector for over 40 years but in his words “has never known an overseas trade show that has been so successful."  He added: “TastyBone currently exports its nylon chew and play toys to 24 countries but as a direct result of Interzoo 2014 the number could escalate to 36 countries. This is excellent news for us as it follows our success at Global Pet Expo. We now supply to the pet product multi-national Hagen group in the USA and they have informed us that Petco USA is looking at TastyBone to go into 1,400 stores."

Micro-ID is expanding rapidly into overseas markets and according to Richard Fry, pictured abive right with fellow director Gilly Voute, attendance has given the company an extra boost with orders received from Russia, Finland and the Czech Republic, as well as quoting potential customers in Germany and Switzerland. The show has also enabled the company to meet with distributors in 25 other countries where the company does not have coverage.

Among the successes of Get Off at Interzoo were two orders for its repellent products from Turkish and French distributors worth 90,000 Euros. Pictured on the stand are Brian Hayter and Bob Searle.

Barking Heads & Meowing Heads described the show as the best they had ever attended with enquiries and orders received on the first day exceeding those taken for the duration of other similar shows. The company launched a new complete wet food range for cats and dogs at the show.

IglooPets described the show as ‘phenomenal’. Pictured on the attractive stand with the company’s cat loo and stands are Lisa and Scott Charnock.

The immediate results achieved from being an exhibitor at Interzoo by pet shampoo and cosmetic manufacturer WildWash have astounded director Karen Shaw (pictured with Laura Butcher). 

Following discussions with numerous interested buyers during the show, the company were visited on their first day back in the UK by distributors from Japan and China who travelled from Nuremberg to WildWash’s grooming salon to see the products in use. 

On the same day WildWash also received a large order from Taiwan together with orders from Polish and Italian wholesalers and the Czech Republic. All of the orders came as a direct result of Interzoo.

“The exhibition has launched WildWash internationally," said Karen.

For more information visit www.wildwash.co.uk

Established pet food manufacturer Vitalin showcased its enhanced Super Premium Life Stage Range of dog food at Interzoo.

The British brand has a strong heritage dating back to the 1950s when their first product 'Original' was made. Since then they have gone from strength to strength, bringing out new products and gaining the Royal Warrant – a prestigious award that only a handful of manufacturers have obtained.

Vitalin has been mindful of this legacy when formulating their enhanced new recipes and innovative theme for their rebrand, not only for packaging but ingredients also.

The re-launched Super Premium Range continues to use high quality protein from 100% British meat, and is now enriched with nutrient packed fruits, vegetables and herbs such as blueberries, spinach & seaweed.

Further inclusions comprise of English rosehip and apple in Puppy, English thyme, peppermint and green beans in Adult and Sensitive while English carrots and burdock root have been added to Senior/Lite. These ingredients combine perfectly to create a nutritiously balanced diet and affirm Vitalin's holistic approach to pet food; supporting the overall health and wellbeing of the dog.

Building on the recent success of the Vitalin rebrand at Interzoo and the leads generated there for international distributers, the Vitalin team are already looking forward to the UK launch at PATS Harrogate in September which is expected to be a huge success.

For more information visit the website www.vitalinpetfood.co.uk/interzoo and fill the form out to receive your very own Vitalin information pack.

Tetra is introducing Goldfish FunBalls, an innovative new feed for goldfish designed to inject some fun into feeding time and appeal to younger fishkeepers.  

Available to retailers now, Goldfish FunBalls are single feeding ball shaped portions that encourage the goldfish to nibble piece by piece, giving the impression of the fish playing football around the tank.

Goldfish FunBalls offer retailers the opportunity to capitalise on the huge enthusiasm around the World Cup and encourage families and young fishkeepers into the hobby by enhancing the feeding experience with some fun for the family.

Alex Hinton, Trade Marketing Manager at Spectrum Pet Brands, said: “The goldfish segment is already popular with children and families and the upcoming World Cup offers the opportunity for retailers to continue the make the most of this occasion by creating some excitement at feeding time.

"We are continuing to invest in the fishkeeping hobby by innovating first of their kind products like Fun Balls to offer something new to consumers and drive value into the category.

 “With the new single feeding portions shaped as a ball, consumers can now have interactive fun whilst still providing their goldfish with staple goldfish food.”

Tetra FunBalls still provide high-nutritional value with their carefully selected quality ingredients, which are present in all Tetra products and offer fish a balanced, healthy diet.

Tetra Goldfish FunBalls have an RRP of £3.70 and are available in packs of 6.

For more information visit www.tetra.net

One of the UK’s leading pet insurance companies has made a £5,000 donation to become the headline sponsor of Bring Your Dog To Work Day 2014.

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

Animal Friends Insurance, which is based in Amesbury, snapped up the exclusive headline sponsor spot because of their dedication to promoting animal welfare - and to make an equal donation to Bring Your Dog To Work Day’s official charities: All Dogs Matter, Animals Asia and Pup Aid.

“Animal Friends believes in supporting worthy animal welfare projects across the world. There’s no question that the charities associated with Bring Your Dog To Work Day do a huge amount to help animals in need and we’re very pleased to be helping with this initiative. We already actively encourage our staff to bring their dogs to work on a regular basis,” explains Elaine Fairfax (above), managing director of Animal Friends Insurance.

Jo Amit (left), co-founder of Butch & Bess, one of the pet companies behind the initiative, adds: “Attracting a business like Animal Friends Insurance as the headline sponsor for the first year of Bring Your Dog To Work Day is incredible. They’re a perfect fit for us and we couldn’t be happier.”

Other businesses and individuals can also make online donations of £50 and £2 respectively to participate in the day and raise funds for the three charities. 

“We thought an annual Bring Your Dog To Work Day would be an excellent way to highlight the role dogs can play in creating a productive work environment, while raising money for three organisations that champion the rights of animals,” says Leean Young, co-founder of LoveSniffys, the partnering company behind the annual event.

“And if you already take your dog to work, that’s even better! We want as many businesses and individuals to get involved as possible.” 

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

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

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

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

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

PetSafe has enhanced its range and introduced two new doors – the Passport Intelligent Cat Flap and the larger Passport Intelligent Dog Door.

With advanced exit and entry technology both doors have been developed to ensure a high level of freedom and peace of mind for pet owners.

Using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, the doors recognise individual pets and allow access to up to 20 programmed cats or dogs. Pet owners don’t have to worry about unprogrammed pets, wild animals and strays gaining entry at any point in the day.

The Passport Intelligent Pet Doors offer an unprecedented level of flexibility and wide-ranging features. Cats using the Passport Intelligent Cat Flap - with an implanted FDX-B microchip - can simply have their microchip programmed so that no collar is needed for entry. When pets aren’t microchipped – either cats or small dogs up to 11kg in weight – entry is gained by wearing the Passport Key on their collar.

A second larger option is available - The Passport Intelligent Dog Door - for dogs up to 23 kilos. The door works by recognising the Passport Key, which is worn on the dog’s collar and communicates with the door.

Additional useful features include:

• Flexible programming – either via a computer (the doors have USB ports and cables) or on the door’s 5 button navigation LCD screen
• Pet Tracking – pet owners can see which pets last used the door and whether the pet is currently inside or outside
• Multipoint locking flap system – provides increased push-through resistance
• Timer Mode – change access options at programmed times for individual pets
• Audible Alerts ‐ optional in and out tones by pet
• Power adapter - for mains power (rechargeable battery available separately)
• Additional Passport Keys - available for programming additional pets

Brad van der Veen, Vice President International, Radio Systems Corporation says: “Creating innovative products that improve the lives of pets and their owners are at the heart of everything we do and the Passport Intelligent Pet Doors are excellent examples of this.

"We’re hugely excited to launch these two new products to the market and feel that they will play a key part in creating additional freedom in the pet ownership experience, benefitting human, canine and feline customers alike.”

Mines for Pets (UK) Ltd has started to distribute the Freeze ‘n’ Chew Freezable from the FAT CAT range. This innovative toy is soaked in fresh water, stuffed into the handy zip-sealed bag provided and popped in the freezer for about an hour. The frozen toy is then ready for cooling dogs in hot weather and for soothing teething puppies!

The Freeze ‘n’ Chew Freezable toy, designed to resemble an ice lolly pop shape, is made from a durable canvas material with a built-in crackle affect. It can be re-frozen many times for future use.

It is sold in packs of two, containing one Wiener Pop and one Kitty Pop. The designs are brightly coloured dog cartoon and cat cartoons.

The toy measures 2 x 4.5 x 9 inches or 5 x 11.4 x 22.9 cm and is sold on a card and in a blister pack for professional merchandising. Recommended retail price for Freeze ‘n’ Chew Freezable is just £6.30.

The full Mines for Pets (UK) Ltd range includes ball launchers, compatible balls, durable toys for outdoor dogs, floating toys, interactive toys, innovative funky dog toys and other cooling products. For more information visit www.minesforpets.co.uk or call 01243 265378.

Beaphar's new Nature Rabbit food and Nature Guinea Pig food are premium products containing up to 30 different herbs and grasses. The food is 100% cereal-free (based on Timothy hay) and contains a high percentage of fibre in order to reflect the natural diet of small animals in the wild, for optimal wellbeing and healthy digestion.

Beaphar Nature is designed to be an ‘all-in-one’ pellet – this ensures that pets receive a complete, balanced diet without wasting any food.

The unique heart-shape has a rough, fibrous structure which encourages the natural and beneficial wear of teeth, thus improving dental function in rabbits and guinea pigs. Each pellet is free from artificial colouring, flavourings and preservatives.

This natural feed is designed to specifically target the nutritional requirements of adult rabbits and guinea pigs. 

What's special about Beaphar Nature?

•  100% Cereal free – to ensure that the correct ratio of fibre and starch is consumed, resulting in optimal digestive function.
• Canadian Timothy hay – is the main component of Beaphar Nature (65% Rabbit and 49% Guinea Pig). Its high fibre content stimulates the function of the digestive system. The natural balance of calcium and phosphorus also contributes to bladder health.
• Herbal hay – with 30 different sun-dried herbs and grasses from untreated meadows, Beaphar Nature contains a high variety of ingredients, supplying all the nutrients your pet needs as well as flavours that your pet will love.
• Inulin – is a natural prebiotic that helps to optimize intestinal function and encourages the growth of good bacteria in the gut, as well as supporting a healthy immune system.
• Yucca schidigera – is a plant extract that is added to reduce stool odours.
• Apple, Chicory and Oregano – make it irresistibly tasty.

For information on the Beaphar product range contact your Local Area Sales Executive, call the Customer Care Team on 01440 715700 or visit www.beaphar.co.uk

The Pet Show has gone into partnership with welfare organisation Animal Kind to ensure the safety, comfort and wellbeing of all furry, feathered and scaly friends at the event in August.

Founded in 2013 by former RSPCA Head of Inspectorate Tim Wass MBE, the Animal Kind team have over 30-years’ experience in looking after animals’ best interests.

From housing checks to transport, Animal Kind will be making sure all current welfare standards are being upheld and surpassed, and that all participants are cared for to the highest standard.

Mr Wass (pictured right) said: “The organisers at The Pet Show have gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure that every animal’s welfare at the show is protected. The show is truly a celebration of pets and our relationship with them.

“As well as a great showcase for the best new products available to keep your pet healthy and happy, it’s a great place for people to get the very best advice from expert owners and keepers across all of the pet species.”

Animal Kind will be attending the two-day event at Stoneleigh Park on August 2-3, and will be on hand to offer advice should there be any public concern. Tim will also be taking part in the Ask the Experts panel and will be answering all welfare questions.

Tim added: “As humans we all have a relationship with animals. Right-minded, responsible people take their welfare especially seriously, and everything Animal Kind does reinforces that determination to do the right thing.”

To find out more about The Pet Show, head to www.thepetshow.co.uk.  For more information on Animal Kind, go to www.animalkindltd.co.uk

Animal owners have been urged by a top vet to take care when picking a flea treatment to avoid harming their pets this summer.

The arrival of warm weather always prompts millions of people to purchase preventative products at this time of year. Most of these are safe and effective but not all flea treatments are appropriate for every animal, warns the British Veterinary Association.

BVA is encouraging owners to speak to a vet about different options before treating their pet to ensure they are able to choose the best and safest option available. Products used inappropriately or those intended for other species can seriously harm or even kill an animal.

BVA President and veterinary surgeon Robin Hargreaves said: “As the weather gets warmer many owners will be stepping up their efforts to keep their pets and homes flea and tick free. It’s understandable that people might be tempted to reach for the cheapest option or to use up products that they purchased last year but these can be ineffective or even dangerous to your pet.

“I can easily understand how the wide range of available flea treatment products, of varying efficacy, could be confusing for owners. Dog treatments containing permethrin pose a particular danger if used on cats and can cause serious health problems or even death.

"I’ve seen first-hand the tragic results that can occur and my advice would always be to speak with your vet before making a purchase. They can take into account your individual circumstances and consider factors such as the number and range of animals in your home, your pet’s temperament and their potential exposure to other pests, such as ticks. They will then advise you on the most effective treatment for your pet.”

According to the BVA, spot-on products containing the insecticide permethrin are highly toxic for cats and can have fatal consequences. Owners are advised to seek veterinary advice immediately if they believe their cat may be suffering from permethrin poisoning.

Bern Pet Foods UK has appointed Janet Dunning as National Sales Manager to join its growing sales team. She will oversee the regional sales force and work on developing the business with the independent pet and speciality retailers.

Janet joins Bern with a wealth of experience gained from her 20 years in the pet industry, latterly with MPM Products, managing the field sales team to develop the Applaws brand. 

She says: “I am delighted to be joining Bern Pet Foods and am looking forward to helping to grow the exciting biologically appropriate ACANA and ORIJEN brands.”

Commenting on this latest appointment, Colin Rodger, Bern Pet Foods Director, says: "We are pleased to welcome Janet onto our expanding team.  Her extensive sales experience combined with her knowledge of the pet food market will be a great asset to our business."

Janet lives on a farm in Settle, Yorkshire, with her family and four miniature wire-haired dachshunds.

This LED lamp is perfect to be used alongside the Arcadia Reptile range of UVB lamps to increase the amount of visible light and to provide live plants with all of the light that they need to grow at incredible rates.

Here are some of its qualities:

• Perfect to use increase visible light levels and alongside UVB emitting lamps.
• Solid metal heat sink will increase the product lifespan
• Energy efficient A rated
• Wide beam angle of 120º
• Can be used with timers.
• Designed in the U.S for optimum plant growth results.
• Can be rotated by 300 degrees to be focussed on a specific area without breaking the electrical supply.
• Can be used without modification in any country with an electrical supply between 110-240v.

arcadiareptile@arcadia-uk.com or visit www.arcadia-reptile.com/jungle-dawn-led/



The Arcadia live display at Interzoo, illuminated using a 39 Watt High Output T5 Slimline Luminaire, D3+ UV FLOOD and Jungle Dawn LED.

Pet food manufacturer Pets Choice has appointed Neil Thorn as its new operations director. He has a background in management consultancy within the food industry...

In his new position Mr Thorn will undertake a structural review of the Lancashire-based company and provide leadership to the manufacturing team to streamline internal processes.

"I am delighted to be joining Pets Choice at such an exciting time," he said.

"The company's growth plans are extremely ambitious and rightly so, as there are massive opportunities to increase market penetration."

Tony Raeburn, CEO of Pets Choice, said: "Neil brings with him a great deal of experience and as such he is perfectly placed to take on this challenge.

"His appointment marks a significant step forward for our business as we continue to expand our presence in the UK market."

CSJ’s milk replacer, launched last year, is now recognised as top of class for re-hydrating hot dogs plus hard-working and sporting dogs as well as those recovering from illness. 

Used in diluted form, Lap-It-Up encourages dogs to drink, so rehydrate and recover quickly.

CSJ receive regular accolades from grateful owners who have also used Lap-It-Up to raise puppies – here's a typical example from Robin Pearson.

"A regular client of mine brought a tub of Lap-It-Up from me as her Terrier was expecting a litter of pups. In the meantime, her friend's German Shepherd Dog whelped and sadly died after giving birth to five pups. After some frantic phone calls, my client came to the rescue and is hand feeding the orphans using Lap-It-Up.

"Three weeks on, the smallest pup lost its fight for life, but the remaining four are progressing well. I will be making sure I have some more in stock ready for when my English Springer whelps her expected 10 pups next month."

For more information visit www.csjk9.com or call 01745 710470.

In addition to this, around 40,000 lost and stray dogs have to be rehomed each year because their owners cannot be found. These dogs could have been reunited with their owners if those owners microchipped their dogs and kept personal details up to date on their database.

The Defra Minister highlighted the importance of microchipping and checking contact details are up to date as part of the Kennel Club’s National Microchipping Month during an event in Old Palace Yard, Westminster.  The event launched the new ‘Chip it, Check it’ education campaign intended to inform the public about the change in law from April 2016 and was supported by Members of Parliament and animal welfare organisations.

Regulations due to be laid shortly as secondary regulations under the Animal Welfare Act, will place a requirement on owners to have their dogs microchipped and registered on one of the databases available. Owners will also be expected to be responsible for ensuring the information is kept up to date in order to have the best chance of reuniting them with their pet.

Lord de Mauley (left) said: “When a much loved dog goes missing it is heart-breaking for the owners – a microchip, which takes minutes to insert, can mean the difference between a dog being returned home, or ending up in a rehoming centre where they could be put to sleep. But it is important owners ensure their details are up to date – campaigns such as these help to highlight this and act as a reminder that microchipping will be compulsory in England from April 2016.”

The Kennel Club is dedicated to reuniting dog and owner through its reunification database Petlog, the UK's largest lost and found database for microchipped pets, and holds National Microchipping Month each June to educate those involved with dogs on the benefits of microchipping.

Kennel Club Secretary, Caroline Kisko commented “The introduction of a requirement to permanently identify a dog through compulsory microchipping will go a long way towards improving the current situation surrounding stray dogs by reducing the need for unidentified lost dogs to be rehomed or euthanised. The Kennel Club views regulation as a positive step forward for responsible dog ownership and bringing dogs and owners back together more quickly, and as such thanks the government for their commitment to improving welfare."

National Microchipping Month runs throughout June. For more information go to www.nationalmicrochippingmonth.org.uk

AREA SALES MANAGER
London and South East area

Established and forward-thinking pet food supplier is seeking a smart, articulate and positive Area Sales Manager to increase distribution within pet retail.

The successful applicant will receive full induction, large company back-up and will command an excellent salary in line with experience plus car, bonus etc.

All applications will be treated in strictest confidence.  

For further details send CV to Lynda Ward via lyndaward@pettradesolutions.com

As J & E Importers re-structure, an exciting new opportunity has arisen for an experienced National Account Manager to join the team. The role will involve working from Head Office, out in the field and from home as required in developing and implementing a sales strategy for a group of products marketed primarily for large volume resellers. 

The ideal candidate will have good working experience in a similar role and knowledge in the Home, Garden and Pet environment and seeking a new challenge within this expanding industry. 

The successful candidate needs to be hardworking, energetic, enthusiastic and committed for this exciting and rewarding position.

This role provides an excellent opportunity within a growing company offering a range of recognised products across multiple markets.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience: applicants should possess the following:-

An understanding and background within the Home, Garden & Pet industry would be considered advantageous, but not absolute for the right calibre person.

Excellent communication skills and a warm outgoing personality

The ability to excite, engage the customer and explore the full potential.

The knowledge and ability to be able to deal with container sales as well as palletised options

Strong influencing skills are required, as well as a diplomatic manner and a positive pro-active outlook.

To nurture and develop customer relations

To establish new accounts and to develop a clear strategy and action plan to grow sales and profitability within our existing portfolio of accounts as well as new.

Regular concise, clear and logical reporting on a regular basis is a pre-requisite for this position.

Must be able to produce/substantiate a proven track record of sales within a similar position/role

The package includes a Company car, laptop, mobile phone, 28 days holiday including bank holidays and staff product discount

Please email vince.green@greenjem.co.uk for further information or to forward your current CV

www.jandeimporters.com

Established for over 25 years, J & E Importers have built a strong global reputation in the manufacture, export, import, supply and distribution of a range of quality, value-based products, whilst delivering high customer service satisfaction at all times.

This is an outstanding opportunity to work within a large, successful organisation, currently undergoing a team building and re-structure programme

The responsibilities of the Area Sales Manager will include:

• Managing schedule of appointments on an ongoing basis
• Developing relationships with existing and new customers
• Visiting potential customers in the area to generate more sales

We are looking for an enthusiastic and energetic salesperson who is:

• Seeking a career in a customer-focused sales environment
• Driven and determined
• Well-presented
• Motivated
• Focussed, hungry and ambitious to ensure success in this role
• A quick learner with industry experience
• Energetic with a can-do attitude
• From a field or internal sales background
• Able to demonstrate success in previous sales roles

Although a field based role, the successful candidate will need to live or be based in close proximity to the South Eastern area

There are excellent opportunities for career progression within the company and the group.

Benefits also include a bonus, company car, mobile phone and 28 days paid holiday entitlement.

Please email vince.green@greenjem.co.uk for further information or to forward your current CV

www.jandeimporters.com