Two independent pet shops - Wokingham Pet Shop in Berkshire (pictured above) and Dorking Pet Centre in Surrey – are set to close, blaming a slump in trade for their demise.

The Wokingham store has been in existence for almost 90 years while the Dorking business has traded for 30 years.

The owners of Dorking Pet Centre in West Street say they have taken the "difficult decision" after experiencing a 40% drop in sales following the opening of a branch of Pets Corner on the same street at the end of 2012.

Rebecca Boychuk, who has co-owned the business with husband Bruce for the last seven years, also blames the loss of custom on internet shopping and out-of-town retail parks which she says are making high street shopping less desirable to many.

"Since a large retail pet chain was allowed to open a substantial shop in West Street, we have had a 40% drop in sales," said Rebecca.

"Christmas, which should have helped shore us up, was very poor and all these things together have made this a very unhappy start to 2014."

Dorking Pet Centre is holding a closing down sale before the doors are closed for good on February 1.

Wokingham Pet Shop owner Richard Croydon says the 'hopeless' trade in the Berkshire town centre has led to the closure of his shop which has been in existence since the 1920s.

Seventy-five-year-old Richard plans to finally retire after 23 years managing the town centre store.

"I've hung on and on but haven't been making money. It's hopeless," he said.

"When I took over we employed lots of staff but now we are down to just one.

"It's like greengrocers or butchers - you don't find them in town centres now, and you don't find pet shops either."



Rebecca Boychuk is closing her Dorking Pet Centre. (Picture: Dorking & Leatherhead Advertiser)

Award-winning pet shop Scampers has taken part in a Channel Five documentary, which promises to expose "the truth about dog food". It will be aired at 9pm on January 30.

"We filmed for several hours and gave a frank and open interview about what we think about the dog food industry and what we think are the best ideas for feeding dogs," said Piers Smart, of Scampers in Cambridgeshire.

"The programme should give a great overview of this very hot topic as people like us and yourselves look for the very best and healthiest way to feed our best friends."

The programme producers say: "Dogs are man’s best friend who we shower with care, love, affection and gifts, but how much of what we put into our pooch’s food is actually good for them?"

Channel 5 commissioned 'The Truth About Your Dog's Food' from Doghouse Media to take a look at what goes into dog food, the different methods of feeding dogs, plus the competing approaches for how best to feed them. 

Guy Davies, Commissioning Editor: Factual for Channel 5, stated: “We’re mad about dogs in the UK. Now we’re revealing some home truths about the dog food industry, and some more radical approaches from owners. Do we really know what we’re feeding our prized pets?”

Pet dogs Louis and Margot were star guests at the first wedding to be held at The Kennels Goodwood in West Sussex, where Marie Sawle, founder of the Billy+Margot pet treats brand, and her partner, businessman Andrew Jones, tied the knot..

Marie and Andrew were the first couple to get married at The Kennels. The building is part of the prestigious Goodwood Estate and was originally built to house the hunting dogs which were a key feature of life for 18th century nobility. For the last hundred years or so it has been the clubhouse for the Goodwood Golf Club, where Andrew is a member. 

Andrew and a group of friends played 18 holes on the Downs course before the ceremony. Louis and Margot would normally have joined them but stayed at the Kennels instead where they are both members. Canine membership costs £50, with 70% going to the venue's chosen charity, Canine Partners.

"We were looking for a venue that would allow dogs to be present at the ceremony and throughout the day, and The Kennels fitted our brief perfectly," said Marie. “Our special day would not have been the same without them."

Welfare organisations Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club have supported Conservative MP Matthew Offord, who called for a ban on the sale and use of electric shock collars during a Ten Minute Rule Bill presented to the House of Commons yesterday (Wednesday).

The Ten Minute Rule Bill follows the publication of two pieces of research, funded by Defra and published last summer, which show that electric shock collars can cause negative behavioural and physiological changes in dogs and are open to misuse by users of these devices.

Although banned by the Welsh government in 2010, electric shock collars are used widely in the UK, with over 300,000* reportedly in use in 2012. They are worn around a dog’s neck and work by delivering a short or prolonged electric shock to the dog (either via a remote control or delivered automatically) to ‘correct’ an undesirable behaviour.

Both Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club are against the use of negative training methods or devices and believe the use of electric shock collars is both irresponsible and ineffective.  Every dog should be trained using kind, fair and reward-based methods which are effectively used to train dogs by the police, the army and assistance dog charities, which have some of the best trained dogs in the world.  Defra’s research found that positive reinforcement is just as effective in treating behavioural issues in dogs, including livestock chasing, which is often the main justification given for their use.

Matthew Offord MP (pictured with an electric shock collar, said: “The reason I am raising this issue is because Defra is continuing to ignore its own research. 

"In 2013, Defra published its two studies which showed that electric shock collars can cause some dogs negative welfare issues even when trained by a professional using “relatively benign training programmes”, so therefore many would deem them unsafe.

"Very few people who buy these devices would have the skill set of an experienced training and behaviour advisor, so there would surely be a heightened chance of long-term negative impacts.

“Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club have long campaigned for the sale and use of electric shock collars to be banned as numerous pieces of research, including the most recent Defra studies, have shown that they can have a negative effect on dog welfare.

“As a dog will have no idea what has caused the pain, it is far more likely to associate it with something in its immediate environment than to connect it with its own behaviour at the time. This is why cases of dogs attacking other dogs, their owner, or another animal close by at the time of the shock are common. Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club believe positive training methods have a greater influence over a dog’s behaviour than electric shock collars without ever compromising the dog’s health and well-being or the bond between an owner and their dog.”

Mr Offord’s Bill has cross-party support from MPs David Amess, John Baron, Martin Caton, Jim Fitzpatrick, Zac Goldsmith, Andrew Rosindell, John Stevenson, Joan Walley and Simon Wright.

Its second reading is scheduled for February 28, but it is unlikely to make further progress without Government support.

Pets at Home store have opened a new store in Greenford, West London, and MP for Ealing North Steve Pound was one of the first visitors.

The new store houses an Adoption Centre where pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters are cared for until a new loving home can be found.

It also has an aquatics centre, reptile centre and a Groom Room.

Store Manager, Antonio Monteiro, said: “What a fantastic start. Our opening weekend went even better than we had hoped and it was great to welcome our local MP to the new store.”

Mr Pound said it was the first time he was upstaged by a rabbit. He added: “It was great fun, it really is a great deal to the local area.

“People said how much they valued this sort of service. Tails will be wagging all over Greenford.”

Leeds-based pet supplier Monster Pet Supplies has announced it will be expanding into France after receiving significant funding.

The company has recently started exporting overseas to France and has launched a French language version of their website after doubling turnover in the past 12 months.

Despite pricing and shipping charges, the company are able to compete effectively for business even at a distance – supplying specialist dog food cheaper to the French than they can purchase it from a local trader.

Jonny Gould, owner of Monster Pet Supplies, said: "The time seemed right to expand overseas and we’re confident with the excitement of Le Grand Depart this year that it can only make potential French customers feel positive about a family-run Yorkshire business like Monster Pet Supplies.”

Monster Pet Supplies was established in 2010 and now employs 14 staff and has a turnover of £3 million. The company, which sells pet supplies online to the general public, also has ambitious plans to enter the Chinese market and import pet supplies from the world’s second largest economy.

Barclays has provided support through working capital and international services.

Dawn Spencer, business banking manager at Barclays said: “Whilst many businesses have been thinking about the opportunities the Tour de France will bring to the UK, it’s great to see that Jonny and his team have used the opportunity to focus their plans overseas in France.

"They already have a massive following on Facebook and Twitter in both the UK and France and the future looks bright for this well-managed, forward thinking ambitious company.“

Check out the company's website www.monsterpetsupplies.co.uk

Baggee Ltd have been awarded a UK patent (GB2470422) for their innovative bag dispenser.

Originally designed as a bag storage device to help people remember to bring their bags back to the shops with them, the Baggee and Doggee have proved useful for a range of uses, such as dog walking, camping and boating.

Bags are simply stuffed inside and stay in without the need for a lid or cap. Bags conveniently pull out one at a time.

As a consequence of the UK patent a few interesting licensing opportunities are currently being discussed. Baggee and Doggee are made in the UK of medical grade recyclable material.

Olympic Gold Medal Winner and star of Celebrity Jungle, Rebecca Adlington attended Pedigree Wholesale’s New Year’s Ball to present the 2013 Company Awards.

With individuals nominated by their colleagues the awards recognize the special efforts, commitment, hard work and achievements of Pedigree Wholesale’s valued employees.

There were five award categories; Customer Focus Award, Salesperson of the Year, Driver of the Year, Warehouse Operative of the Year and an Award for Outstanding Contribution.

Claire Parslow, an Account Administrator based at Pedigree’s West Depot in Yate was presented with the Customer Focus Award. Claire has worked for Pedigree for over 12 years ensuring customer requests and queries are handled promptly and professionally.

Salesperson of the Year was awarded to Pedigree Wholesale’s Aquatic Relationship Manager Richard Maude. Richard has a genuine desire to provide a friendly, helpful and positive customer service experience.

Paul Jones, a driver based at Pedigree’s West Depot was awarded Driver of the Year. As well as being a skilled driver Paul has great rapport with his customers.

The Warehouse Operative of the Year Award was presented to John Curtis who is based at Pedigree’s East Depot in Bury St Edmunds. A flexible member of the team John is a dedicated employee with an excellent work rate.

The Outstanding Contribution Award for 2013 was presented to Archie Ferns. Archie has worked at Pedigree’s Nottingham Depot for 3.5 years and undertakes numerous activities that benefit the workplace and has a genuine desire to seek out new challenges and achieve results.

Pedigree Wholesale’s Managing Director Steve Brown said: “I would like to take this opportunity to say many congratulations to the award winners and thank you to everyone who voted. We had a tremendous response and it’s great to see such positive feedback.

"I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for all their hard work and commitment which resulted in Pedigree Wholesale being voted Wholesaler of the Year 2013 at the Pet Industry Federation Awards. We have some fantastic people who will always go the extra mile to ensure we provide the very best customer service – our people are what make Pedigree stand out."

Pedigree Wholesale is one of the UK’s leading suppliers into the independent pet and aquatic trade and are proud to offer a comprehensive range of over 11,000 quality products, distributed via five regional warehouses carefully located to ensure a fast and efficient service.

Orders can be placed online, through Pedigree’s helpful and friendly Customer Services Team or Customer Relationship Managers. Orders can be delivered next day, even on Sunday, if placed before 4pm.

If you would like more information about Pedigree Wholesale please call 0115 982 3900 or e. info@petproducts.co.uk

Pedigree would be delighted to hear your feedback - if you have any issues, suggestions or comments about any aspect of dealing with Pedigree Wholesale you can e-mail your feedback to yourfeedback@petproducts.co.uk

Following the successful launch of Lovejoys complete, dry dog food at the end of 2012, the Norfolk based company is now extending its product range with two new additions – treats and grain-free wet food.

National Account Manager Lynne Hopwood says: “We are very excited about the potential for the Lovejoys brand and these new products will deliver good margins to retailers while offering consumers a greater choice.”

Lovejoys Moments are new heart shaped treats in a choice of two flavours, Turkey & Rice and Salmon & Rice. The treats are made using freshly prepared ingredients and are hypoallergenic with no added wheat, wheat gluten, dairy, pork or beef. They come in 225gm resealable pouches and are ideal as training rewards or special treats for those well deserving dogs. Pricing is competitive and margins are generous, so just the treat for retailers too.

Pure & Simple ready to eat meals for dogs are all totally grain free. They come in four flavours; Lamb, Chicken, Turkey and Salmon & White Fish with sweet potato providing all the dietary fibre a dog needs. All products have a minimum meat content of 65%, freshly prepared and sourced in the UK. The stylish packaging displaying the fresh ingredients, has been specifically designed to appeal to owners who want their dogs to eat just as well as they do.

All the new products will be available in March and orders are now being taken, call Lynne on 07500 905379 or Dawn on 01953 882485. Email dawn@lovejoyspetfood.co.uk.

They will also be available through regional pet food wholesalers and suppliers. See Lovejoys at Crufts (stand 4-178) and PATS (stand D-12).

The family of a Hampshire pet shop owner have paid tribute to him following his death at the age of 79. Joe Green was well-known in the area, having run Tadley Pet Supplies, in Heath End Road, Baughurst, for decades.

He set up the shop in 1987 and, despite retiring in 2005, returned six years later to take the reins once more.

His son Andrew said: “He was very outgoing and he would speak to anyone. Everyone knew and liked him.

“He used to love organising the Christmas event at the shop – it was a way of giving something back to all the customers.

“He was in the trade for more than 40 years, and he loved the job. He put his heart and soul into the business.

“All of the reps knew him and many of them came along to his funeral – there must have been around 200 people at the funeral. He will be very much missed by a lot of people.”

Joe, a grandfather-of-nine, who lived in Burghfield Common, had three other sons – Matt, Nick and Mark. He also leaves behind his wife, Daphne.

He was a big football fan and lifelong supporter of Reading FC. He also enjoyed horse racing and often visited various race courses when he wasn’t running the shop or spending time with his large family.

Joe, who worked in Tadley market before setting up Tadley Pet Supplies, had suffered with poor health in the last year.

Twenty large bags of dog food and 10 pond pumps have been stolen from a pet store in Pyle, Bridgend, Wales.

Police in Bridgend are appealing for information following the burglary of  Zoar's Ark Pet Store at Pyle Garden Centre where the thieves cut through perimeter fencing.

A quantity of cash was also removed from the till.

Detective Sergeant Chris Warner from Bridgend CID said: "This was an unusual incident and we are appealing to anyone who may have any information concerning this theft to contact us.

"Have you been offered the chance to buy any bags of dog food or a pond pump?   

"Did you see anything suspicious in the area of Pyle Garden Centre?

"If so, or if you have know anything about the theft which may be of assistance to us please contact the police."

Contact Bridgend Cid on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 and quote reference 62140013913.

Nationwide thermal imaging company Veterinary Thermal Imaging (VTI) is celebrating its fourth birthday during February…and has captured an amazing amount of images since its launch.

"When VTI started, it was just me, but we’ve grown since that time and now have thermographers all over the UK, meaning that we truly are nationwide,” says Helen Morrell, Managing Director of VTI.

“As we approach our fourth birthday, I thought it might be fun to see how many images I’ve reviewed for clients…and it’s a whopping 29,400. 

"It takes, on average, five minutes to tune an image and review it…so I’ve spent 147,000 minutes just looking at thermal images.

"With all our thermographers, we’ve captured tens, if not hundreds of thousands of images over the years, and helped thousands of horses, dogs and other animals.

"As with any imaging technique, experience counts for an awful lot, and I’m so proud of the collective experience the VTI team can offer and how their work has helped so many people.”

VTI uses infrared cameras to map heat patterns across an animal’s body in an entirely non-invasive way. The animal doesn’t require sedation, and there’s no need to transport the animal as the state of the art cameras used are entirely mobile.

The team are all trained thermographers and work with vets, physios, trainers, chiropractors, farriers and other associated professionals, to help the animals they image.

Thermal imaging can be used as a diagnostic tool, but can also be used for management, to monitor the efficacy of a treatment, to observe an old injury…even for rider training and saddle fitting.

To find out more, see www.veterinary-thermal-imaging.com or call 0844 544 3314. 

A previously unreported disease that causes lesions, kidney failure and eventually death in dogs, has now been found in the West Country.

The mystery condition – said by vets to be closest to a disease first seen in the United States in the 1980s called Alabama rot – has so far claimed the lives of 16 dogs in the UK and now a case has been reported in Cornwall.

In the New Forest in Hampshire, where most cases have occurred, posters have been put up warning dog owners to look out for the symptoms, which include lesions on the legs and faces of dogs with kidney failure following two to seven days later.

Woodland seems to be a common factor in most cases, which reported so far, in Hampshire, Surrey, Worcestershire, Country Durham and Cornwall.

This is not the first threat to the health of dogs in the Westcountry area in recent weeks. In October and December, lumps of white fat – blamed for the death of a number of dogs – were found on the North Devon coast and on Cornish beaches.

Laboratory tests showed that while harmless to humans, the substance was dangerous if ingested by dogs.

Yesterday the head nurse at the Clifton Villa Veterinary Surgery, which has branches in Truro, Camborne, Tregony, Newquay and St Columb Road, said although they were aware of the warnings of the disease, they had not seen any cases so far. “Let’s hope it stays that way – fingers crossed,” she said.

Vet David Walker from Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists in Hursley, near Winchester said the deaths have similarities to Alabama rot, first reported in the US more than 20 years ago, the cause of which was toxins from the E. coli bacteria but this had not yet been traced in the UK.

Mr Walker, said “The owners are taking dogs to the vets then the signs of kidney failure develop two to seven days later.

“The advice I would give to the pet-owning general public is if you see a wound on your dog’s leg, where you might ordinarily leave that for 12 to 24 hours, the advice would be to take your dog to the vets.

“Most vets are now aware of the condition so seek early veterinary attention.”

A Forestry Commission spokesman said that the cause of the deaths had not yet been confirmed and added that warning signs had been put up. He said: “There have been a few as yet unexplained incidents in the New Forest and the Forestry Commission is working closely with vets and putting up notices to inform the public.

“Owners should always keep their dogs under close control and be aware of anything they may pick up, chew or eat in a woodland area. If their dog becomes ill they should contact a vet as soon as possible with as much information as they can.”

The Pet Show 2014 has kicked off the new year with a brand new website and a host of new features that expand on last year’s format, including a much greater range of interactive events and exhibits.

Most significant is the introduction of a Dog Breed Village, which already has the support of over thirty breed associations and clubs, to offer an extensive advice resource for dog owners and visitors interested in owning a dog.

“Due to popular demand from visitors, 2014 will see the addition of a dog breed village. This will compliment the Cat Breed Village, which was very well received in 2013. Visitors interested in learning more about specific dog breeds will be able to get lots of tips and advice with each breed represented by its club or rescue society,” explained Carly Jackson, Director of The Pet Show.

A new show section called Animal Discovery is also being added to offer advice and inspiration to visitors about ways in which they can use their gardens to attract and support wildlife, including the creation of a bee friendly garden by the British Bee Keeping Association, a hedgehog habitat created by the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and a mini beast corner featuring an array of insect life.

Explaining the new addition to the format, Carly Jackson added: “This new section expands our reach and complements our core focus on pets. Our visitors are animal lovers and we wanted to make a connection with wildlife in a way that most people can relate to in their everyday lives.

“At this year’s show there will be more to see, more to do, better facilities and significantly better opportunities for exhibitors and sponsors to target audiences relevant to their products and services.”

The Pet Show 2014’s website can be found at: www.thepetshow.co.uk. The show will be held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on August 2-3. For enquiries about exhibition space and sponsorship opportunities contact Carly Jackson at: carly@thepetshow.co.uk