An alarming disregard for pet rabbit welfare in the UK has been highlighted in a new report by scientists from the University of Bristol’s School of Veterinary Sciences.

The study has revealed that some animals suffer terrible side effects of living alone as well as other health issues, including dental problems and poor fitness levels.

The findings show that the needs of rabbits are not always met and will be used by animal welfare charity, the RSPCA, to ensure owners know how best to look after their pets.

The scientist took note of how rabbits are housed and cared for by collecting questionnaires from a cross-section of 1,254 pet rabbit owners in the South West, North West and East of England.

The researchers found that while most of the creatures had access to extra areas for exercise, access was often irregular.

For example, many owners didn’t let their pets run around when they are naturally at their most active – in the early morning and evening. 

Around 60% of the 1,254 rabbits lived on their own, limiting their opportunity to be sociable, while a quarter lived with unsuitable companions, leading to fights or the animals ignoring each other.

The study, published in BMC Research Notes suggests a small amount of this behaviour may be natural, but that regular and intense fighting can suggest the companions are unsuited and behavioural advice should be sought.

As in previous studies, dental problems were commonly reported in 12% of rabbits, as were eye problems, (13%) digestive problems, (12%) and parasites (11%).

Just under 60% of rabbits were thought to be fearful of loud noises and a similar percentage panicked when handled by their owners.

The researchers say that further studies are needed to explore the accuracy of the owners' reports, in case problems have been under-reported.

‘Many pet rabbits were found to be in good health, had compatible companions and were provided with enriched living areas,’ said Dr Nicola Rooney, Research Fellow in Farm Animal Science at the university.

‘However, we also found numerous unrecognised welfare issues that affect large numbers of pet rabbits.

‘These included living alone or in incompatible groups, numerous health issues, lack of regular access to exercise areas, showing fear of loud noises and behaving anxiously when handled by their owners.

‘Our findings highlight the ways in which the needs of pet rabbits are often not being met and this information will be used to help target education to best improve the welfare of pet rabbits.’

Dr Jane Tyson, Rabbit Behaviour and Welfare Expert at the RSPCA, said that the findings of this study will be ‘crucial’ in identifying advice and information for owners on how best to care for their rabbits.

The UK’s leading feline welfare charity, Cats Protection, has issued a strong warning against dressing up cats following recent internet trends.

This comes after reports that a student in Switzerland is making a lot of money selling kitty couture to customers in the UK.

“We are really disappointed to hear this as forcing cats into clothes can be incredibly stressful,” said Beth Skillings, Cats Protection’s Clinical Veterinary Officer.

“It restricts movement and makes them less able to express their normal behaviour, such as grooming. More importantly, clothing can get caught or snagged on furniture or other household objects resulting in injury to the cat.”

The charity added that if a cat struggles while the clothes are being put on then it could lead to a reluctance to being handled or stroked, even after the clothes are removed.
 
It also says the only justification for clothing cats is for medical reasons, for example if it is old, ill or bald. Even this, Cats Protection says, should only be done on the advice of a vet.

“Cats are not fashion accessories and we hope this fad doesn’t encourage owners to treat them as such,” said Beth. “Those who genuinely love their cats will allow them to express their natural behaviour and not treat them as small, furry humans.”

The Cats Protection response came after a national newspaper carried the story of  Swiss student setting up a UK website Meowstore.co.uk which sells fancy dress costumes for cats.

The idea for his business came after 21-year-old Floris Schmucki posted snaps of his pet cat wearing a lion costume.

Since then he has been bombarded with requests from other cat lovers who wanted something similar for their own pet.

He said: "I realised there was a demand there and when I started selling commercially was amazed to get so many requests.

"And after going online to make sales I realised that there was an especially high demand from the UK, so we are now actively selling to retail customers in the UK, targeting pet shops and others dealing directly with the public."

Despite criticism from welfare groups like Cats Protection, Schmucki says he has ensured that the costumes do not cause any problems for a cat's well-being."

AmPet Products has reached an agreement with DOOG to exclusively distribute the Australian company’s range of outdoor pet products in the UK.

DOOG, which stands for Dog Owners’ Outdoor Gear, supply an innovative range of products, including dog-walking and running belts, collars and leads, and treat pouches.

“We are very excited to be taking over the distribution of DOOG products in the UK,” says Alex Wilson, AmPet’s Sales & Marketing Director.

“The whole range is geared towards outdoor activities, and we believe the products are ideally suited to the UK pet market.

“We’ll be exhibiting the DOOG range at PATS Sandown on March 17-18 and we urge retailers to visit our stand A3a in the Surrey Hall where they’ll be able to see the superb products for themselves.

“With the DOOG range, dog owners can find everything they need to enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle with their pets.”

   

DOOG was founded in 2007 by dog owners Jamie and Jessica Knight, who saw a gap in the market for practical yet stylish dog accessories.

Jessica says: “We have always owned sporty and active dogs who love to run with us and swim in the sea so we wanted to design a range of collars and leads that was practical, comfortable and hard wearing for the great outdoors but that looked stylish, colorful and fashionable.”

The leads are made from sporty and stretchy neoprene and finished with beautiful, bright and playful patterns, including chevron, candy stripes and geometric patterns. The neoprene material is quick drying and hard wearing for active water dogs and makes the leads very comfortable and soft for owners to hold on a long walk.  

The collars come in three sizes and all have a silver dog pendant attached to the clasp to engrave a dog’s contact details onto.

The new DOOG Walkie Bag not only looks great but is very practical too. Features include a water bottle/tennis ball holder; a waterproof, inner sleeve to protect a mobile phone; a built-in pocket to hold DOOG Tidy Bags, which can be pulled out like tissues for easy access. The bag comes in three stylish, unisex designs, and includes a soft, striped shoulder strap and matching striped inner lining.

Other products include a sporty range of running belts in an array of bright, neon colours as well as a whole family of fetching sticks for dogs called 'The Stick Family'.

If you’re interested in stocking DOOG products, contact Alex Wilson on 0330 088 1673 or by email alexw@ampetproducts.com

Pure Pet Food, the UK's first manufacturers of human grade naturally dehydrated dog food, is adding to its range with a new turkey recipe called Turkey Terrific...

In recent years the increase in awareness of the production processes and ingredient quality used in the manufacture of commercial pet food has driven many dog owners to feed their pets a raw or home prepared diet.

Although the healthier option this can cause some inconvenience, especially when travelling or balancing busy lives.

Pure Pet Food, whose factory is regulated by human rather than animal food authorities, produce their range using a unique dehydration technique that preserves the freshness of the ingredients, eliminating harsh temperatures and cooking procedures in production.

The range that includes the popular recipes Chicken Delicious, Chicken Dinner and Duck Delight will soon be joined by a tasty new turkey recipe, Turkey Terrific. 

Due to launch in February, Turkey Terrific has a moderate level of calories, protein and fat making it an ideal option for adult maintenance or senior dogs. The recipe is available in 500g, 2kg or 4kg packs and has a shelf life of 12 months. 

Pure Pet Food gives the convenience of a dry pet food whilst still allowing dog owners to provide a balanced meal with the nutritional integrity of fresh and raw food.

For more information visit www.purepetfood.co.uk or call 020 3326 2970.

The Pet Show 2015 has revealed its first sponsor –  home hygiene specialists Zoflora – as organisers confirm the event will again take place at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire on August 1-2.

Zoflora, who celebrated their 90th anniversary in 2012, made their first appearance at The Pet Show in 2014 as sponsors of the Cat Breed Village.

This year they will sponsor the Kennels Arena where dogs of all breeds will showcase their skills in a spectacular programme of events.

They are one of a number of returning sponsors, some of whom have been committed to the show since the launch in 2013.

Carly Jackson, Event Director of The Pet Show, said: “We are delighted to welcome Zoflora back to The Pet Show as sponsors of The Kennels Arena – which will be called the Zoflora Arena for 2015.

“The success of last year’s event has ensured not only Zoflora’s return, but their decision to sponsor one of the biggest and most popular areas of the show.”

Last year’s show attracted a record number of visitors, with more than 21,000 people pouring through the doors of Stoneleigh Park over the two-day event.

What’s more, a post-event survey revealed 84% of exhibitors rated the show ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ over five areas, including atmosphere and achieving key goals.

Carly added: “The Pet Show 2014 was a huge success. We are confident this year’s event will be even better with more exhibitors, displays and star attractions.”

For further information about The Pet Show 2015, head to www.thepetshow.co.uk

Hot the heels of its new listing at retail chain Pets Corner, Tribal Pet Foods has announced that leading pet trade wholesaler Trust Pet Products will now stock its treats. 

The move is seen as a huge success for the young pet food brand which launched late last year, and specialises in natural and healthy dog treats.

Trust Pet Products is one of the largest pet trade wholesalers in the country, priding themselves on excellent customer service from time of order to delivery of the goods.

A positive move for the young brand, the new stockist serves to reaffirm Tribal’s rising position among the high quality pet food market. Tribal has gone from strength to strength since its launch in October this year after securing SKUs at numerous independent retailers.

Fatima Maktari, founder of Tribal Pet Foods, says: “We are delighted to extend our distribution to a quality wholesaler as highly-regarded as Trust Pet Products. The new listing serves to strengthen Tribal’s continued momentum, further exposing the range to a growing sector of health-conscious pet owners throughout the UK."

Tribal has your dog’s health at the core of its ethos and is dedicated to creating 100% natural and nutritious pet foods to support canine health. 

The company offers a range of complementary dog treats which introduce a variety of vitamins and nutrients that are proven to maximise canine health using ingredients that aren’t commonly found in traditional pet foods.

Fatima’s extensive studies into organic chemistry at Oxford University provided the basis for the unique Tribal recipes.

All seven flavours in the treat range are available from Trust Pet Products. To find out more or to place an order for Tribal with Trust Pet Products call 01926 495201 or email sales@trustpet.co.uk.

More information about Tribal can be found at www.tribalpetfoods.co.uk

Gelert has refreshed and extended its entire Country Choice portfolio, designed primarily to meet the specific nutritional needs of working, sporting and more active dogs.  

Beginning with the repackaging of their existing premium dry dog food range, they are reintroducing them as a new look “Maintenance” range of SKUs. 

In addition, they have also added a higher specification “Performance” range of dry dog foods; which has even higher levels of protein, fats, and omegas, plus increased glucosamine and chondroitin levels to further support active dogs’ joint health.

Both ranges are VAT free, come in brand new high quality packaging and consist of 3 flavour Adult varieties; Chicken & Rice, Lamb & Rice, Fish & Rice, plus one Chicken & Rice puppy SKU per range, available in both 2kg and 12kg sizes.

Gelert have also launched a brand new range of gently steamed dog food Trays, targeted at the working and sporting sector, and therefore also VAT free. They come in 4 flavour variants; Chicken & Rice, Lamb & Rice, Beef & Rice and Turkey & Rice, all 395g, plus a 12 x 395g Variety Pack.

Their established Can range has been streamlined to focus upon their best-selling 12x400g, and 12x1200g variety packs, which come in new look Country Choice packaging.

The wet and dry food range is complemented by a new 3 SKU range of nutritious dog treats –available in Chicken, Lamb or Salmon varieties – all 225g.

The Country Choice Dog food range is completed with the addition of 2 varieties of Grain Free dry food, specifically developed for dogs with allergies or a sensitivity to common pet food grains & cereals. Varieties are Turkey & Veg and Lamb & Veg; available in both 2kg and 12kg sizes.

Check out their new website www.gelertnutrition.com or for more information email the Gelert team at info@gelertnutrition.com or call 01550 777262.

Retailers can see the Gelert range on the Cambrian Pet Foods stand at PATS Sandown in March.

  

British suppliers of pet hair removers, bandanas for dogs, GPS trackers for pets, cat litter trays and carriers, luxury pet accessories and feeders, drinkers and agility kits for chickens will exhibiting in the British pavilion at Global Pet Expo in Florida on March 4-6.

Following the success of the British group at the last four editions of Global Pet Expo, the PetQuip association is organising the British pavilion area and group participation again in 2015, and has negotiated a package with the organisers within the international pavilion. 

To date, the UK suppliers that have confirmed attendance and will be located within International Pavilion at the show are:

The CarPET Hair Remover (Booth 4467) will be displaying its magical gadget that instantly and hygienically removes the trickiest pet hairs and fluff from upholstered furniture, car seats, carpets and horse rugs.  It comprises a durable rubber block that has soft, harmless rubber prongs that dig deep to remove all types of embedded pet hairs, which then roll together to be removed in one bundle without harming the surface of the fabric.  The pet hair remover is available in different styles and colours.  The product is ideal for pet stores, pet owners, groomers, caravan/motor home owners, horse owners, equestrian establishments and cleaning companies, and is for sale through hardware outlets, mail order or the gift market.

G-Paws (Booth 4473) will be launching its new app at Global Pet Expo that records and locates pets, using leading edge GPS and GPRS technology.  It comprises the G-Paws Track, which is a lightweight GPS recorder that identifies a pet’s movements, and G-paws Live which is a GPS recorder with real time location and geo-fence functions.  Both systems link to G-Paws.com, the world’s largest geo-referenced pet social network that is currently has information on 15,000 pets, and is continually expanding.

Igloo Pets Ltd (Booth 4480) will be introducing its2-in-1 Igloo cat loo and carrier, which is an ingenious and attractive combined litter tray and carrier.  Used mainly as a litter tray it converts easily and quickly into a carrier for visits to the vets.  Available in nine vibrant colours, the tray is supplied complete with eco-friendly replaceable liners and filters.  Also in the company’s product range is Igloo Snow Litter, which is ideal for use with the Igloo 2-in-1 cat loo and carrier.  The litter is produced from 100 per cent natural fine silica gel that is crystal clean and has an ice fresh deodoriser.  Each grain has microscopic pores which absorb moisture in seconds, thereby bindingsmells and bacteria.  After moisture has evaporated and is dry to the touch, any solid waste can easily be removed.  This extends the usable life of the litter.

Spike's World Ltd (Booth 4469) is extending its range of poultry accessories with the addition of a new chicken treater which dispenses treats when pecked.  The treater keeps chickens entertained and also acts as a deterrent for vermin.  The new item complements the company’s extendable vegetable holder which retains vegetables clear of the ground, thus keeping them clean and dry.  Also on show will be a chicken feeder that has height-adjustable legs, an anti-perch rain shield and a top-fill chicken drinker that, unlike traditional drinkers, is very easy to fill.  Spike World’s chicken agility kits will also be exhibited.  These novel kits allow owners of all ages to have fun with their hens.  The company encourages owners to video their involvement with their chickens and post them to the company’s Facebook page.

Ted Barker (Booth 4471) will be showing its range of pet accessories that are sold on London's famous Portobello Road and in luxury pet boutiques.  The accessories feature classic English designs with an urban twist and receive wide coverage on television and other media.  Chosen in 2014 as one of Crufts favourite brands, all of the products are handmade in Britain and bought by many overseas customers.  Ted Barker will be launching its new Portobello Pup label at Global Pet Expo as well as showcasing some of its bestselling products such as the “Downton” bandana, which when wet is designed to keep pets cool.

PetQuip (Booth 4470) is the International Trade Association of Pet Equipment Suppliers.  The PetQuip team assists and promotes the development of international trade in the pet equipment sector, providing a catalyst for business contact between manufacturers, suppliers and international buyers.  The PetQuip Buyers’ Guide which includes a directory of members’ product ranges will be available to all buyers visiting the PetQuip booth.

Key facts about the US pet market & Global Pet Expo

• The US pet products marketplace is a $59 billion industry.
• Global Pet Expo is the largest North American trade show for the pet sector.
• The show takes place in Orlando and attracts around 5,500 buyers from the US and more than 76 countries.
• All visitors to the show are ‘qualified attendees’ representing major distributors, mass market retailers, independents, speciality buyers and e-tailers.
• Exhibits include pet products for cats and dogs, small mammals, birds, plus items for the aquatics, reptile and equine sectors
• The show is organised by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) and staged in conjunction with PIDA (Pet Industry Distributors Association).=

For further information call 01959 565995, email info@petquip.com or visit www.petquip.com

Royal Canin is investing in the cat business, by establishing a specific Feline team to look at ways of maximising every opportunity for cat food sales in the specialist pet trade. 

The move comes as the company is more committed than ever to increasing the sales of cat food by the specialist sector – with 77% of cat food still being bought via the grocery channel*, Royal Canin says the opportunity to feed more cats is one to be seized.

The Royal Canin Feline team comprises Veda Wagstaff, Christopher Chew, and Rachel Wannell. 

Veda’s role encompasses Scotland and the North and calls on her expertise following on from many years’ involvement with the Cats Protection League. Christopher covers the Midlands, having joined Royal Canin with extensive sales and retail experience in the brewery industry in 2013 and then working with the company as retail business manager for the North East. Rachel, previously a vet business manager for Royal Canin, covers the South. 

The team will work closely with Royal Canin business managers across the country, to look at cat-centred activities and share best practice across the board. 

Retailers’ first point of contact will remain their business manager, while the feline team’s role is to manage, drive and develop feline business opportunities both internally and externally across all areas of the business. 

Their combined experience across vet, pro (breeder) and retail channels makes them uniquely equipped to look at cross-channel business opportunities, while communication, education, merchandising and consumer lifestyle events will all help drive cat owners towards the specialist pet trade.

“Cats are increasingly popular pets, and with better nutrition and veterinary advances their lifespans have increased,” says Gemma Duffield, Royal Canin retail marketing manager.

“Many owners have more than one cat, and they are happy to spend money on them. This means that cats are essential to the future of the specialist pet trade and we see a massive opportunity to ensure that more cats have better nutrition, and that our specialist partners are a part of this opportunity. 

"We’ve been steadily developing our support for the cat food sector, with four successful years of ‘Summer of the Cat’ activity under our belts. The Feline team is the next step forward in building the cat business for all our benefit.”

*Source: Mintel

Pictured, from left to right: Rachel Wannell, Chris Chew and Veda Wagstaff.

Dog lovers wanting to give their dogs the very best when it comes to nutrition are turning to UK premium dog food company Devoted, which is going from strength to strength with its grain-free products.

Made using the finest ingredients, Devoted dog food is wholesome, delicious and packed with nutritional benefits.

Each of Devoted’s three varieties – Duck with Trout, Scottish Salmon and Free-Run Chicken – boasts 60% meat content, with the remaining 40% comprising antioxidant-rich vegetables, fruits and botanicals, including supplements to aid joints and digestion.

The company launched just last year, and now has orders coming in from Spain, Germany, Singapore and Hong Kong with stockists all keen to offer the best of British to their customers.

Devoted will be exhibiting its products at PATS Sandown 2015 from Tuesday to Wednesday, March 17-18.

Tom Kibble, Director for Devoted, says: “There’s a real trust and confidence in foods that are manufactured in the UK and our grain-free and hypoallergenic products – which are particularly suitable for dogs with sensitive digestions or grain sensitivities – are fast becoming known in the industry as one of the finest foods on the market.

“We are devoted to using the very best ingredients available and we’re looking forward to showcasing our products at PATS 2015. We want to let even more pet shops in the UK know about our natural grain-free foods – so they can stock the very best of British for their customers too.”

Highly digestible because of its freshly prepared meats, Devoted dog food works in harmony with dogs’ natural digestive, energy and dietary needs.

Glucosamine, MSM and chondroitin are added to promote joint health and mobility, while natural prebiotics MOS and FOS are designed to aid digestion.

Thanks to its striking packaging and colour-coded varieties (amber for Free Run Chicken, turquoise for Scottish Salmon and purple for Duck with Trout), Devoted dog food is also easy to spot on the shelf.

For more information about Devoted’s high-quality range of grain-free dog food, visit www.devotedpetfoods.co.uk.

Pet accessory brand ROGZ is now being distributed in Germany and Austria by SavannaPet AG, the Swiss-based speciality pet product manufacturer and distributor...

Having recently parted ways with their previous partners, ROGZ General Manager for Europe John Henshilwood commented: “We are very excited by recent developments in what remains one of Europe’s largest and strongest markets.

"We are also confident that the SavannaPet Team who launched ROGZ as part of their portfolio at Interzoo last year, will now be able to really get stuck into this key region with us."

Claudio Steiner (based in Switzerland) and David Gerber (based in South Africa) started distributing Ostrich rawhide products imported from ROGZ’ home-based country in 2002, and founded SavannaPet in 2008.

They have now expanded their catalogue to include the brand Freezack and are growing rapidly.

While the head office is based in Buttikon in Switzerland, they have a distribution centre in Delbrück, Germany, and currently employ a sales team of five.

“At the rate sales in Germany are growing we will be looking to increase the team in the very near future,” said ROGZ Key Account Manager Jϋrg Fuhrer. “The new relationship opens up many new avenues for us and we are relishing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead."

With distribution in over 40 European countries, and more than 70 worldwide, ROGZ continues to grow as one of the best-recognised accessory brands on the global pet market.

Pictured: SavannaPet sales and marketing team with Jϋrg Fuhrer (ROGZ Key Account Manager) far left, and Claudio Steiner (SavannaPet CEO) far right.

Dan Reeves has joined Wagg Foods as Marketing Manager with responsibility for overseeing all marketing planning and activity across the business.

Creating this new role, Sales Director Tom Page said: “We are delighted that Dan has joined the Wagg team, bringing a wealth of relevant experience from a variety of sectors including FMCG.

"The company has invested heavily in state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities over the last few years and now is the time to ensure we can align our marketing objectives to those of our retail customers.

"Dan has hit the ground running and has made an immediate impact on the company, with his energy, knowledge and professionalism."

For further information about the Wagg pet food and treats range visit: www.waggfoods.com

When staff working at Crown Pet Foods in Castle Cary noticed an unusual smell coming from the locker room they discovered a fellow worker smoking cannabis.

Managers carried out a search of the area and caught Justin King red-handed smoking the drug. He was then arrested.

The 25-year-old, of Olympic Drive, Castle Cary, pleaded guilty to being in possession of 1g of cannabis (class B) on August 29 last year when he appeared before Somerset Magistrates.

Emma Lenanton, prosecuting, said that a member of staff working at the pet food factory said they could smell a strong aroma of cannabis coming from the male locker room.

“A search was conducted by the managers in accordance with company policy and King was found in possession of what they believed to be cannabis and the police were called,” she said.

“The item was seized and was found to be 1g of cannabis flowering head and when the defendant was interviewed he made full admissions saying it was for his own personal use.”

King told the court that he had now lost his job working at the factory and was now struggling to find alternative employment.

“I also have a problem with cannabis and need to go to the doctor as I feel there is something wrong and I really struggle to stay with a job,” he said.

The magistrates imposed an 18 month conditional discharge on King and ordered him to pay a £15 victim surcharge but no costs. An order was also made for the cannabis to be destroyed.

A newly refurbished Pets at Home store in Llandudno has been officially opened, creating 11 new jobs in the process.

The store, situated on Mostyn Champneys Retail Park and featuring a new veterinary practice and groom room, was officially opened by the mayor of Llandudno, Cllr Malcolm Bullock,

Cllr Bullock said: “I can honestly say I have never seen facilities like they have here, and it really was something special to see.

“I had a good luck at the new areas and the facilities were overwhelming really, and it is great news that something like this has come to the town.

“Now pet owners can bring their animals to the Pets at Home store, whereas previously they could have been surplus to a call-out charge on weekend’s from traditional vets, so it really is fantastic news for the town.”

The total number of people employed at the store now stands at 22, and the Vets4Pets practice has a full operating theatre, digital X-ray facilities, in-house laboratory and hospital ward.

In addition, the groom room offers full grooming, bath and blow dry, puppy grooming and nail clipping.

Trev Evans, Pets at Home store manager, said: “We’ve listened carefully to what our customers have been telling us and we’re confident the store’s improved layout and new services will be just what they want.

“Our mission is to ensure pets live a happy and healthy life and the addition of a grooming salon and vet surgery means our customers will now find everything they need to care for their pets under one roof.”

Pictured, from left to right: Laura Jones, store manager Trev Evans, Cllr Malcolm Bullock Mayor of Llandudno, Emma Nesfield, Jackie Williams, Kat Parsons. 

Police are appealing for witnesses after thieves broke into a Plympton pet shop. The crooks struck at Petsavers in The Ridgeway sometime between 3am and 3.30am on January 30.

Investigators believe the thieves forced their way into the building before stealing a cash register and a laptop.

Anyone with information about the incident should call police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting police log number 105 of 30/01/2015.

J M Smucker, the US maker of jam, Folgers coffee and other packaged goods, is entering the fast-growing pet food business by buying Big Heart Pet Brands for $3.2bn (£2.1bn).

The cash-and-stock deal will see the firm gain popular pet brands including Meow Mix, Pup-Peroni and Milk-Bone.

Smucker said the deal would give it an immediate presence in the pet food and snacks industry, which is worth an estimated $21bn a year.

Its stock rose 4% in after hours trade.

Smucker's chief executive Richard Smucker called the deal an "excellent strategic fit" with "many compelling benefits in both the short- and long-term".

"With approximately two-thirds of US households having at least one family pet, we will now be able to serve the mealtime and snacking needs of the whole family," he said in a statement.

"The pet food business will become a third platform for growth for our company, along with our existing food and beverage businesses."

Smucker's purchase marks the pet food industry's second major deal in a year.

Last April, consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble sold its pet food business to Mars and Spectrum Brand Holdings.

Big Heart was formerly known as Del Monte before the firm sold its fruit and vegetable business last year.

It was then owned by a consortium of private equity firms including Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and Vestar Capital Partners.

The San Francisco-based company is the market leader in producing pet snacks and has almost 2,500 employees.

The President of the British Veterinary Association, John Blackwell, has urged political parties to commit to taking action on animal welfare and disease prevention ahead of the General Election in May.

Mr Blackwell (pictured) has highlighted the vital role veterinary surgeons play in safeguarding animal and human health and welfare, challenging the next government to:

• Listen to the growing public concern over welfare at slaughter, indicated by over 100,000 signatures to BVA’s online petition, and pledge that an end to non-stun slaughter will be fully debated by parliament at the earliest opportunity.
• Ensure the veterinary surveillance system of animal disease detection and prevention in the UK is robust enough “to spot the next emerging threat, the next BSE”.
• Lobby in Europe to protect vets’ ability to responsibly prescribe and dispense veterinary medicines.
• Overhaul legislation on the sale of pets to ensure best practice in the production and sale of companion animals.
• Embrace partnership working between government and the veterinary profession, recognising the unique skills, knowledge and expertise of veterinary surgeons across animal health and welfare and public health

Mr Blackwell said: “This week’s news about avian influenza in Hampshire highlights exactly why the expertise of vets matters in fighting disease and protecting human and animal health. In Hampshire, it was a local vet who sampled for AI when it became clear that the disease could not be ruled out of a diagnosis. Such vigilance and expert knowledge matters in a global world, where disease can be both pandemic and zoonotic.

“I will argue this evening that whatever party or parties form the next government it would be a false and dangerous economy to strip away a system of surveillance where local expertise is essential for a robust system of reporting and data collection.

“Vets are the guardians of animal welfare and we will continue to stand up for the highest standards of welfare for all animals. Top of that agenda is our campaign to end non-stun slaughter in the UK. Over 100,000 people have signed our petition and with this public support behind us – support that has been overwhelming and greatly appreciated – we will be urging the next government to listen to the force of public opinion on animal welfare at slaughter. We will continue to push for a full parliamentary debate on the matter.”

Opening a new wood shop at the end of 2014 has enabled Johnston & Jeff to produce its own range of of bird tables and nest boxes.

“The only way we, Johnston & Jeff, could produce such products to the same quality standards of our foods, was to make these ourselves. If it’s got the Johnston & Jeff name on it, then it has to match the very highest standards. For us, there’s no other way,” says managing director Richard Johnston.

“There’s plenty of cheap, badly made imported products on the market if you want such stuff. But you only have to compare it with ours to understand where we’re going with this – the company’s ethos is premium and quality, and translate that into wooden products and you get a range that’s built to last, handmade, and by craftsmen, with critical details such as mitred joints, zinc screws, and hand dipped using a water-based non-toxic stain. We’re proud of the result.”

AT PATS Sandown in March, Johnston & Jeff will be exhibiting its completely re-packaged wild bird, parrot, and aviary food ranges, and the first products available from the wood shop.

For more information call 01430 449444, email mail@johnstonandjeff.co.uk or visit www.johnstonandjeff.co.uk

Royal Canin sponsored the 32nd Aviemore Sled Dog Rally in association with the Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain last month.

With over 1,000 sled dogs, 200 mushers, and competitors ranging in age from 8 to 60, the Aviemore Sled Dog Rally is one of the biggest gatherings of its kind in the world.

Breeds taking part included Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds, Greenland Dogs and Canadian Eskimo Dogs. 

Teams of between two and eight dogs pulled sleds at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour over a challenging four mile track through the forest trails of Loch Morlich in the shadow of the Cairngorms.

Royal Canin, as well as being the headline sponsor, provided bibs, hoodies and sweatshirts, along with goody bags for the event.

Gemma Duffield, Royal Canin retail marketing manager, says: “This is a superb event, and one which has real relevance for us as a super premium manufacturer. Peak fitness and the ability to combine speed and stamina is essential for these teams, and nutrition has a key role to play in providing the right combination of nutrients to deliver what the dogs need to take part safely.

“It is also a hugely popular event, attracting over 3,000 spectators annually, and therefore a great opportunity for us to put the brand in front of a dog-loving crowd in an unusual way.”

Royal Canin offers a range of products for performance dogs, including Sporting Life Agility 4100 small and large dog, for short, intense bursts of activity; and Energy Nutritional Supplements which contain a high level of short chain fatty acids in order to support the activity and performance of dogs.

For more information, contact your Royal Canin Business Manager, call 0845 600 9980, or visit www.royalcanin.co.uk.

Ceva Animal Health, manufacturer of Adaptil for dogs, will be hosting its very own stand at Crufts this year.

Having previously sponsored the dog show, the company has decided to use this year’s opportunity to demonstrate its expertise in pet behaviour and animal health with a series of demonstrations on its stand (Hall 3, Stand 68).

Taking place on the hour every hour between 10am and 5pm throughout Crufts, various talks and demonstrations will be given by individuals from animal welfare charities, veterinary surgeons, pet behaviourists and special guests. Topics range from dental care and brain ageing to overarching dog behaviour. 

The stand itself will incorporate an interactive tour looking at the world from a dog’s perspective. It will highlight the day-to-day challenges that dogs face and raise awareness amongst dog owners on the impact of the resulting stresses on their beloved furry friends’ health and wellbeing.

With great giveaways and on-stand entertainment, come and visit us to find out more about dog behaviour!

Transforming pet behaviour has been at the heart of Ceva’s expertise for over 10 years. 

Adaptil for dogs and Feliway for cats are the world’s leading behaviour products helping to transform lives by relieving the stresses that modern life brings to them. 

Along with behavioural products, Ceva specialises in dental hygiene, flea and worm treatments, cardio-nephrology, pain management, antimicrobials and pharmaceutical grade supplements for joint care, digestion, and senior health.

For further information visit Adaptil.co.uk, Feliway.co.uk, or logicforpets.co.uk 

Following the release of latest figures showing that there are twice as many empty shops in the North than the South, a leading marketing expert has called on retailers to adapt to meet the rapid change in consumer shopping habits.

Professor Heiner Evanschitzky, Chair of Marketing at Aston Business School, says that as online shopping grows, physical stores are becoming increasingly less relevant to consumers.

Professor Evanschitzky comments: “Retail competition has been hotting up in recent years with the growth of discount retailers and online services. As a result, too much floor space has accumulated.

"The Big Four supermarkets have already taken action by introducing smaller stores in key commuter belts, meeting our need for ‘what we need, when we need it’, express-style shopping.

"But the heavy investment in smaller stores has led to an oversupply, with store openings in less than ideal locations. It’s therefore no surprise that stores are failing to attract customers and having to close their doors.”

Professor Evanschitzky is urging High Street retailers to radically rethink their business models, moving away from the traditional concept of a shop in its entirety.

“The High Street needs to move away from being a place where we physically buy ‘stuff’ to being a place where we can find inspiration and experience what we’re interesting in buying.

"Retailers should open more ‘brand experience showrooms’, presenting brands and letting customers try them out in a relaxed, pressure-free environment. Customers would then be encouraged to go online to buy.

"This is the model Apple have been following, with the company now holding more cash than the US government. This approach will make the High Street a destination to become inspired, motivated and informed, putting it back into the heart of the community, boosting the fortunes of retailers and giving customers what they want.”