The market for pet accessories is generally considered to be relatively resilient to economic slowdowns, and has generally experienced flat to marginal growth levels over recent years - although there have been varying performances by different sectors.

Imports play a significant part for many sectors of the pet accessories market and changes to Sterling exchange rates over the last 12 months has resulted in increasing price competition. However, growing demand for premium products has helped to underpin many sectors.

The increasing trend for pet humanisation – e.g. owners reflecting their own needs and wants onto their pets – is adding value to the market, with pet owners increasingly prepared to pay more for their pet accessories.

In addition, the replacement cycle for some products has reduced as many owners increasingly seek to keep up with design and fashion trends. Ownership levels of smaller dog breeds has grown in recent years which has resulted in increased demand for specifically targeted products such as coats, grooming products and fashion accessories.

A steady demand for essential pet care products is helping to underpin the market, including rising demand for flea and worm treatments. The latter has benefited from a combination of wide distribution, increased awareness of the importance of preventative care and recent weather conditions that have boosted flea numbers. Cat litter is a sector that has become polarised between the low volume but high value, premium quality products and the high volume, value for money products.

Product development in recent years has also helped to boost the market with the introduction of innovative products that focus on odour control, absorbency and the use of eco-friendly and biodegradable materials.

Toys are forecast to remain a key product sector and will benefit from continued product innovation and gift purchases. The rapidly growing interest in interactive and multi- functional toys is expected to continue.

Another growth area appears to be in pet ‘technology’ products, including for example automatic feeders, toys, pet monitors and pet GPS trackers. The functionality and range of such products are also likely to increase in the short-medium term.

In terms of distribution, the pet superstore channel has continued to grow, with the number of outlets, choice and product range in these stores helping to stimulate demand and growth. In addition, the discount retail sector is also taking share, particularly for toys and some own-brand bedding and cat litter products.

In addition, online distribution is also increasing in importance as a channel in its own right. The trend among pet stores to offer ever wider ranges of products and services, including grooming, veterinary care, boarding and breeding is likely to continue.

The mature nature of the market means that it is unlikely that pet accessories will show significant growth in the medium-term due to the highly price competitive nature of the market. The development of the economy remains uncertain at this stage following the Brexit vote, and this could have an impact on consumer spending, particularly on non- essentials.

“Reflecting the resilient nature of this market, steady but modest annual growth rates of around 2-3% are currently forecast between 2018 and 2021” said Jane Tarver of AMA Research.

“Care and maintenance products are forecast to continue to underpin the market as they are generally considered to be essential and represent the largest product sector, while the cat litter sector should continue to benefit from sales of more innovative products.

"Other factors expected to help underpin this market into the medium-term include product innovation focused on convenience, eco-friendliness and aesthetics. In addition, replacement cycles for some products are likely to decrease as owners seek to ensure that the comfort and happiness of their pets is maintained.”

• Bristol
• Bromsgrove
• Cambourne
• Cambridge
• Coventry
• Droitwich
• Evesham
• Kidderminster
• Long Eaton
• Malvern
• Maypole
• Northfield
• Nuneaton
• Stourbridge
• Swadlincote
• Telford
• Wolverhampton
• Worcester

• Bessie & Boo (Evesham)
• Burton upon Trent
• Northampton
• Nottingham
• Reading
• Wellington
• Yardley

Bessie & Boo in Evesham, Worcestershire – described as being a new concept in pet stores when it was launched just over a year ago – is one of seven Just for Pets stores that faces closure after being excluded from the acquisition by Pedigree Wholesale.

Bessie & Boo was designed to offer its customers a relaxing, enjoyable shopping experience while receiving excellent customer service and expert advice. At the time of its launch the boutique style store was said to be the first of a string of shops of this type.

The Just for Pets business has been acquired by newly formed business PSR Trading Limited, a sister company to Pedigree Wholesale.

• Bessie & Boo (Evesham)
• Burton upon Trent
• Northampton
• Nottingham
• Reading
• Wellington
• Yardley

The firm sold just under half of its stake – it still holds on to a 12.4% stake in the retailer.

Following the news Pets at Home closed the day with its share price down 7.74% at 199.2p apiece, making it the FTSE’s second biggest faller of the day.

The proceeds raised by KKR imply it sold its shares for 195p each. This is well below the debut price of 245p per share, and even further below the 267p at which KKR sold a chunk of its stake in 2015, generating around £288m.

The day, which invited hand-picked pet specialists and their families to the trade show and fun activities, was heralded as a fantastic day and the region’s best pet trade show,

Over 40 suppliers mixed with over 300 customers offering the latest NPD products in the New Product Showcase area, suppliers shared valuable insight and advice on how to increase sales within the pet category well as offering exclusive trade deals.

In addition to the Trade Day itself, retailers were free to enjoy the rest of the Safari Park for a fun family day out for all including face painting and a free Bestpets cuddly toy each child.

Peter Brame, category controller for Pet, is delighted about the Trade Day 

“This is our 3^rd Trade Day in Scotland and the response from both our supplier partners and retailers has been astounding. I am continued to be amazed at the enthusiasm and commitment shown by retailers to learn and update themselves with the latest trends. It is this appetite which gives the Bestpets Trade Day a great atmosphere and  I’d like to thank everyone who attended the Trade Day, both Suppliers and Retailers for their on-going support.”

Suppliers and retailers were equally impressed by the standard of the Trade Show.

Bill Kimberling, Head of Sales for Forthglade Foods, said: “I have to say this was one of the best shows we have done and there was a real buzz on the day. 

"We were both very busy the whole day and many customers have now started to trade well with the Forthglade brand as well as being keen to order and try new products.

"The venue is a very good location and allows for many of the very Northern customers to get to a show like this.  We will be looking to support this again next year.”

Feedback from retailers has been extremely positive as they enjoyed meeting suppliers and also making the day about their families too. The success was encapsulated by a comment from one of our retailers:

We had a great time and thought it was a really good mix of suppliers. A really enjoyable and productive day. Noah's Ark, Edinburgh

I had a great day at the Trade Day. It was well organised and packs were sent out in time so you could have a look in advance and plan what you wanted to order. The offers on the day were a great attraction with the extra discount on a lot of lines. There were lots of stands and Reps to speak to and a good atmosphere in the marquee. Country Supplies, Lanark

The Scottish Trade Day follows two other successful Trade Days held by Bestpets earlier in the year at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, near Doncaster, in June and Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park, near Bristol, in July.

In a year of significant step changes for Cotswold RAW, it’s quite possible that winning a Grocer New Product Award (Petcare) award last Friday was the biggest yet. 

According to co-founder, Mark Lewis: "Raw feeding has been a bright shining star within premium pet food for some while now, because tasty, nutritionally-dense meal times makes perfect sense. And yet, for many pet owners the thought of adopting a healthier ‘raw’ lifestyle for their four-legged friend has always been tempered by the less appetizing notion of scooping whiffy raw food from an ice cream tub. 

"The joy of our portion-controlled, scent-free and convenient sausage formats is that they provides a convenient, ‘stress-free,’ introduction into raw, that later provides a seamless move into more mainstream mince formats."

According to the Grocer’s award panel: "An innovative product packed with inspired branding made this dog food an easy winner for Cotswold RAW."

Cotswold RAW has always believed that the human food quality packaging and sausage formats means that its products are perfectly adept at becoming a staple in a growing number of pet-food establishments; from pubs, hotels and charity-owned parks to dog-friendly holiday breaks.
 

"We’re especially proud to fly the flag for rural business and =countryside common sense and truly appreciate the support we’ve had from our hard-working team and kindred spirit agencies, Hurricane & Purple Pilchard," added Mark.

www.cotswoldraw.com

Final preparations are being made as the AQUA 2017 trade exhibition gets set to open its doors at Telford International Centre at 9.00am on Wednesday, October 18th.

With a record numbers of exhibitors and the biggest ever showcase of new products, there will be lots to keep visitors busy during this eagerly awaited aquatics and water gardening trade event.

The excitement has been building for months with over 100 companies planning their new launches around AQUA 2017.

Now the wait is almost over for both exhibitors and visitors…and the two-day show can soon begin.

With so many exciting plans it could easily be a record-breaking year for attendance numbers as well.

OATA Impact chairman Dr David Pool said: “We’re certain that time spent at AQUA 2017 will prove to be both memorable and valuable. A lot of planning and hard work has gone into organising this show and I’m confident visitors will have an enjoyable and profitable visit.”

Heritage Distribution Ltd is one company that acknowledges the benefits of exhibiting at such a prestigious show, and as a result has doubled its stand size. “We launched the company at AQUA 2013, and it was the ideal place to start the business,” said Andrew Werendel. “In 2015 we secured 50% more business at the show with more new customers on board. We can’t wait for AQUA 2017.”

For Tropical Marine Centre, the exhibition is an essential part of the company’s sales strategy. “AQUA is a great way to showcase new products to our target audience and get direct feedback from customers,” said Jayne Robb. “The show is very well organised too, by a helpful and lovely team and that is a real bonus.”

On arrival at Telford International Centre, a large majority of visitors are expected to head for the New Product Showcase, which will have a huge presence at the exhibition. All entries in the Showcase will be judged by a panel of retailer judges for the New Product Awards on the first morning of the show.

In recognition of the growing importance of the New Product Showcase, the Awards will be for first time presented to the winners at a sold-out AQUA dinner, in front of an audience of over 600 people from the trade after the first day of the show.

There will 10 different categories making up the Showcase and Awards. They are:

• POS/Merchandising/Support
• Reptile
• Pond Construction/Decoration
• Pond Pumps
• Pond Filters
• Pond Food, Care and Accessories
• Aquaria, Furniture and Decor
• Freshwater Equipment
• Aquarium Food, Care and Accessories
• Marine Equipment

As well as getting to see all the new products to be launched on to the market, visitors will be well looked-after during their stay. There are extensive catering facilities, and everyone will receive a free tea or coffee, and a lunch voucher. Visitors can also benefit from free parking next to the exhibition hall.

There’s still time to register for free entry on the AQUA 2017 website www.aquatelford.co.uk where a full list of exhibitors can be also be found.

Opening times

Wednesday, 18^th October, 2017: 9.00am-5.30pm

The news comes just in time for National Pet Obesity Awareness Day on October 11th - just like humans, obesity in dogs can lead to a variety of illnesses and ailments, as well as a shorter lifespan.

Current scientific literature suggests that over 40% of Britain’s dogs are overweight and according to PDSA’s latest PAW report around 93,000 never get walked. In contrast PitPat’s active Pack has clocked-up over 20 million minutes of exercise in 2017 alone!

PitPat are on a mission to ensure the health and happiness of all dogs and are proud to say that their Pack is growing exponentially with help from their insurance partners including, Co-op, Argos, 4Paws Insurance, MoreTh>n, John Lewis and M&S Bank.

Andrew Nowell, PitPat CEO, says: “We created PitPat to give owners a fun, simple and affordable solution to help ensure their dog gets the right amount of exercise.

"Our doggy community love using the app and it’s great to see the positive effect it’s having on helping owners form healthier habits with their dog.

"Wearable technology has revolutionised how we keep fit and exercise, and now dog owners are embracing the same technology to help keep their pooch in tip-top shape.”

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Nigel Bateson, formerly of Envirosmart Products, has been appointed Pet & Equine Manager of UFAC UK, a specialist manufacturer of energy, protein and Omega 3 supplements for all types of stock and companion animals.

UFAC have been supplying customers throughout Europe and the rest of the world for over 40 years. They are specialists at blending oils and liquids and absorbing them on base carrier materials to produce dry feed ingredients that are normally presented in liquid form. These products consequently mix (into and onto) feeds more evenly and consequently offer excellent nutrient availability and efficiency of utilisation.

They have created the new position of Pet and Equine Manager to offer unique nutrition enhancing products to owners of companion pets and horses, building on the successful launch last year of the Vitafeed Omega 3 dog food complement range.

Vitafeed was being distributed through Envirosmart Products. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond the control of the directors and the difficult trading conditions in the sectors they were involved with, Envirosmart had to cease trading earlier this year.

However, UFAC are committed to continuing the supply of Vitafeed to the many shops and dog owners who have become regular customers and progressing the development of other products that I had been working on with them at Envirosmart.

Omega 3 supplements that are suitable for complete feed are already being incorporated by several manufacturers but there is potential benefit for many more to add value to their brands be they manufacturer or private label brands.

We have developed a range of Omega 3 supplements for horse feeds using marine and plant sources of Omega3.

The new product that is creating a lot of excitement is a natural protection and remedy for Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) that is a huge problem in both the leisure and working horse sectors.

Vitafeed is available through Pedigree Wholesale.

• SureFlap which represents the Microchip Cat Flap, Microchip Pet Door and the Microchip Pet Door Connect;
• SureFeed which includes the Microchip Pet Feeder and the Sealed Pet Bowl and;
• SureSense which is the company’s hand-held pet Microchip Reader.

Research by PDSA has revealed that the owners of a staggering eight million dogs and cats* report that their pets are afraid of fireworks with more than a thousand pets** being seen at its pet hospitals in the last 12 months for fireworks-related issues such as phobias and injuries.  

PDSA Senior Vet, Sean Wensley, explained: “The PDSA Animal Wellbeing Report found that around 40% of UK owners of cats and dogs report that their pet is afraid of fireworks, and anyone who has seen their pet go through this misery knows how serious their anxiety and fear of firework sounds can be.

"Many shake and tremble, are unable to settle, toilet in the house, destroy furniture, and can even cause themselves physical injury if they panic, try to escape or run away.”

To help pet owners reduce their pets’ fears, the charity is urging people to take action early. Thanks to funding from the players of People’s Postcode Lottery, PDSA’s expert vets have produced a step-by-step Fireworks Ready guide for owners to help them prepare their pets. Go to pdsa.org.uk/fireworksready

Sean continued: “For young pets, careful management of their first experience of fireworks can prevent these fears from developing in the first place. For older pets who are already suffering, reward-based behaviour techniques can be very effective.

"Both of these approaches take time and patience, so it’s important to start early; in puppy or kittenhood for young pets, and well before fireworks season for older ones.”

PDSA’s Fireworks Ready action plan takes owners through the process of preparing pets for fireworks season, use of pheromones and sound CDs, how to build a noise-reducing fireworks den for pets, plus a checklist for the day itself.

PDSA hopes to help pets like Zakk (pictured), who ended up with severe but unexplained injuries to his legs and paws after he was spooked by fireworks. His owner had let him out into their garden when a neighbour suddenly set off fireworks – Zakk panicked and jumped over the gate. He was eventually found the next day covered in blood caused by nasty cuts to his paws. He was taken to a PDSA Pet Hospital where his wounds were treated, but it took a month for them to heal.

Sean commented: “We don’t know exactly what caused Zakk’s injuries – he could have been hit by a car, or cut himself on something as he panicked. But his story highlights how important it is to be aware of the significance of firework phobia for pets and to know that help is available from your local veterinary practice.”

PDSA’s advice on preparing pets for fireworks

• If you own a young puppy or kitten who will be having their first experience of fireworks, read up on the process of socialisation. This is when young pets are gradually introduced to various people, objects, sounds and experiences during their first few months, which can significantly reduce the likelihood of fears developing in later life.
• If you have an older pet who already shows signs of fireworks phobia, using a CD for noise-phobic pets to gradually get them used to the sounds of fireworks may help. Build up the volume and duration very gradually over a period of weeks, and ensure you remain calm and relaxed whenever you play the sounds, so your pet learns there is nothing to be afraid of.
• Build a ‘fireworks den’ for your pet, somewhere they feel safe. For dogs, this may be behind the sofa or under a table - cover it with blankets and line it with pillows or cushions to absorb some of the noise. Cats often feel safest when high up, so a safely secured, covered cat bed on top of a wardrobe or shelf may be their preferred option. Build it a few weeks ahead of fireworks season, and give your pet healthy treats or praise when they use it so they build a positive association, but don’t force them to use it.
• Ensure that cats and dogs are microchipped (this is a legal requirement for dogs anyway), so that if they run off in panic, they can be quickly reunited with their owner when found
• Use pheromones – these are available as diffusers, which release scents which are undetectable to humans, but have a calming, reassuring effect on our pets. They are available for dogs and cats, and should be used for several weeks leading up to fireworks season.
• For severe phobias, we recommend speaking to your vet, who will be able to discuss various options including referral to an accredited behaviourist.

For more detailed advice visit pdsa.org.uk/fireworksready

The symptoms of the two can be very similar but there are key differences, says David Southey BSc who tackles the subject in a new video for Fish4Dogs.

“An allergy is the immune system reacting to what it sees as a foreign or unusual protein whereas an intolerance is often a secondary reaction that can be triggered by a variety of factors including the diet,” he explains.

There are three main causes of food-related intolerance in dogs which can be related:

• nutrient imbalances
• ingredient sensitivities
• hyper-sensitivity

To avoid nutrient imbalances pet owners should look for foods with high levels of high quality proteins and omega-3 fatty acids.

“Hair growth and skin keratinisation place heavy demands on proteins with around 25 per cent of a dog's daily protein allowance being used for the maintenance of skin health. So, look for lots of high quality protein such as fish. All complete foods meet daily nutritional requirements for dogs but some do so with better, more nutritional ingredients and will result much better skin condition,” he outlines.

With ingredient sensitivities, he suggests a similar approach with elimination diets to identify the causes while hyper-sensitivity conditions need the correct balance of fatty acids.

“Hyper-sensitivities skin irritation and inflammation are caused by circulating chemicals known as series 1 eicosanoids. These compounds are by-products from the body's metabolism of omega 6 fatty acids which are found in vegetable oils and chicken fat.

"A surplus of these omega 6 fats causes an increase in eicosanoids in the blood which puts the body in a state of alert, causing it to overreact to small disturbance in the diet. Omega 3 can counteract the effects of omega 6 putting the body back into balance by producing anti-inflammatory series three and five eicosanoids,” says Mr Southey.

The ideal ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 is a matter of debate between animal nutritionists - some argue it should be a one-one ratio but the consensus is that a ratio between five-to-one and ten-to-one is optimal.

He identifies that many pet foods are over-rich in chicken and vegetable oil which tip the balance and result in dogs consuming too much omega 6.

“Some of these foods have ratios well in excess of 20 or even 30 to one. Feeding a high-quality fish-based food or supplementing with a small quantity of pure fish oil is the most effective way of achieving balance,” he recommends.

The video can be seen in full on Fish4Dogs YouTube channel www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NEW2kHjr5E

Pictured: Before and after – Dillon, a six-month old Collie/Lab cross, belonging to Fish4Dogs’ Technical Assistant, Ryan Whitman, is living proof that diet is vitally important to coat and skin.

HIAB and its customer Pets at Home have been shortlisted as a finalist in the ‘Enterprise in Quiet Logistics’ category of the Noise Abatement Society’s prestigious John Connell Awards.

The accolade recognises how Pets at Home eliminated noise complaints when making out-of-hours deliveries, by switching from a fleet of diesel-powered forklifts to Hiab’s E MOFFETT, the world’s first electrically-powered truck-mounted forklift.

With 80% of Pets at Home’s weekly 1,400 store deliveries being carried out after 8pm, the retailer received a number of noise complaints from residents located close to some of its stores. The complaints largely centred on the noise emitted from the diesel-powered forklift trucks the retailer used to unload goods out-of-hours to its unmanned stores.

Pets at Home subsequently reported that all of the local authorities that had received complaints were satisfied that the noise problem had been addressed and no further action was taken or required.

“It’s been a total game-changer,” says Steve Travis, General Manager for Transport at Pets at Home. “Implementing the electric MOFFETTS has allowed us to return to scheduling our fleet at the most economic time of day, saving money on fuel and reducing our carbon footprint, as well as no longer being a nuisance to the neighbours in our local communities, which meets our CSR aims.”

MOFFETT truck-mounted forklifts have been hard at work at construction sites and depots across the world for over 30 years. The innovative MOFFETT E-Series models offer environmentally responsible technology as well as a significant reduction in total cost of ownership.

The John Connell Awards – named after the founder of the NAS – were established in 2001 to recognise local authorities, industry, individuals and organisations judged to have been outstanding in their efforts to both reduce the impact of noise nuisance, and seek to pioneer practical and innovative solutions to noise pollution.

The ‘Enterprise in Quiet Logistics’ award, sponsored by Freight Transport Association, recognises advances in low-noise technology, equipment and operations to facilitate safe, low-noise and efficient urban distribution services.

“We are delighted our work with Pets at Home has been recognised by the Noise Abatement Society,” says Rogier van der Linde, Hiab UK’s Managing Director. “Its fleet of MOFFETT E-Series trucks helped Pets at Home not only to address the challenges it was facing with complaints, but also reduce its operational costs.”

Hanover, which offers a choice of properties for older people, aims to preserve the bond between people and pets as much as possible, recognising the benefits pets can bring to the health and wellbeing of owners and fellow residents.

Recent studies have found that companion animals can help to lower blood pressure and regulate a person’s heart rate during stressful situations. Looking after an animal can also give older people a sense of purpose and reduce isolation for those who live alone.

The RSPCA’S Community Animal Welfare Footprint scheme celebrates the work of housing providers and other bodies in areas that impact on improving animal welfare.

Hanover spokesman Nick Sedgwick said: “Hanover is proud of the fact that around half of our estates have pets and over 1,200 of our residents are pet owners.

"Nobody wants to break up a relationship with someone’s beloved pet, which is why we aim to take positive steps to encourage and ensure responsible pet ownership in all our properties.”

RSPCA spokesman Rachel Williams said: “The benefits of responsible pet ownership to older people are well known and recognised, so Hanover’s commitment to allowing their residents to keep pets is really important.”

An award winning pet supplies shop has opened its second branch in Middlesbrough town centre.

Harry’s Pet Emporium has launched in Dundas Indoor Market, selling a range of quality pet foods and pet accessories.

The new store is part of the award-winning Ingleby Pet Supplies business which won Independent Retailer of the Year in the Pet Industry Federation’s Pet Industry Awards 2015, and was a finalist in the same category in 2016.  

The business is also being championed by Small Business Saturday, the organisation which encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities. It has been selected as one of the Small Business 100 and is being promoted via social media today (Thursday) in the run up to 2017 Small Business Saturday on December 2.

 

"We did not want to use the same name for our second retail outlet," said Director Dawn Worton.

"We thought calling a business Ingleby Pet Supplies in Dundas Market in Middlesbrough would be confusing, so I asked my 10 year old son Harry to think up a new name and he came up with Harry’s Pet Emporium.

"Just like in our shop in Ingleby Barwick we stock a range of quality independent foods, toys, treats, apparel and other accessories, as well as Christmas presents, including selection boxes."

Part of the Dundas Shopping Centre, Dundas Market is the only indoor market in Middlesbrough. It has more than 20 exciting and welcoming market stalls, including the award-winning Brickyard Bakery, Sweet Corner, Jean’s Kitchen and Danny’s Family Butchers, selling everything from handbags to gladrags, furniture to fizzbombs, make ups to vapes, candles to mirrors, babywear to bhajis and low fat Chicken Shawarmas, as well as mobile phone and tablet repairs.

Harry’s Pet Emporium can be contacted on tel. 07401 789295 or via https://www.facebook.com/harryspetemporium/

True Instinct was launched following Natures Menu’s most successful PATS to date with hundreds of visitors to the Natures Menu stand over both show days. Over 180 True Instinct orders were secured with specialist pet retailers from across the UK.

True Instinct specialises in a complete and balanced range of grain and gluten free, natural raw and raw-inspired products. Its brand new range will offer highly nutritional, complete & balanced frozen raw, innovative freeze-dried raw and high meat fillets for both cats and dogs.

True Instinct will offer every meal across the formats in a variety of premium quality deboned meats, with vegetables, high quality botanicals and superfoods and no artificial colours flavours or preservatives.  The range will be available for Adult Dog, Small Adult Breeds, Puppy and Adult Cat across a number of variants.

Raw Boost is a particularly exciting development and a first for the UK pet market. Combining Natures Menu’s expertise in raw with the convenience of dry, the brand-new concept Raw Boost is the result of a partnership with dry food experts Affinity Petcare. Combining a high meat bite with a freeze dried raw meat nugget the product offers the benefits of raw meat ingredients surrounded by a wholesome blend of meat, fresh vegetables and botanicals.

Next in the range, True Instinct High Meat Fillets is the brand’s wet food offering, made up of premium steam-cooked shredded meat and fish fillets. The Adult Dog and Adult Small Breed Dog varieties contain 80 per cent deboned human grade meat, with the Adult Cat variety containing 90 per cent deboned human grade meat and fish.

Finally, True Instinct Raw Bites falls under the frozen raw category, bringing Natures Menu’s raw expertise to the forefront. As with all products in the range, each variety of Raw Bites contains at least 80 per cent deboned meat with no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives and includes a wide range of superfood ingredients. The product will be available in Adult Dog, Adult Small Breed Dog, Puppy and Adult Cat varieties.

With over 35 years’ experience in feeding raw, and endorsement from a team of professional vets, Natures Menu are proud to be pioneers and innovators of Europe’s natural, raw and raw inspired pet food category.

True Instinct pet food ranges have been designed and formulated, using high quality natural ingredients, boasting the highest nutritional value to deliver a superior, responsibly sourced, wholesome, complete and balanced diet for pets.

The True Instinct range will be available to purchase at specialist pet stores and online at www.naturesmenu.co.uk/trueinstinct  from January 2018.

Eurostitch Ltd, manufacturer of Lucky Pet premium pet bed range, has devised a unique and innovative scheme to support the independent pet trade in the UK.

The company, based in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, has invested in a new website for Lucky Pet, which allows a pet owner to place an order for a product which can then be collected from their local pet retailer.

“We would like to see Lucky Pet beds in the homes of every pet owner in the UK and will support independent retailers to make that happen,” says Eurostitch Managing Director Kay Wright.

“Small local shops on the high street are the lifeblood of towns and cities up and down the country. It’s important to keep local shops and businesses open because if the high street dies then the whole town can die with it.

“By coming up with this new initiative we will be supporting the local pet shop, something which makes us very proud. It’s doing our bit to help safeguard the high street.”

The new website www.luckypet.co.uk is designed to be very user friendly, helping the owner to make the right choice of bed for their pet, taking into consideration both size and breed.

 On the website there is a search engine for finding the nearest local stockist, within five miles of a consumer’s home. The owner can then order the product of their choice and pick it up from the pet shop listed on the website.

Should the consumer decide to order on line instead of visiting their local stockiest, Eurostitch will credit the Lucky Pet local stockist with the difference between the trade list price and the retail price quoted to the consumer on the website. Lucky Pet stockists could earn revenue even whilst closed and on items they do not carry in stock! Terms and conditions apply.

The website has also been tailored to Eurostitch trade customers, who can arrange visits, browse products, place orders, view special offers etc.

Eurostitch has been manufacturing the Lucky Pet range since 1992 and is proud to be able to offer its customers a range of quality products all made in Britain.

“We’re a family business and have strong values in everything we do,” says Kay. “Our aim has always been to support the independent retailer, who is able to offer customers a more personal, intimate service. As pet lovers and owners ourselves we know how important this is.”

Retailers interested in stocking the Lucky Pet range should email sales@eurostitich.co.uk

The owners of a pet shop in Hare Hatch, near Reading, are planning to renew their licence to sell puppies, despite mounting pressure from protesters.

After more than 18 months of petitioning, protesting and legal disputes, some campaigners thought they had convinced Wokingham Borough Council to stop Linton Pet Store from selling dogs.

A petition calling for the revocation of the store's licence, which has more than 20,000 signatures, stated the store "has been issued notice" by the council "to stop selling puppies."

But the local authority insists the licence has not been revoked, as owner Loridana Agius has complied with the conditions of their licence.

Councillor Norman Jorgensen, executive member for environmental health said: "The council is not aware of any link between Eric Hale, or any other breeders in Ireland, and Linton Pets.

"All puppies sold in the last 12 months have been supplied by licensed breeders and no irregularities were found with the paperwork supplied by their licensing authorities.

"The current licence allows Linton Pets to sell puppies from licensed breeders until October 4 in 2017."

The owner of Linton Pets, which is located in Ladds Garden Centre, told the getreading website they are planning to renew their licence, so she can continue to sell puppies.

The campaigners claim that the shop owners have been buying dogs from puppy farms, where bitches are overbred and their puppies are kept in squalid conditions.

Dozens of them frequently form picket lines outside the store in Bath Road.

However, the owners claim they have always bought dogs from licenced and responsible breeders and adhered to the conditions of their licence.