Following reports that a puppy in Cornwall has died after biting into an e-cigarette refill, vets are warning pet owners to ensure they are kept out of reach of animals.

British Veterinary Association (BVA) President and vet Robin Hargreaves said: “This is a tragic case and very worrying when you consider how many people are now using e-cigarettes. Nicotine poisoning acts very quickly and can be fatal, especially when large doses are involved. E-cigarettes and refills can easily contain sufficient quantities of nicotine to kill a small animal very quickly.

“If you use e-cigarettes, we recommend storing all equipment safely out of reach of your pet. If you suspect your pet has chewed or eaten an e-cigarette or any toxic substance then it is vital that you contact a vet for treatment as quickly as possible.”

BVA understands that the female puppy was a recently rehomed Staffordshire cross. It became unwell on Sunday after apparently consuming an e-cigarette refill and passed away on Monday morning after failing to respond to treatment.

For more information and advice from vets on animal welfare issues visit the BVA website at www.bva.co.uk/news

Pets at Home is to offer employees and the general public a chance to buy shares ahead of the retailer's £1.2bn flotation on the London Stock Exchange.

Around 500 senior employees, from chief executive Nick Wood down to some store managers, already own 10% of the company, potentially handing them a £120m windfall when the company joins the public markets next month.

But all employees will be offered the chance to apply for guaranteed parcels of shares worth up to £750 giving them rights ahead of institutional investors. Pet-loving members of the public will also be able to apply for shares worth a minimum of £1,000 each.

"We believe its important to have as wide a shareholder base as possible. Our colleagues and customers love Pets at Home and have a common bond, an emotional bond with our business," said Wood (pictured left).

The former American Golf boss, whose twin daughters own twin Bichon Frisé dogs, said Pets at Home's 6,000 employees own 23,000 pets between them. "That gives you a feel for how much we love pets," he said.

The UK's biggest pet retailer with 369 stores, 246 vet surgeries and 116 in-store grooming salons is majority owned by US private equity firm KKR. 

Pets at Home will seek to raise £275m from issuing new shares in order to pay down debt so that it will join the market with net debt of the same amount. That will take its total enterprise value to £1.5bn.

Wood shrugged off suggestions that Pets had been squeezed for profits by its backers, saying £120m had been invested in the business in the four years KKR had held the keys.

"If you look at KKR's investment history in our business it has been significant," he said. "I think we have got a unique story and a unique growth opportunity that every investor needs to look at. That opportunity is about store growth and growth of services such as vets and pet groomers."

The retailer, which was founded in 1991, is aiming to open 131 stores, more than 400 more vets surgeries and nearly 200 more grooming parlours as it takes advantage of Brits' increasing desire to pamper their pets. The £5.4bn pet market, including food, accessories and services has grown at a rate of 2.6% a year over the last five years while Pets at Home has grown to take 12% of that market. In the 40 weeks to January 2, revenues rose 11%.7% year on year or 2.4% if the benefit of new store openings is stripped out. Underlying earnings also rose 1% to £87m.

As the debate continues over whether Channel 5's controversial programme actually told the truth about dog food, award-winning pet store Scampers in Cambridgeshire has been helping customers to gain a clearer understanding of pet food.

Since appearing in the film, Scampers has attracted visitors from all over the country, and owner Piers Smart and his team have been helping customers to choose the best food for their animals.

Piers said: "Our goal is to give the real truth about pet foods, which we believe is so important to enable them to make an informed choice."

So what did Piers really think of the Channel 5 programme. Here's what he had to say...

"Well, after all the hullabaloo, I’m not sure the Channel 5 documentary really gave anyone 'The Truth About Your Dog's Food'. But what the documentary did do is show just how many differing ideas there are about how to feed our pets and it certainly created plenty of conversation in store at Scampers!

"Unfortunately TV being TV, the programme, in our opinion, spent too long showing some rather extreme ideas and ended up confusing people even more than they were before the programme!

"We, of course, would never recommend vegetarian or vegan food for your best friends nor do we subscribe to some of the more outrageous views of some of the other contributors regarding pet food in general. It was also disappointing to hear some pretty uninformed comments trying to scare owners into using their particular brand of dog food.

"That being said there were some really good points made about processing, dodgy ingredients and nasty preservatives! The sort of thing we have been talking about for years and fantastic that this subject made it to the national press and media.

"Here at Scampers we have a much more open minded view about how to keep our dogs and cats healthier through diet and we do not believe that any one food or food type is necessarily the best for every animal or every owner's needs, budget or choice.

"In fact all of us here now feed a variety to our dogs and cats and they look great and feel great and why not? Don’t we enjoy variety in our diets…I for one would hate to have even my favourite food every day, for the whole of my life!

"Our goal is to give the real truth about pet foods to our customers which we believe is so important to enable them to make an informed choice about what to feed their pets and why. We now have probably the widest and best range of natural pet food options available in the UK and we can explain the advantages and disadvantages of each one including; what is in them, where they are made, how they are made, who makes them and why we have chosen to stock them.

"We will also explain why you will not find pet foods from Nestle Purina, Mars, Hills or Proctor and Gamble!

"No pet store can carry every brand of pet food but we have a natural range that covers every type of process and every type of ingredient ..other than VEGAN!

"So if you have any questions regarding the programme or would like further information on any pet foods or you would just like a sample please ask myself or any of the Scampers Pet Care Advisors…it’s our job and we love it!"

Although dental hygiene is just as important for cats and dogs as it is for humans, it is estimated that, by the age of three, approximately 80% of cats and dogs suffer from untreated dental disease.

Prevention is always better than cure, and incorporating a dental regime into a pet’s daily routine will not only help to prevent problems developing but also avoid stressful and expensive veterinary treatment. Offering a comprehensive dental range in-store is also a great way for retailers to boost revenue.

No one likes to be pushed in to buying something, especially if we don’t know that we need it, and pet owners are no different! With dental care, there is a genuine health argument for regular dental care and as retailers; if an assistant sounds knowledgeable, their argument carries more weight and becomes credible.

'At Beaphar, we believe that knowledge is the key to helping cat and dog owners understand the health benefits of building a dental regime into a pet’s daily routine," says Amy Laura Hepworth, Marketing Manger.

"We are currently running a nationwide campaign to carry out superior in-store training to ensure that staff have the confidence to sell with expertise which is backed up with a comprehensive dental care range that provides superior cleaning and lasting freshness.”

Amy continues: “Running parallel to our training campaign, we have also prepared a premium dental care support kit that includes informative consumer leaflets, a compact countertop display unit with ‘£1 Off’ to encourage first purchase as well as other cross-selling point of sale items to help retailers merchandise their stores and promote dental care.”

To find out more or to schedule a dental training session with a local Sales Executive, call 01440 714700 or email info@uk.beaphar.com

Premium pet brand Fish4Dogs has launched a new arm to the company called Fish4Cats, and introduced a range of exciting new products which will be showcased at PATS Sandown.

Fish4Dogs has used its existing model of natural, healthy ingredients, using responsibly sourced fish stocks and no artificial preservatives or colours to meet growing demand in the cat market.

The new launch focuses on the different dietary needs of cats, and has been created to provide the optimum diet for the feline friend. Using a combination of both wet and dry food, Fish4Cats offers a high protein, fresh, low carbohydrate diet that cats need whilst offering maximum taste appeal.

The dry food from Fish4Cats, boasts 65% fish providing the high levels of protein cats need. The added pea and potato as a source of fibre is a good binding agent and helps with hairball removal, plus the food is also packed with cranberries and algae which help to boost the immune system and prevent urinary tract infections.

Knowing that a wet and dry food combination is the paw-fect choice for cats, the wet food offering is 91% fish and a key component for the sensitive digestive system – it also helps to promote hydration and balanced amino acid levels.

The intense fresh fish smell is highly appealing to the feline nose, which makes it a very palatable choice. Fish is naturally rich in Omega 3, promoting healthy coat, skin, joints and particularly for cats in the winter months; it is an effective treatment for cracked paw pads.

Graham Smith, Chief Executive of parent company Fish4Dogs, said: “We are so proud to have achieved a strong customer following from our existing product range and high repeat purchasing indicates that once pets try our foods they stay loyal to the brand.

“We all know that cats adore the taste and smell of fish, and Fish4Cats looks to meet the demand for a great fishy taste whilst also making sure that it offers the ideal nutritional benefits for our feline friends.

"Cats have complex dietary needs and we hope that our new product offerings from Fish4Cats will not only want them coming back for more but leave them feeling great too!”

David Tennant has lent his vocal talents to a new advertising campaign by the Dogs Trust.

The new campaign, the charity say, aims to challenge outdated and incorrect perceptions held by the public about rescue dogs and launches tonight with an ad, Trained For Love, created by agency Kitcatt Nohr and showing various dogs being put through their paces to get them ready for their new owners.

Adrian Burder, marketing director at Dogs Trust, said: “This ad is beautiful, and anyone who loves dogs will be moved by it. We expect a lot of interest from people who can give a new home to a Dogs Trust dog as a result. The idea of 'Trained for Love' is a wonderful way to describe the amazing work our centres do with stray and abandoned dogs.”

Paul Kitcatt of Kitcatt Nohr, added: “Dogs Trust is a fantastic organisation, and a great client. This ad follows our successful fundraising TV work last year, and takes us into new territory. The idea is simple but utterly charming, and you would need a heart of stone to resist the appeal of our canine stars.”

You can watch the advert above or by clicking here

Rolling into store now is the new look Pedigree treats range, setto re-energise the category.

It is currently worth 25% of the total Dog Food market and accounts for almost 53% of growth in the last year alone. Drawing on its heritage and leadership in pet health and nutrition, the refresh of Pedigree treats packaging will see the range streamlined from 17 sub-brands into five key brands.

The improved Pedigree pack designs with bright, clear colours have been created to capture pet lovers’ imaginations and draw them into the category so that they can find their favourite products and explore new ones

With striking colours designed to enhance each brand’s unique identity, the new packaging reduces the time it takes for customers to find what they are looking for by 1.8 seconds making it 14% faster.

Pedigree is committed to showing what good treats can do for dogs and believes in the power of Care and Treats to both nurture and enhance the bond between dogs and owners. The reinvigorated range will include best-selling brands from Rodeo® and Schmackos®, to Markies, Biscrok and Jumbone.

Caroline Mabon, Dog Care & Treats Senior Brand Manager said: “Innovation is at the very heart of what we do, and with our newly invigorated range of treats, we want to make sure customers find the products they are looking for quickly and easily.

"We have consolidated our range, and have created a new identity for each one of our five brands, so that the shopping experience for pet owners and pet lovers is an enjoyable one. See what good food can do and treat pets to our exciting range of nutritious and delicious treats.”  

Research shows that passionate pet owners and pet lovers who regularly buy treats for their own pets, as well as those belonging to friends and family, spend 86% more than customers who just buy main meal products representing a strong opportunity for retailers to boost sales. The exciting new packaging for each Care and Treat product is designed to educate owners about its health properties including the range of essential vitamins and minerals within each product and the fact that each product is free from artificial colourings.

 The new range of treats will be available in the following varieties:

• Pedigree Rodeo available in beef or chicken (available in packs of four or eight)
• Pedigree Markies available in Original, Mini or Puppy (in a range of sizes from 300g, 500g, 1.5kg or 12.5kg
• Pedigree Jumbone in beef or chicken (available in small, medium or large and either single packs, packs of two or four)
• Pedigree Biscrok available in Original, Gravy Bones or Milky Biscuits (available in a range of sizes from 175g, 220g, 350g, 400g 1.5kg or 10kg)
• Pedigree Schmackos available in beef, chicken or meat (available in packs of 10 or 20) 

The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) and the Reptile and Exotic Pet Trade Association (REPTA) have joined forces to launch a new Code of Practice for traders and pet owners to help encourage responsible ownership.

The vast majority of non-native pets in the UK are ornamental fish and reptiles so the code outlines people's responsibilities when they keep animals that are foreign to the UK, in particular the importance of making sure they do not escape into the wild and cause a problem to native wildlife.

The code covers three main issues for pet owners when it comes to buying and keeping a non-native pet:

• The importance of not releasing the pet into the wild or allowing it to escape
• The need to properly dispose of old bedding and pet litter so that eggs and pests can’t get into the wild
• The importance for owners of researching and preparing themselves for all that’s involved in keeping their chosen pet for the whole of its life.

It also urges traders involved in selling pets to:

• Make sure customers know and understand all the commitments involved for the pet they want to buy
• Make sure pets are free of pests and parasites as far as possible when they’re sold.

“We want this code to be simple and understandable for owners so that they understand the responsibilities they have when they take on a pet,” explained OATA Chief Executive Keith Davenport (left). 

“The message is simple – we want people to understand how important it is not to release or allow their pet to escape into the British countryside because it’s cruel and can damage our native wildlife. And we need retailers to play their part in making sure owners understand this message by helping them to be prepared for what’s involved in caring for their new pet. 

“The issue of non-native animals and plants escaping into the British countryside is coming under growing political scrutiny with the forthcoming European Alien Invasives Regulation and the parliamentary enquiry currently being done by the Environmental Audit Committee. As the ornamental fish and reptile industries import more non-native species than any other trade it’s vital we play our part in ensuring that what we bring into this country stays safely in the aquarium, tank or vivarium.”

Chris Newman of the Reptile and Exotic Pet Trade Association said: “The code really just reinforces the common sense idea that nothing associated with reptile keeping should be released deliberately or inadvertently into the wild. Keepers should take great care to avoid either the animals they keep or food items leaving captivity. This protects the reptiles we care for and the environment we all enjoy in this country.”

The Code of Practice can be found on the OATA website here http://www.ornamentalfish.org/responsible-pet-ownership 

A dog that can detect a potentially fatal drop in a young boy’s blood sugar levels; a Lance Corporal’s dog who helped him live a normal life again after he was blinded during training and a Cocker Spaniel who helps give a wheelchair bound young lady with a rare genetic disease much needed confidence, are amongst the five finalists for the Crufts Friends for Life competition 2014.

The annual Crufts Friends for Life competition, run by the Kennel Club, celebrates uplifting stories of friendship in adversity and the five dogs which have made the 2014 shortlist were selected for their exceptional loyalty to their owners and for the way that they have changed their lives.

Voting lines are now open and the dog that goes on to receive the most public votes will win the competition, which will be announced at the Birmingham NEC, on the final night of Crufts, Sunday, March 9.



The finalists for 2014 are:

• Cocker Spaniel, Molls and eleven year old Steven Courtney from Bicester, Oxfordshire – Molls alerts to hypo’s and hyperglycaemia (dangerously low and high blood sugar levels), during the day and night, helping to keep Steven safe and enabling him to live his life to the full, allowing much more control over his aggressive unpredictable diabetes and giving him and his family a better quality of life.
   
• Cocker Spaniel, Molly and Lucy Watts from Benfleet, Essex – Lucy has a life-limiting rare genetic condition that has left her in a wheelchair, needing to be fed into her bloodstream and in a lot of pain. She was withdrawn and unhappy but Molly has taken the focus of strangers away from her condition and given Lucy confidence to live the remainder of her life, in a way she couldn’t have dreamt of before.
   
• Labrador/Golden Retriever cross, Radley and Konrad Galen-Bisping, from Carmarthenshire – Guide dog Radley gave the former Lance Corporal his confidence and independence back after his was blinded in an attack during training
   
• Labrador, Velvet and Lottie Wilcocks from Ripponden, West Yorkshire – Assistance dog, Velvet, helps her 12 year old owner, who has spina bifida and hydrocephalus with all her day-to-day tasks. Despite not being able to walk or feel sensation below her mid-thigh Paralympic athlete, Lottie, has been given the confidence to live life to the full thanks to Velvet.
   
• Mastiff/Great Dane cross, Jessie and Julie Barrett from Beer, Devon – In a mutual rescue, Julie took Jessie in after she had endured a life of horrific abuse and neglect. Jessie in turn bought Julie, who suffers with diabetes and ME and who was struggling to cope with the loss of her dad, back from the brink of despair.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “The dogs that have made the final of the Crufts Friends for Life competition are all truly inspirational and demonstrate just how important dogs are to our lives and what a difference they make to us, both in our best times and when things are tough.

“People can vote for the story that touches them the most and the winner will be announced on the final night of Crufts. Of course, each and every one of the dogs has helped to change and save their owner’s life in their own unique and special way.”

The winner of the Friends for Life competition will receive £1,500 and the other finalists will receive £750, all for their chosen charities. These will be: Steven and Molls, Medical Detection Dogs; Lucy and Molly, A.I.D for Dogs; Konrad and Radley, Guide Dogs and Special Care Baby Unit at Glangwili General Hospital in Carmarthen; Lottie and Velvet, Dogs for the Disabled and Julie and Jessie, Dogs 4 Adoption.

People can vote for their ultimate ‘Friend for Life’ by using the numbers below:

Steven and Molls                 0844 646 0201

Lucy and Molly                     0844 646 0202

Konrad and Radley             0844 646 0203

Lottie and Velvet                  0844 646 0204

Julie and Jessie                   0844 646 0205

Calls cost 5p from a BT land line.  Calls from other networks may vary and from mobiles will cost considerably more.  Voting closes at 7.30pm on Sunday 9^th March 2014.  Details and terms at Channel 4 website 

To download individual and group images of the Friends for Life finalists, visit www.w-w-i.com/crufts_2013/gallery.php

Suppliers to the pet care sector and the garden product market wishing to take advantage of export opportunities via key international trade shows should book early, urges The Federation of Garden and Leisure Manufacturers. 

Following the previous significant successes of UK companies taking part in exhibitor groups organised by its sister divisions, PetQuip and Gardenex, the Federation is seeing a surge in early bookings for forthcoming events. Both the Global Pet Expo in Florida and the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas in 2014 have experienced overwhelming demand for space and have now put up ‘sold out’ notices.

The Federation’s director general, Amanda Sizer Barrett (left) said: “Firms that have not yet booked that are hoping to exhibit at the two US shows can still be placed on our waiting list.

"With the American economy continuing its steady recovery, these trade fairs offer valuable gateways to the world’s largest markets for pet care supplies and garden equipment, so their popularity is not surprising.

"British companies that are considering their future export marketing strategies, whether in the US or elsewhere, should book early to avoid disappointment.

“Most of the shows on the Federation’s calendar are supported by UKTI grant funding and this, combined with the Federation’s comprehensive promotional and exhibition support package, provides a cost-effective and easy way to present products to a worldwide audience. 

"Following the National Hardware Show, the next major international exhibition for the garden and leisure sector will be spoga+gafa to be held in Cologne from 31 August to 2 September 2014, and we are expecting further heavy demand for stand spaces.  Interested firms should contact the Gardenex federation immediately.”

Companies wishing to join the 2014 group at spoga+gafa or learn more about future overseas garden trade events should contact Gardenex and PetQuip without delay at 01959 565995,. by email info@gardenex.com  or visit  www.gardenex.com

A special ‘Flood Fund’ has been set up by the Kennel Club Charitable Trust for dogs in need following the recent floods.

The flooding has meant that some people and their dogs have had to leave their homes, whilst others are left marooned and the dogs may be going without food supplies, access to critical veterinary care or medicines. The debris underfoot and ever rising water levels may also be causing dogs injury and damage.

The Kennel Club Charitable Trust Flood Fund will enable people to donate to dogs that have become victims of the flooding and for those in need to apply for a grant.

Mike Townsend, Chairman of the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, said: “Our hearts go out to all those who have been affected by the terrible floods. The Flood Fund will help support those dogs that have been injured or that need shelter in these difficult times and we urge those who want to make a financial contribution and those who are in need of help to come forward.”

Those who would like to donate to the Flood Fund, by cheque or debit card, or apply for a grant to help a dog or dogs that have become victims of the flooding, should contact Richard Fairlamb, KCCT Administrator, at 1-5 Clarges Street, Piccadilly, London W1J 8AB. He can also be reached by email at richard.fairlamb@thekennelclub.org.uk, or by phone on 020 7518 6874.

Earlier this month, the publication reported how Jeffrey Speakman’s other son Neil had applied for a pet shop licence at the same site – and wanted to keep and sell 30 to 40 dogs from there.

But councillors on Bury Council’s licensing committee unanimously rejected the application at a meeting last week.

The press and public were banned from the meeting while the matter was discussed and decided on – but committee chair Councillor David Jones said afterwards: “We heard a lengthy representation from the applicant about what he planned to do there and we questioned him closely on his relationship with his father.

“We felt if we granted the licence, it would have put the father in breach of the order placed on him by magistrates last year.”

Bentley Hall Farm owner Jeffrey Speakman, 66, and son Richard, 22, were also handed four-month suspended jail terms at Bury Magistrates Court after admitting 11 animal welfare offences in September last year.

Police and RSPCA inspectors swooped on the farm, after the undercover Manchester Evening News sting, and found dogs living in their own faeces and with untreated medical conditions – including a Labrador found dead in her bed from organ failure.

RSPCA inspectors said some older dogs at the farm had been kept purely as ‘breeding machines’ – producing litter after litter to be sold at around £250 per puppy.

They seized 137 animals during the raid after discovering a number left in pain and thirsty in filthy, overcrowded sheds.

Neil Speakman, who was not involved in the case so could have theory kept dogs at the premises, said after the meeting: “It was disappointing outcome.

"I was applying for a pet shop licence – I’m not my dad and I’m not my brother.

“But I think public perceptions before the hearing swayed the decision.

"I think the decision was inevitable. It felt like I was fighting a losing battle.”

A portrait of the winner of Best in Show at Crufts 2013, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, Ch Soletrader Peek a Boo, known across the world as Jilly, will be unveiled at Crufts 2014 to breeder and handler Gavin Robertson by the Chairman of the Kennel Club Arts Foundation, Mike Townsend and the artist who created the portrait. 

Artist, Paul Doyle from Gainsborough, North Lincolnshire, used a mixed media technique to create the portrait, using coloured pencils and acrylics to capture the spirit and character of Jilly, and spent time observing and photographing her to achieve this.

Paul said “It was very important to get a better understanding of Jilly and the relationship she has developed with her owner. I took some photographic references so I could start on sketches before I planned out the finished piece.

“I finished the picture by adding highlights and softer edges with both coloured pencils and acrylic paints.”

Gavin’s wife Sara, said: “Paul has really captured Jilly’s expression perfectly. He took the time out to come and meet Jilly personally and took photos of her at different angles. He has captured her at her best. We will be very proud to have this portrait displayed in the Kennel Club for years to come.”

Gavin Robertson will be presented with the portrait on Friday, March 7 at 7pm in the Main Arena. The portrait will then be retained by the Kennel Club Arts Foundation and Gavin and Sara will receive a copy of the image to display in their home.

Around £2,000 has been snatched during a burglary at a Horsham pet shop in West Sussex.

Pets Corner in Piries Place was broken into between 4.20pm on Sunday (February 16) and 8.15am on Monday morning.

A door at the back of the shop had been forced and almost £2,000 from the safe had been taken.

Anyone with information about the break-in or saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area overnight is asked to contact police on 101 quoting serial 196 of 17/2. Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Discount retailer Poundstretcher has revealed plans to ramp up investment in its new petcare brand as it seeks to take a slice of a market dominated by Pets At Home.

The company, which is headquartered in Huddersfield, hopes to open 50 standalone Pet Huts stores before the end of the year, as well as rolling the brand out to more than 200 outlets in its existing retail estate.

The 400-strong chain has long been selling pet products but first launched the brand across a number of its larger stores last year.

"We are delighted with customer’s reaction to the Pet Hut and this has driven our decision to speed up our expansion plans," said Aziz Tayub, chief executive of Poundstretcher.

"We have ambitious plans but we are confident that by offering UK pet owners great ranges at competitive prices we will exceed our targets."

Poundstretcher added that it would look to open 20,000 sq ft stores in the future so about 3,000 to 4,000 sq ft could be devoted to Pet Hut. However, it is pressing on with plans to open 50 standalone Pet Hut shops before the end of 2014.

The company said the range of products the stores will offer is still being "fine-tuned", using feedback from customers and expertise from suppliers within the pet market.

But it added the overall aim was to offer a range of pet food and accessories, including small pets and horse ranges, alongside extensive ranges for dogs and cats.

The Barking Heads, Meowing Heads & Bailey Bites ranges from Pet Food UK Ltd are now available through Vital Pet Products as requested by many independent retailers.

The partnership with Vital Pet Food UK Ltd will build on the successful start the brand has made with independent retailers by increasing availability and support to the market. The move will allow customers to enjoy the convenience of ordering the products through a trusted and established wholesaler.

Since launching their range of ultra-premium dog and cat food in 2009 Barking Heads and Meowing Heads have established a reputation in the market as a high quality pet food using only the highest quality, British sourced ingredients – providence is key in all their recipes.

Andrew Miller of Pet Food UK said “We are delighted to be working with Vital and see this partnership as an important step in continuing the growth of our existing brands and in providing a perfect launch partner for our future business”

The Pet Food UK brands will continue to be available to order direct on 0808 1008885 or via Natural Pet Products on 01926 311514.

For further information contact Pet Food UK Ltd on 0208 1008885 or Vital Pet Products on 01837 88 30 00.

The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association has welcomed a new order made under the Import of Live Fish Act which came into force on Monday (February 17).

The new Act allows the trade to continue to sell almost all fish already on sale.

Following long negotiations with the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), which had the job of overhauling the legislation for DEFRA, OATA has ensured that risk assessments must be carried out if species are to be taken off or added to the list.

This means officials cannot remove a species without demonstrating the risk it poses to the UK countryside and it equally gives importers and retailers a clear process to follow if they want to introduce a new fish to the trade.

“This equity was of prime importance to us and it’s one of the reasons we welcome the new legislation,” explained OATA’s Chief Executive Keith Davenport.

“While it does create a ‘white’ list of fish that can be traded, which is not something we would normally support, Cefas’s open, pragmatic and collaborative approach to creating that list was a new and very welcome way of working which has given us a good outcome for the industry.

“For me, the real victory is that we’ve made sure we can’t lose trade in other fish in the future at the whim of officials. Each side has to prove its case for banning a fish from sale or introducing a new species to the market. And we welcome what lies at the heart of this risk assessment process – which is all about protecting the native habitat of the UK.

“However, from today Channel catfish and related species cannot now be sold because they have not been included on the white list. If importers or retailers who deal in these fish want to make a case for having them back in trade they can make the appropriate assessment of the risk the species poses to the wider environment.”

Cefas used the book produced by Ornamental Fish International (OFI) as the basis for the white list – although not every species listed by OFI was included on the white list. Both OATA and OFI (the international trade body) staff sat down with Cefas officials to go through each species on the list in preparation for the final statutory instrument which comes into force on Monday February 17. 

“That was a very long meeting but such an admirably in-depth examination of each species with the trade bodies gave all sides the chance to have their say and gave us all an end result that we can all support and get behind,” Keith added.

A newly refurbished bird hide at Millbrook Garden Centre in Gravesend has been opened by Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) representative Malcolm Jennings.

Graham Huckstep, Outdoor Facilities Manager at Millbrook Garden Centre, which is located on Station Road in Southfleet, said: “We would like to thank everyone who attended the launch event. It was a fantastic day. We hope more people pop in to see the refurbished hide and are encourage to make their own gardens wildlife-friendly.

“The award-winning bird hide and wildlife area, which was created over two years ago is now coming in to its own and local wildlife is really reaping the benefits. 

“We wanted to make it even more of a feature at the garden centre and inspire our customers in a fun and visual way to make their own gardens wildlife-friendly. We gutted the hide and revamped the inside to make it a one of a kind hide, a very exciting place to be.

“On the inside walls of the bird hide there is original illustrations by Kirsty Mauritz, who is the daughter of Sue and Dick Allen, the original founders of Millbrook. There is a bird identification wall, it also explains what plants are on the wildlife bank, why they are there and what they will attract. There is also a section showing what different birds do throughout the different seasons.

“The hide is now full of visual information for all ages to enjoy. It explains all about the wildlife area the hide looks on to. Our aim is for it to be a fun learning space for families.”

As well as the visual illustrations, there is a chalk board section on one of the walls so staff and customers can list wildlife they spot each day and a bird cam is set up to record wildlife activity. 

Graham added: “We have seen so much wildlife visit the area such as blue tits, greenfinches, robins, thrushes, blackbirds, greater spotted woodpecker, sparrow hawks and even cuckoos. We are always on hand to chat to visitors about how they can attract certain birds and insects to their gardens.”

During the launch event children were also able to meet Ricky, the man-sized robin and could take part in a doodle treasure hunt activity sheet ‘Hide and Seek’ for free. 

Graham continued: “We decided to officially open the hide on February 15 to tie in with National Nest Box Week organised by the British Trust for Ornithology and to link in with our bird-themed children’s activities running during half-term.

“National Nest Box Week, which runs from February 14 until 21, encourages people to provide homes for dozens of species, from blue tits to barn owls. Staff from the garden centre will be on hand this week to offer tips on how to make a nest box and the best ones to buy.”

Millbrook Garden Centre is a family-run, independent garden centre. It provides customers with a wide range of quality plants, shrubs, trees, furniture, barbecues, gifts and food items.

Its friendly and knowledgeable staff are on-hand to give visitors help and advice on all gardening matters. Millbrook Garden Centre has its own nursery, where it grows a third of the plants sold at the centre in an attempt to reduce plant miles.

The Greencafé, which seats up to 90 customers, serves hot and cold drinks, snacks, breakfasts and light lunches, Sunday roasts and children’s meals using fresh, seasonal produce some of which is grown at the centre.

Pictured: (from left to right) Malcolm Jennings, representative from the RSPB cuts the ceremonial ribbon to launch the revamped bird hide with Graham Huckstep, Outdoor Facilities Manager at Millbrook Garden Centre, Ricky, the man-sized robin and illustrator, Kirsty Mauritz.

Ceva Animal Health, manufacturer of Adaptil, has launched a brand new puppy blog on its Adaptil website – www.adaptil.co.uk

Debbie Doyle, a veterinary writer and pet owner, is the author of this highly entertaining, helpful and rather novel blog. Reginald, the British Blue Pedigree Cat, with a highly developed superiority complex, will initially be assisting her. Reginald, understandably, has strong opinions about a puppy joining his household and sharing the human 'staff'.

This new online ‘pets’ diary’ is designed to provide pet owners (and professionals) with insightful (and witty!) information on how to research getting a puppy, what happens when your puppy arrives home and how to start the important socialisation stage.

Readers will be able to follow the life and times of Stanley Doyle over his first few months in his new home, sharing with them his daily experiences, interaction with the rest of the family and the much dreaded puppy training.

Veterinary Thermal Imaging (VTI) has announced that Maddi Burchell has joined the team, and will be based in Kent.

Maddi breeds and trains gundogs with her husband, and is also involved in the equestrian industry, having an impressive list of related qualifications.

“As a trainer and breeder of gundogs, I know how much strain can be put on working dogs, especially at the height of the season,” says Maddi.

“Thermal imaging is a great tool for checking those dogs over for any injuries sustained in the field. I love this technology because of its ability to pick up on areas of interest up to three weeks before clinical signs are shown, allowing the dog to be treated or rested.

"In breeding dogs, the imaging allows me to keep an eye on any back or joint pain that can be associated with giving birth or covering with male dogs.”

VTI offers a non-invasive and fully mobile thermal imaging service that can be used as a diagnostic tool, to monitor the efficacy of a treatment, for management and more.

The state of the art infra red cameras used map heat patterns across an animal’s body, showing areas of interest in the form of hot spots and cold spots. A detailed report is produced and sent to the animal’s vet as well as any professional involved in the animal’s care.

“We’re thrilled to have Maddi join the team,” says Helen Morrell, MD of VTI.

“She brings a wealth of canine and equine knowledge to the company, which works perfectly with what VTI has to offer. Understanding the needs of working dogs and performance horses, as well as pets, is essential, as is a great attitude and in-depth knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics, all of which Maddi has.”

VTI is a nationwide, all species, thermal imaging service. It’s affordable (with scans starting from just £40 plus travel for dogs) and takes place at the dog’s home or wherever requested. There’s no need to sedate the animal or transport it and the scan is entirely non-invasive. To find out more, see www.veterinary-thermal-imaging.com, or call 0844 544 3314.