Pets at Home has announced it will no longer open a store at a new retail park in Skegness, Lincolnshire, this month despite recruiting and training staff.

According to the Lincolnshire Live website, the pet retail chain announced yesterday (Wednesday) it had abandoned plans to open the new store.

People had applied, been offered jobs and had training before being told they were no longer needed at the store.

Several confused people took to Facebook to ask the pet chain what was happening.

A Pets at Home spokesperson responded to say: “Just to keep you in the loop, at a recent review of our store opening plans we decided, with regret, not to progress with our plan to open a store in Skegness.

“We keep our opening plans under regular review as store openings can take some time to come to fruition and both the retail environment and the property market can be volatile.

“We appreciate that this will be disappointing to customers who were looking forward to a new store and apologise for the change in our plans.

“All colleagues recruited to work in Skegness will continue their training with us before taking up alternative positions in one of our nearby stores.

“Again, my apologies for the change of plans and for the disappointment this will cause. Please let me know if there's anything else I can help you with.”

The full report can be read by clicking here.

Regional pet food, healthy snacks, aquariums that can be operated by app and orthopaedic dog beds are just some of the latest trends from around the globe that trade visitors discovered at Interzoo 2018, the world-leading exhibition for the pet supplies industry taking place this week.

The exhibition’s organiser, WZF (Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft Zoologischer Fachbetriebe GmbH), expects to welcome about 40,000 trade visitors from more than 100 countries to Nuremberg before the exhibition closes tomorrow (Friday).

About 2,000 exhibitors are displaying innovations, enhancements and tried-and-tested products, including innovative food, care products and accessories for four-legged friends, rodents, birds, horses and for animals living in aquariums and terrariums.

The vast majority of animal owners feed their cats and dogs preprocessed food. Manufacturers tailor their products’ recipes to the age of the cats and dogs and to their special health needs based on the latest scientific insights, ensuring that the animals receive optimal care. Producers are also focusing on using natural ingredients, so that fewer and fewer flavour enhancers, preservatives and dyes are ending up in the bowl.

Today, animal owners expect to have healthy pet food that offers functional benefits beyond pure nutritional value. This trend is especially evident for snacks: functional chewy twists, like dental snacks for dogs and special products to support healthy skin, coat, joints and digestion, will be on show at Interzoo 2018. Snacks are also available as treats for in-between meals and as rewards. Examples include vegetarian snacks and baking mixes for dog biscuits, which owners can prepare fresh when needed.

The bones and raw food (BARF) movement remains a trend. Pet food producers have long included this trend in their programmes and are offering ready-made BARF mixtures.

Since dietary supplements are extremely important with this method, producers have integrated ready-made supplements with plant-based protein sources and minerals, vitamins and trace elements into their product lines. For the first time, the BARF menu has also included raw insect larvae as a rich source of protein. Freeze-dried meat snacks are another highlight. Dry bones and raw food can be kept for long periods without refrigeration, are lightweight and ideal for on the go.

Sustainability and regional resources

At Interzoo, it is clear that manufacturers are taking the notion of resource conservation seriously and making products that are environmentally and socially responsible. Some companies have set a goal of becoming climate neutral. A few producers are embracing environmentally friendly packaging. Collars and dog beds are being produced in a way that conserves resources and are being made out of waste products, for instance.

A trend towards regional resources is also emerging. A few pet food producers are deciding not to use sources of exotic meat and are concentrating on regional ingredients, sometimes exclusively from organic farming. Producers are opting for gravel sources in Germany to create base gravel for aquaria.

Combining work, mobility and pets

Modern technology is also being deployed more and more when careers and mobility are combined with pet ownership. Gadgets like automatic feeders help to feed animals at programmable times. Another example is RFID technology, which supports pet keeping with automated pet doors, for instance, and allows cats to come and go without their owners having to open the door.

Energy-saving aquarium and terrarium technology

Owners can also monitor and attend to their aquariums flexibly from the road when they are not home. Aquarists can check and adjust the temperature, water level, oxygen and CO2 levels, light and food using an app with connected control devices. This technology allows for perfect fish care.

Modern applications are helping beginner and advanced aquarium enthusiasts alike: Anybody who is not tech or chemical-savvy will soon find simple but effective solutions on the shelf, such as toxin removers for aquariums and LED controllers to simulate natural biotopes without users having to know what colour spectrum they must use for which biotope.

LED technology helps pet owners to save energy since LED lightbulbs provide more light and use less power: These new lightbulbs help colours to appear much more vibrant in the underwater world and encourages the growth of aquatic plants and coral. LED is even used in dog jackets so dogs are visible when they are taken for a walk during the dark winter months.

Modern technology is also being adopted to take account of safety considerations: Innovations include tiny, light-weight GPS-based tracking devices for pets that work in more than 200 countries and are fitted to the collar.

Customised equipment for every taste

Stylish or functional? Hand-made dog collars, leashes and tags look like they have been individually ordered. Almost every wish can be fulfilled, even for furniture like scratching trees and dog beds. Animal lovers will soon be able to find magnificent Rococo-style dog and cat beds, such as hand-made beds with a solid oak frame, in shops. Styles are extremely varied and are offered to fit in with the animal owner’s home furnishings. Scratching furniture for cats is designed to have an elegant wood look.

A large number of elegant multi-functional carrying cases and classically designed hollow beds can be used to transport small dogs. On the other hand, functional furniture supports health, for instance beds for dogs with joint or spine problems.

Fitness is still an important issue

Animal fitness remains an important issue at Interzoo 2018. Suppliers will showcase many kinds of activity toys that challenge small mammals, birds, cats and dogs mentally and physically and enhance interaction between people and animals through play.

They include easy-to-use fetch toys for cats and dogs, stimulating water toys and chewing and pull toys.

More information: www.interzoo.com

International interest in UK pet products soared this week as scores of companies showcased their innovative ranges at Interzoo in Germany.

Almost all of the 50-plus exhibiting companies in the PetQuip-organised group have new and exciting products on display, covering many sectors of the pet industry.  

New food and treat varieties include gluten-free, grain-free, high meat content and festive treats. There are even dog chews that have their origin in the hills of the Himalayas. 

In the field of high tech there are the latest innovations in app-enabled dog behaviour monitors, food measures and cat flaps. 

Other product sectors to feature innovations include dog training aids, jackets that allow dogs to be seen in the dark, pet bedding, microfibre towels, mats, pet hair removers, feeding bowls, dog toilets, shampoos and cosmetics.

In addition to the UK product supplier exhibitors, PetQuip is organising and manning a British pet product information stand, which buyers can visit to source thousands of British pet products.

The Canny Company (Hall 9 – Stand 603b) is showing a dog collar that is designed to stop dogs pulling on the lead. Kind, safe, comfortable and effective, it helps owners to enjoy walking their dog. Voted ‘Best New Product’ by the UK Pet Product Retail Association when it was first launched, it has since sold almost a million units worldwide.  A range of colours and sizes to suit all dogs is available, as well as eye-catching point of sale material to help maximise sales.

Sean McElherron (above), of the Canny Company with his Canny Collar in the new colour purple.

Recent research by Ceva Animal Health, manufacturer of the leading veterinary behaviour product, FELIWAY, has revealed that 88% of pet owners have cats that show signs of stress which include hiding away, urine marking, scratching, over grooming and conflict within multi-cat households.

With this in mind, Ceva has launched an eye-catching marketing pack to remind pet owners about the signs of stress in cats and ask them ‘Is your cat trying to tell you something?’. 

The marketing pack, which can be utilised as a wall display, features different cats demonstrating each sign of stress before reminding pet owners that, as territorial animals, if cats do not feel in control of their environment they become anxious and stressed. 

The display also informs pet owners that simple environmental modifications in the household and using the FELIWAY range of products, which includes FELIWAY CLASSIC Diffuser, FELIWAY FRIENDS Diffuser, FELISCRATCH by FELIWAY and FELIWAY CLASSIC Spray, ‘can help your cat feel happier in your home’.

Abbie King, product manager for FELIWAY at Ceva Animal Health, says: “Even though cats often show signs of stress, such as scratching a household item, pet owners can benefit from being reminded about these signs.  

"There are simple environmental changes, along with the use of FELIWAY products, that can help ensure that our feline friends are as happy as possible.”

For further information on FELIWAY contact your local Ceva Animal Health territory manager, your wholesaler or visit www.feliway.com/uk

Pedigree Wholesale, exclusive UK distributor of the Hurtta range of outdoor collars, leads, coats and accessories, has announced the launch of Hurtta Casual Padded Collars.

Available in four modern colours (ash, river, lingon, heather), the collars co-ordinate with Hurtta Casual Padded Y Harnesses and Casual Rope Leads, giving you a complete and co-ordinated range to get your fixture tied up.

Available in 6 sizes from 20cm to 55cm and made from a lightweight material, Hurtta Casual Padded Collars offer the ultimate in style and comfort, making them ideal for everyday walks and activities for all dogs.

The safety mechanism for attaching the leash protects the dog’s throat and prevents load on the buckle when the dog pulls, making it safer to use. The addition of 3M reflectors maximises visibility.

If you would like any more information about Hurtta Casual Padded Collars please contact Customer Services on 0115 982 3900 or speak to your Relationship Manager.

Mikki has brought a tropical theme to its new range of shampoos for dogs and cats. Packaged in convenient 250ml push top bottles it has been developed to provide seven different bathing solutions for a wide variety of dog and cat types. 

The range comprises:

• Calming Coconut Knots & Tangles Shampoo which includes a mild non-irritating formula that reinvigorates dry and damaged coats
• Tropical Pineapple Seriously Dirty Shampoo, specially formulated to counteract foul smells and remove stubborn dirt from a dog’s coat. It contains extract of Aloe Vera to leave the coat soft & shinyMellow Mango Moulting Dog Shampoo, created to help remove tangles and dead hair whilst softening the coat
• Exotic Berries White Dog Shampoo, this adds brilliance and sparkle to any white coat with its special formulation
• Natural Aloe & Bamboo Sensitive Shampoo designed to soothe dry and scurfy skin with its Aloe extracts
• Juicy Passion Fruit & Peach Puppy Shampoo has a gentle skin kind formula that leaves the coat feeling healthy and refreshed; and finally
• Crisp Pear Cat & Kitten Shampoo with a gentle formula that’s kind to the skin and has reduced lathering properties so less rinsing is required.

The Tropical Shampoo range is the latest addition to Mikki’s five step grooming programme designed for the everyday pet owner. It is manufactured and bottled in the UK in their own factory.

The range became available to retailers from last Friday May 4).

Influential buyers from a German garden and pet product mail order company and online shop, a Polish importer and distributor of garden items as well as buyers from a leading wholesaler/distributor of garden and horticultural products across the Baltic States are to meet with British suppliers in the latest ‘Meet the International Buyers’ event organised by the Gardenex and PetQuip associations. 

The event will take place at the Federation’s head office in Brasted, Kent on 7 June 2018, and British suppliers who wish to present their product ranges in one-to-one meetings with buyers are invited to contact the Federation.

The German company taking part in the event usually sources from more than half the companies seen during the ’Meet the International Buyers’ events, so is an important contact for companies looking to market their garden innovations in Europe’s largest market for garden products.  

The two buyers from the company will be looking for innovative, practical and decorative garden products, particularly those not already available on the German market. 

Nature-friendly plants and products such as rabbit hutches, chicken-houses, wild bird products and items related to pets being outside in the garden will be of particular interest to the buyers. 

The company distributes thousands of comprehensive mail order catalogues each year, offering seeds and plants, practical garden accessories and garden decoration, and is happy to include UK companies that are new to exporting.

The Polish buyer is from an importer/distributor of hobby greenhouses sourced from the UK.  The company has over 20 years’ experience in greenhouse sales, supplying garden centre retailers.  It has also acted as an importer/distributor supplying farmers with plant protection, fertiliser, feed and tools.  In addition, the company operates three on-line shops selling to end-users. 

One of the shops offers a broad range of garden items from boots and gloves to watering equipment, pest control and bird food, while the others cover hobby greenhouses and plants. 

The company also operates six retail garden centres/shops and two wholesale outlets.  At the 7 June event, the owner/buyer is looking for new and interesting products for distribution to garden centres and for online sales.

The two buyers from the Baltic States are from a leading wholesaler/distributor of garden and horticultural products.  The company was founded originally in 1995 as a wholesaler of garden and horticultural products to the Estonian market and the owners attended the Federation’s ’Meet the International Buyers’ events in 2010 and 2012.  

In addition to acting as a wholesaler, the company has an e-shop which offers a wide range of practical accessories for gardens, balconies and indoor gardening. Its main customers are garden centres and garden shops, DIY stores, supermarkets, landscapers/garden designers as well as professional growers. 

The company offers a broad selection of garden and horticultural products and items of particular interest are:

• Products for landscapers (decorative containers and hanging baskets, flower towers).
• Roof-top gardening and related products
• Technical gardening tools
• Hobby greenhouses, greenhouse shelving and other greenhouse accessories
• Outdoor children’s playground items (climbing ladder, climbing rope etc)
• Apple collection baskets with shoulder belts/harness
• Beekeeping for hobby and professional market • Fruit-picking products

To ensure that you don’t miss out on the opportunity to apply for 25 minute one-to-one meetings with any of the buyers on 7 June, or to find out more about future ‘Meet the International Buyers’ events for both the garden and pet sectors, email Katie-Mai Smith on katie-mai@gardenex.com or telephone 01959 565995 as soon as possible as meeting slots fill up quickly.

Podium Pet Products has announced it is now working with Petuky to service the Spanish and Portuguese markets.

As a pet product import and distribution company, Podium Pet Products exists to aid the responsibility and fulfil the joy that pets bring us as their parents by taking to market unique, innovative and where possible natural products, solutions and services through excellent customer service and frictionless delivery.

“We have made good in roads into the Benelux and Northern European markets and have built a solid base. As demand for and range of products increases, we believe that now is the time to focus and partner with a reliable, knowledgeable, innovative and enthusiastic wholesaler such as Petuky to tap into the Spanish and Portuguese markets; one that shares our aims and ambitions as well as our core values,” said Carina Evans, CEO.

Petuky was established in 2009 thanks to the influence and focus of providing excellent products to a founder member’s dog and in 2015 became market leaders in distribution with over 2000 customers. Offering the best brands at unbeatable prices Petuky aims to bring innovative and unique products to retailers.

Podium Pet Products offer:

Dog Rocks is the only 100% natural convenient & proven solution & cure to rid your grass, shrubs & box hedging of pet urine burns. Having sold well over 2 million packs worldwide, Dog Rocks is fast becoming an house hold name. You can visit our website www.dogrocks.com to find out more about this miracle cure. 3 sizes, bulk (600g bags), Single (200g bags) and Small (100g bags). Euro languages on packaging.

Torus Bowl – “Smarter thinking for pet drinking”. Torus is an ergonomically designed, portable and sturdy smart water bowl for cats and dogs that automatically provides fresh, carbon-filtered water as often as the animal desires without the need for batteries or power. 2 sizes (2 litre or 1 litre capacity), 12 month warranty. www.torusbowl.com Euro languages on packaging.

Mookie and its new bigger brother mookiemax are the world’s first dual-use pet massager and brush and are launching exclusively in the UK – generating an entirely new category of petcare product.

The products, created to relax both pet and owner, have been specially developed by a team of pet experts to bring pets and their owners closer together in a fun and playful way.

Designed for use on medium to long-haired dogs, cats and rabbits, they can be used in two different ways:

• Cap on: it’s a gentle massager to help relax pets, a treat to bring pet and owner together
• Cap off: Mookie helps pets look and feel good via its specially designed, soft feel plastic bristles – great at detangling fur sensitive areas

First conceived by entrepreneur Patricia Stephens, mookie was inspired by her dog Doddy who used to return from walks with knots, grass and mud in his fur. He hated being brushed and Patricia needed a small and subtle brush to take care of him without fuss.

Having created a first prototype, the mookie took form. Not only did it work fantastically well – Doddy loved the fuss – but it became some of the best family bonding time between them.

Now Patricia and her team have developed mookie and mookiemax (for the bigger pets)  to help families across the UK interact with their pets like never before.

Choose from colour combinations Berry/Teal, Sky/Berry, Chili/Lemon, Berry/Bubble-gum, Electric/Chili and Teal/Satsuma at www.mookiepet.com.

For Trade Enquiries, please contact:-

Collarways

info@collarways.com

Tel: 01747 830021

Poppy’s Picnic’s meteoric rise in the raw pet food market since their appearance on BBC 2’s Dragons’ Den where the two co founders, Dylan Watkins and Louise Mackintosh were offered four investment opportunities from the Dragons, has been rewarded at the Wiltshire Business Awards where they won the Business Start-up of the Year category.

They were also a finalist in the Outstanding Excellence Award category.

The Wiltshire Business Awards are organised by Newsquest and were held this year at Centre Parks in Longleat. They celebrate the achievements of Wiltshire businesses across the county both large and small as well as unsung heroes.

Since turning down all the investment opportunities from the Dragons including a £60,000 investment from Deborah Meaden, Poppy’s Picnic has successfully raised £600,000 through crowd funding and this will be used to develop further recipes including a new range for cats and  also to fund ambitious plans for the business.

Co founders of Poppy’s Picnic,   Dylan Watkins and Louise Mackintosh  believe that simplicity or RAWPLICITY as they call it,  is the key to their success as sales of their recipes for dogs continue to soar.

“RAWPLICITY is behind everything that we do at Poppy’s Picnic. From producing recipes that include the best quality and recognisable ingredients, to creating innovative products that help dog owners with portion sizes, feeding our food is fun and easy,” says Co founder Dylan Watkins.

“ Our tasty COMPLETE Meatballs, available in packs of 12x30g  Chicken, Beef or Lamb varieties, are proving to be very popular with dog owners and are unique to Poppy’s Picnic. They are particularly great for feeding small breeds of dogs and prevent food waste. Simply defrost and serve.

“At Poppy’s Picnic we have created food to cover all ages and types of dog. Our core COMPLETE range, which comes as mince and meatballs, is perfect for active dogs. Available in a wide choice of meat varieties, the recipes also include offal, seasonal vegetables (which include carrots, parsnips, swede, butternut squash and cabbage) ground bone,  Parsley (for fresh breath)  Wheatgrass, spirulina and sea kelp powders, Coconut oil and Flaxseed oil. The recipes contain the right balance of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and omega oils to keep your dog in tip top shape.

“Our ENHANCED mince is ideal for the modern pet and contains ingredients to give your dog that added oomph!  With ingredients such as camomile & milk thistle for digestion, celery & hemp seeds for joint care and echinacea & turmeric for protection – by feeding this biologically appropriate ENHANCED food you are giving your best friend optimised nutrition for a wholesome, healthy life.  We also have an EXPERT range of foods with a special purpose, like our Weaning Paste and Puppy Follow On Paste. Our BITES range includes air dried raw treats and bones.

“Our food is hand made by a fourth generation Wiltshire butcher and only includes the best human grade British ingredients. We want every cat and dog in the UK, and beyond, to have access to the best quality raw meals - the closest to what they would eat in the wild. It is our ultimate aim to make the raw food diet fun, easier and more convenient for pet owners to follow in order to encourage more people to start feeding their pets in this way,” concludes Dylan.

Poppy’s Picnic has built an impressive team of experts around their brand including leading holistic vet Nick Thompson and nutritionist Moddie Lambert who have both been influential in promoting the raw diet in the UK. Poppy’s Picnic has also recruited the help of other leading marketers who have worked on some of the leading global pet food brands on the market.

For further information on the product range or if you are interested in becoming a stockist, please contact Poppy’s Picnic. Tel: 01380 716 599 email: woof@poppyspicnic.co.uk or visit the website: www.poppyspicnic.co.uk

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A 41-year-old Salisbury man has been given a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to stealing over £3,000 from a pet shop.

Douglas Jaques targeted the former Pampurred Pets shop on Fisherton Street overnight between November 14th and 15th 2016.

Approximately £3,000 was stolen from the store safe during the burglary.

Prosecuting at Salisbury Crown Court on Thursday, Tim Dracass said Jaques had knowledge of where the safe was as his partner was employed as the store supervisor.

The court was told that the day before the burglary, Jaques had entered the shop while his girlfriend and the store manager were cashing up, and that he had asked to use the toilet in the back part of the shop.

“The crown’s case is that the defendant must have become aware, perhaps through the conversation that was taking place in the store, or perhaps a subsequent conversation with his girlfriend, that there was a significant amount of cash that had been stored in the safe that night,” Mr Dracass said.

The next morning the store manager found the safe empty and a rear fire door open.

Police attending the scene found a chisel on the floor by the safe, and forensic tests on it later showed “a major DNA profile” belonging to Jaques.

And officers found footage of his girlfriend’s car, which Jaques was also insured to drive, travelling towards Salisbury along St Thomas’s Bridge at 4.21am, ten minutes before the pet shop alarm was triggered.

In a police interview Jaques said the chisel was one of a number of tools he had disposed of in a nearby skip, and that he had been driving his girlfriend’s car to buy cannabis.

Officers discovered that the couple had “significant debts” of about £3,000 - the amount stolen, which was never recovered. Jaques originally denied the charge but changed his plea on the day his trial was set to start in March.

Defending, David Jenkins said Jaques had a “mad moment” because he was in “financial desperation” and had an alcohol problem “which affected his decision making processes”.

He said Jaques was “suitable for rehabilitation in the community”, and that if he went to prison his girlfriend would “certainly” lose their home as they relied on his income from installing windows.

Judge Parkes said: “ It was not a moment of madness, it was plainly thought about and you went equipped with a chisel.”

But he said jailing Jaques would have a “harmful effect” on his partner, who suffers from mental health issues, adding: “All things being equal, nothing would give me more pleasure than sending you to prison, which you thoroughly deserve, I’m not going to.”

He sentenced Jaques to six months in prison, suspended for two years, with 150 hours of unpaid work.

As the UK basked in glorious sunshine over the Bank Holiday weekend, nutrition experts at IAMS revealed the top barbecues foods to avoid to keep pets safe from harm.

The advice comes as research reveals that four in five UK pet owners feed their pets human food at least once a week, even though 72% of us understand the health implications of doing so.

The survey of 2,000 pet owners highlights that the smell of sizzling sausages will have half (50%) of pets licking their lips and sneaking leftovers directly off the plate, with chicken and hot dogs ranked as the top barbecue foods that Brits are guilty of feeding their pets.

Although our pets love to eat whatever they can get their paws on, with a shocking 49% of dogs and 44% of cats in the UK now considered overweight or obese by vets, we need to be careful to ensure they remain as happy and healthy as possible:

IAMS Nutrition Expert and Veterinary Training Manager, Kellie Ceccarelli, comments: “When faced with puppy-dog eyes, or an adorable cat brushing up against you, it’s easy to slip them a little treat from your plate.

"Giving in by feeding human foods may seem to please your pet, but in the long-term it can have damaging health implications, such as increasing the risk of heart problems, obesity and joint issues – particularly in older cats and dogs.

“It’s important to understand what your pet needs to be happy and healthy. A diet rich in high quality animal proteins, such as chicken and turkey, will help in maintaining optimal overall health for your pet, supporting a strong immune system, healthy skin and a shiny coat.”

IAMS Proactive Health contains high levels of protein in every bowl. With chicken and turkey protein as the number one ingredient, IAMS Proactive Health offers cats 47% more animal proteins and dogs 24% more protein than the top two leading brands.

Bug Bites are Fluval’s all new insect larvae recipe fish food; the first of their kind within the UK aquatic market and set to be a real game changer for aquarists.

Bug Bites are a complete fish food, each formula contains up to 40% insect larvae protein and is highly palatable as well as enhancing colouration. A great new addition to freshen up your aquatic food range!

Available from mid-May.

Place your order now and don't miss out on the incredible launch offer!

Catit Play’s new 3-in-1 circuits include an exciting circuit ball toy and crazy bouncy bee plus choose from a Catnip Massager, Scratch Pad or Cat Grass as the toy centre. All toys include catnip.

The spinning bee will provide your kitty with hours of fun, attached to the circuit on a bendable spring your cat can paw and swat the bee back and forth. Add some of the included Catnip to stimulate your cat’s playtime even more as it provides your cat with maximum fun.

The Circuit Ball Toy with Scratch Pad incorporates a cardboard scratch pad in the centre of the toy, perfect for encouraging your cat to scratch to his heart’s content. Ideal for those cats who enjoy scratching the home furniture, use some catnip to encourage them to scratch the toy instead of the sofa.

The Circuit Ball Toy with Catnip Massager features a multi massaging board with combs. Cats enjoy keeping clean and grooming themselves, to help them along the massager includes combs to remove and collect any loose or shedding hair. The built-in gum stimulator encourages your cat to gently gnaw on the textured nub, in turn cleaning their gums and teeth. Good dental hygiene helps prevent illness and bad breath so this toy does two jobs in one!

Finally, the Circuit Ball Toy with Cat Grass features fresh, healthy grass right in the toys centre. Cat grass helps to stimulate a cat’s digestion and prevents the build-up of hairballs.  The toy includes grass seed and soil along with simple instructions on how to grow the grass. Replacement grass seed available. The toy can still be used without the grass.

Key Features

• Three toys available – Circuit Ball Toy with Scratch Pad, Catnip Massager or Cat Grass
• Three toys incorporated in one
• Small toy providing maximum enjoyment but takes up little room in the home

Catit Play Circuits will be available from mid-May.

For further information contact Rolf C. Hagen UK Ltd on 01977 556622 or visit our website at www.catit.co.uk

Shires Equestrian has secured sponsorship of the New Product Gallery at BETA International for a sixth consecutive year as part of its commitment to supporting the trade.

Designed to highlight the very latest lines, launches and brands, this popular showcase sits at the heart of the show, where it is a must-see feature for all visiting retailers in need of inspiration and ideas.

Shires joint managing director Marcus Cridland said: “The updated New Product Gallery gave us a fantastic opportunity to reinforce our brand at BETA International 2018.

'It remains a real focal point at the show and continues to draw footfall from visitors. Times are changing in our industry and it is essential that Shires is in front of both the retailer and consumer as much as possible.

"The New Product Gallery continues to be a part of our plans to improve and develop our family of brands and we are delighted to support this feature once again in 2019.”

BETA International organiser Claire Thomas added: “It is fantastic to have Shires Equestrian back on board once again.

'They are a great company to work with and we are really looking forward to joining forces with Marcus and his team to deliver a first-class visitor experience where cutting-edge design and product development takes a leading role.”

Shires Equestrian joins the trade fair’s fellow supporters, official media partner Equestrian Trade News, visitor bags sponsor Hy, Champagne Bar sponsor NAF, official clothing supplier Toggi and main sponsor Neue Schule.

BETA International is the world's leading trade fair for equestrian, country clothing, outdoor and pet products.

The 2019 show will take place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 20 to 22 January. For further information about exhibiting, contact James Palmer, telephone +44 (0)1937 582111 or email jamesp@beta-int.com.

Industry trailblazers are already certifying the sustainable origin of their products, or are now aiming to achieve climate-neutral production by 2020, while others are looking for initial ideas about how to approach the subject of sustainability.

The pet industry has a major requirement for information on sustainable activities, products and services. That was enough reason for trade fair organiser WZF to launch the Interzoo Sustainability Initiative.

“We observe that exhibitors at Interzoo 2018 are talking more about sustainability, and that industry representatives are looking for information,” says Dr Rowena Arzt, Director of Exhibitions at WZF.

At the same time, it is clear that practical examples of how companies in the pet industry can approach this subject are too little known and not sufficiently available for many participants in this sector.

“Until now, no comprehensive overview has been available to show how the pet industry is dealing with this subject,” observes Hans-Jochen Büngener, Chairman of the Interzoo Exhibition Committee.

This is why WZF is investing in an Interzoo Sustainability Initiative: in an initial stage, it has engaged the Sustainable Transformation Lab at the Antwerp School of Management (AMS) to draw up a current situation report for the sector.

A few weeks before the fair, exhibitors at Interzoo received a questionnaire to document their experiences and plans in the area of sustainability. As part of the visitor survey, visitors are asked to provide their assessment on the question of sustainability.

Even so, this is just a first step. Next, the sustainability experts at AMS will highlight particular aspects of the topic in the pet industry, and identify and work up the best practices in the field.

The long-term goal of the Interzoo Sustainability Initiative is to work with AMS to create a handbook on sustainable development for the pet industry based on the research results. It will provide answers to questions such as “What opportunities are available for companies in the sector to more actively approach the subject of sustainability?”, and “What best practices are already established for the pet industry in terms of sustainability, and how can industry players learn from each other?”

Initial results from the WZF research project and the AMS Sustainability Transformation Lab, and other information on the subject of sustainability, are being presented at Interzoo as part of the Interzoo Sustainability Session, a short conference in the Brussels 2 room, NCC Mitte, from 13:00 to 14:30 on Tuesday 8 May 2018.

Further information is available at

https://www.interzoo.com/en/supporting-programme/sustainability-session.

Amazon  has launched its own brand of pet products, called Wag, adding to the internet retailer's expansive list of private-label brands, which has grown to include diapers, clothing and even mid-century furniture.

The Wag brand debuted with dry dog food, with other pet products to be added later. Like some other Amazon private-label brands, Wag products are available to purchase only by Amazon Prime subscribers, who pay an annual fee to free two-day shipping and other benefits, such as access to music, movies and TV shows.

The Wag.com previously resided in Amazon's Quidsi business, which included such specialty retail sites as Diapers.com, Soap.com, BeatyBar.com, Yoyo.com and Casa.com. Amazon bought Quidsi in 2011 for $545 million, but shut it down last year after struggling to make it profitable for seven years.

Amazon launched its first private-label brands in 2009, and now sells items from more than 70 lines, including jewelry, kitchen and health products.

The brand has been in testing for several weeks with members of Amazon's Vine program, which invites trusted reviewers on Amazon to post opinions about new and prerelease products.

The launch of Wag was first reported by Bloomberg.

Sainsbury's is recalling a selection of its own brand cat and dog food because the products may contain high levels of vitamin D which could make pets ill.

High levels of vitamin D fed to a pet over a long period with excessive levels of vitamin D, can cause lethargy, stiffness, vomiting, diarrhoea or excessive urination.

Notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling these products.

These notices explain to customers why the products are being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought any of the products.

The company will also be contacting customers who have bought the affected products wherever possible.

Sainsbury's stated:

"We have identified that some batches of our pet food pouch range have higher than specified levels of vitamin D that should not be consumed over long periods of time.

"We are asking customers who have bought any of the above products not to use it and to return them to their nearest Sainsbury’s store where they will receive a full refund.

"No other products are affected by this issue, and we apologise for the inconvenience this has caused."

Find out more at

https://help.sainsburys.co.uk/help/products/customer-notice-pet-food

Nestlé Purina PetCare has acquired a majority stake in Tails.com, a direct-to-consumer, tailor-made dog nutrition business based in the UK.

With the rapid growth of personalised pet nutrition, as well as subscription services, Nestlé Purina’s shareholding in this digital first business offers significant growth opportunities for both companies.

Launched in 2014, Tails.com has brought tailored dog nutrition to consumers at competitive prices.

The company was early to identify changes in the way consumers want to shop and care for their pets, and married digital technology, food innovation and new manufacturing techniques to provide food individually tailored according to factors such as a dog’s age, breed, size and level of activity.

Powered by a proprietary nutritional algorithm developed by vets, nutritionists and software engineers, the company now feeds more than 100,000 dogs in the UK.

Tails.com customers also benefit from home delivery, as well as access to an in-house nutrition support team.

Tails.com will continue to operate as a stand-alone entity, with co-founder and CEO James Davidson at the helm.

The current management team and employees will remain shareholders and continue to run the business from its base in Richmond, West London.

Both companies have a mutual desire to help make pets and their owners’ lives better, with Purina’s extensive pet nutrition expertise, industry leading research and new technologies complementing Tails.com’s own existing capabilities.

Bernard Meunier, CEO, Nestlé Purina PetCare EMENA, said: “Personalised pet nutrition, along with direct-to-consumer subscription services, are expanding rapidly and this move underlines our focus on investing in high-growth categories and acting on consumer trends.

"Tails.com has a unique and winning business model that successfully combines individually customised recipes with a best in class pet owner experience, and all at competitive prices.

"The team behind Tails.com has achieved strong growth and generated outstanding customer engagement and loyalty. Our support will enable the acceleration of Tails.com’ expansion plans in the UK and beyond.”

James Davidson, CEO, Tails.com, said: “When we launched the company nearly four years ago, we were excited to bring something totally new to pet care in the UK.

"Our mission is to change the world of pet food for good, by providing every dog with its own unique, blended recipe. We’ve been amazed by the response from pet owners. We now provide four million bespoke meals per month to dogs across the UK and expect to see sales of well over £20 million this year.

"Purina’s support gives us the opportunity to build on this success in the UK and beyond, reaching more pets with our tailored nutrition.

"We will continue to run the business with the same entrepreneurial and customer-centric vision that has already brought us so much success.”

Headquartered in Richmond, Surrey with their Factory Kitchen in Hounslow, Tails.com has grown from a founding team of eight to over a hundred employees and production staff, led by a team of senior management and in-house experts including:

                        ●  Co-founder & CEO: James Davidson

                        ●  Chief Financial Officer: Mel Hedley Lewis

                        ●  Chief Operating Officer: Steve Spall

                        ●  Chief Marketing Officer: Miranda Creswell

                        ●  Head Vet: Sean McCormack Bsc (Hons) MVB, MRVS

                        ●  Lead Nutritionist: Dr Samantha Ware, PhD

                        ●  Vet Nurse: Amy Henson BSc (Hons) RVN, N.Cert (SAN)

Tails.com is Europe’s most advanced player in the direct-to-consumer, tailor-made pet food category.

The business now delivers more than 4 million bespoke dog meals each month and expects sales to exceed well over £20 million this year. Co-Founder & CEO James Davidson Born and raised in Kent, James studied Chemical Engineering at The University of Nottingham, graduating with a BEng 1st Class Degree.

James joined Unilever as a graduate trainee and went on to become a Factory Operations Manager.

A big turning point for James was his time volunteering at Raleigh International as Deputy Expedition Leader straight after Unilever. He spent four months with Raleigh in Central America and came back to the UK with a commitment to work on things that brought together a strong sense of organisational purpose along with an entrepreneurial approach to making things happen.

Joining Innocent Drinks as Head of Production responsible for the manufacturing base, his role grew to Head of Supply Chain Operations, supporting the company during a period of 5x revenue growth. Following seven years at Innocent, James was approached by Graham Bosher (Graze, Lovefilm) and Joe Inglis (Vets in Practice) with a new pet food idea – given his experience in human food innovation and operations.

As one of the co-founders, James took over as CEO shortly after the brand’s launch in November 2014. Timeline

                        ●  June 2013: The idea of Tails.com was born

                        ●  December 2013: Tails.com raise £5M in their first round of Seed Investment

                        ●  July 2014: Tails.com launches

                        ●  September 2015: Tails.com introduces wet food to the service offering to complement their customised kibble blends

                        ●  November 2015: Raised Series A Round with Octopus Ventures, Jam Jar (run by the founders of Innocent Drinks) and Draper Esprit

                        ●  April 2016 : Tails.com increases offering to include a range of treats and biscuits, as part of their subscription package

                        ●  July 2016 : Tails.com introduce a weaning food for puppies; customised recipes for each stage of a puppies growth