The controversial Channel 5 programme 'The Truth About Your Dog's Food' has left pet owners none the wiser when it comes to feeding their animals. That's the view of  Lily's Kitchen founder Henrietta Morrison.

“We are really pleased that the programme has brought to the fore an issue which has plagued the industry since its inception – misleading and confusing labeling on ingredients that makes it very difficult for consumers to make an educated choice over what to feed their pets - although we feel the programme could have gone further," said Henrietta.

"Different methods of feeding were discussed but we share the criticism that pet owners may have been left none the wiser with no clear conclusion or summary given. 

"On salmonella and the raw diet, my opinion was sought and I gave it, which has caused some upset with the raw food manufacturers who are understandably vigorously defending their products. I opened my response with the fact that a raw diet is much better than poor quality processed pet food, which I believe.  

"However, I do feel that there is a hygiene risk with feeding a raw diet due to the simple fact that uncooked meat presents a bacterial risk. I prefer to use a really good quality prepared pet food, supplemented by home cooking about once a week.   

"At Lily's Kitchen, we have been lucky enough to welcome on board hundreds of new customers and even more enquiries in the last week and we are spending a lot of time helping them understand the difference our food can make to their dog's health, based on the quality of the ingredients we use in our food.

"We really enjoyed being part of the documentary however, it's somewhat disheartening to see other manufacturers spending their efforts maligning their industry peers.  

"For us our focus is now on looking after our customers and stockists and making the best prepared food with the best ingredients for as many dogs and cats as possible.”

Leading licensed and branded pet accessories manufacturer Pet Brands has taken formal legal action against major retailer Wilkinson for infringement of its fully patented Christmas Rawhide Cracker.

Pet Brands director Sunny Sharma said: “We pride ourselves on UK-based product development, and work hard to design, innovate and patent our products to give us a point of difference in the market place.

"We were very disappointed that Wilkinson didn’t contact us directly to order our Rawhide Cracker and now we have had no choice but to take this action."

Pets At Home is to name two new female directors in an effort to satisfy the growing clamour for more diverse boardrooms as it prepares for a £1.5bn flotation.

According to Sky News, the pet retailer is to recruit Tessa Green (right), a trustee of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's charitable foundation, and Amy Stirling, a former Carphone Warehouse executive, as non-executive directors.

The appointments will mean that Pets At Home will have two women on a board of approximately six directors when it goes public this year, exceeding the target for quoted companies of 25% female representation by next year.

The chairman of Halfords, Dennis Millard, will also be appointed to the Pets At Home board, said a report on the Sky News website.

The pets retailer is currently owned by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR), the private equity firm, which is likely to announce the flotation in the coming weeks.

Mr Millard is already likely to be familiar with Pets At Home's business since he recruited Matt Davies, the chain's then chief executive, to run Halfords in 2012.

In addition to her role at the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's foundation, Ms Green is a trustee of the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew and is a former chairman of the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.

Her corporate career included a spell as head of corporate affairs at Carlton Communications, a role also held by David Cameron, the Prime Minister.

KKR has appointed its in-house capital markets division alongside Goldman Sachs, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Nomura to oversee the listing of Pets At Home.

The chain's public market debut will come four years after KKR acquired it in a £955m deal.

In its latest set of full-year results, published in August, Pets at Home reported a surge in sales and profits, underlining its status as one of the high street success stories during a period of economic volatility.

Earnings broke through the £100m barrier for the first time in the year to March, although Nick Wood, the former Dixons executive who now runs Pets at Home, expressed caution about the outlook.

“Market conditions remain challenging with disposable incomes under pressure for many of our customers," said Wood (pictured left).

"Against this backdrop we remain committed to delivering fantastic value as well as exceptional service to our customers through new stores and trading formats, new product innovation, and the engagement and knowledge of truly committed colleagues throughout the business.”

Pet store manager Marcus Powell is predicting a bright future for Pet Planet in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, following its move to new premises.

Trowbridge mayor David Halik officially opened Pet Planet’s new home in Castle Street, on January 14. The business had moved ffrom premises in Wicker Hill, where it had been located for 19 years.

The store, which sell rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters, rats, fish, reptiles and birds, now has customer parking and Marcus believes that will attract more people.

He said: “The Wicker Hill end of town was dying and so we needed to make a decision to move to protect the future of our store and our dedicated long serving staff.

“This new store offers us a fantastic opportunity to build upon our very loyal customer base and reach out to new town centre customers.”

Pet Planet also stocks a range of pet food, supplies and accessories and runs a delivery service.

Staff, family and friends helped move Pet Planet to their new premises.

Marcus said: “Thank you to everybody who contributed with the move and also thank you to our customers for being patient while we were closed for two days.”

David Baker, Trowbridge Town Team chairman and former Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce president, believes the move was the right thing for Pet Planet.

“He deserves to succeed and I believe his business is what helps make Trowbridge the place to be.”

Pictured: Pet Planet owner Marcus Powell, right, with Trowbridge mayor David Halik and staff Kelly Schneider, left, and Katie Miluk.

A competition to find the best cat owned by an Member of Parliament has been rocked by vote-rigging accusations.

South East Cornwall MP Sheryll Murray last week put forward her favourite feline, Bosun, in the ‘Purr Minister’ contest organised by Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

But what started as a gentle "bit of fun" has led to catty controversy.

Murray has pulled her cat out of the Westminster beauty contest after Bosun attracted 30,000 votes in seven hours – more than 70% of all votes cast.

The Labour Party's Andrew Gwynne had already taken his pet Jude out of the running in protest.

He told BBC Two's Daily Politics programme that "sadly, while all the other cats were catnapping, one cat in particular seemed to snap up 30,000 votes overnight and then tried to claim that his victory was because of a sudden surge in Australian votes. Clearly, that was a purr-fect alibi."

The shadow Health minister accused Murray or her allies of using computer trickery to give her cat an unfair advantage.

But Murray insisted she was innocent and said that the allegations had been "very upsetting" for her and her children.

"This whole situation has been very upsetting. I entered Bosun as a bit of fun to promote the good work of Battersea Dogs and Cats home. Bosun is a much loved family pet who is now 14 years old," she told The Mirror.

"I entered Bosun before the recent storms but unfortunately Labour have decided to make this political and I have decided to withdraw him as I have to concentrate on the many storm affected areas in my constituency," she said.

But Gwynne welcomed Bosun's withdrawal.

The Labour MP said: "It is such a shame that some people chose to take advantage of the incredible work that Battersea does finding homes for dogs and cats.

"Justice has been done. This isn't Soviet Russia - here in Britain, our cats play by the rules, and those that don't will be found out!"

Just eight pets are left in the contest.

Prestopets have been specialist importers and wholesalers of ornamental coldwater and tropical fish to the aquatic industry for 35 years.

The company's trained staff are always on hand with expert advice and provide a tailored service to every customer.

"We offer a competitive and efficient service providing coldwater, tropical, marine, aquatic plants, reptiles, amphibians, frozen and live food," said a Prestopets spokesperson.

"Prestopets also offer consolidated direct imports on behalf of our customers arranging own van and driver deliveries within London, Home Counties and Midlands and can also arrange collection from our premises or from London Heathrow airport.

"We use extensive knowledge to buy a wide variety of stock from around the world. We use the best sources of supply available and have regular shipments from Singapore, Israel, Colombia, Brazil, Vietnam, India, Europe, Africa, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and hand selected from UK fish farms.  

"We keep a large range of fish at our extensive 20,000sq.ft. holding facility. We also buy direct supplies of high quality tropical plants (wholesale or consolidated) from world class growers.

"Many of our fish are tested at independent laboratories in the UK and overseas.  Regular checks are also carried out by CEFAS at point of import and at our holding facility."

Prestopets offer an online ordering service, low minimum orders, nationwide deliveries and own van and driver deliveries using specially adapted heated vans providing a consistent temperature during the winter months.

The company offers customers with weekly stock updates, special offers and seasonal promotions, and managers’ specials.

For more information visit  www.prestopets.co.uk

A 'small section' of Prestopets' coldwater fish holding facility. The company thoroughly cleans, sanitises and prepares its facilities before the beginning of each new season.

The trade association for the ornamental fish industry is backing a government campaign on illegal wildlife trafficking.

The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association’s Chief Executive was due to attend a reception at the Natural History Museum yesterday (Wednesday) hosted by The Rt Hon William Hague, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and the Rt Hon Owen Paterson, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which launches an international conference on illegal wildlife trade.

While supporting the UK Government’s position on illegal wildlife crime, OATA is also highlighting that the legitimate trade in wild caught animals can bring environmental and financial benefits to remote overseas communities as well as the UK economy.   

“I’m very pleased that our industry, which is involved in the legitimate trade of wild caught marine and tropical freshwater fish, invertebrates and corals, has been invited to this high profile event,” said OATA Chief Executive Keith Davenport.

“Not all wild caught animal trade is illegal. Our industry is one of the biggest importers of wild caught animals into the UK but this trade is perfectly legitimate and, importantly, brings a sustainable source of income that also contributes to protecting the environment for some of the world’s remotest communities – trade not aid if you like. And let’s not forget the financial, health and employment benefits our industry brings to the UK as well. 

“We hope this message isn’t lost in the midst of this very important conference which will undoubtedly shine a light on this high profile issue to protect elephants, rhinos and tigers to avoid their extinction. We of course support this position and we support all action against wildlife crime. Indeed we’ve played our part in helping authorities tackle illegal activities within our own industry, such as smuggling endangered corals and clams.

“This type of illegal activity which ignores CITES has no part in our industry and undermines the legal trade in wild caught species that support hundreds of thousands of honestly pursued livelihoods in some of the remotest parts of the world. We welcome a robust enforcement of CITES regulations but we need to be careful that criminal activity should not stop the pursuit of the legitimate trade of wild caught animals.”

Industry and hobbyists are encouraged to show their support for the government campaign by signing up for the online ‘thunderclap’ when the conference launches on 13 February. https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/8234-let-them-hear-you-roar 

The reception is being held on Wednesday February 12 at The Natural History Museum to launch the London Conference on the Illegal Wildlife Trade 2014 where the UK government will bring together global leaders to help eradicate illegal wildlife trade and better protect the world’s most iconic species from the threat of extinction.  The issue is supported by both HRH The Prince of Wales and HRH the Duke of Cambridge who have given speeches in support of tackling wildlife crime. 

The government position, which OATA supports, can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-commitment-to-action-on-illegal-wildlife-trade-iwt 

CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) aims is to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species in the wild.

Westland Horticulture is using the PATS Sandown in March to announce big plans for its three bird food brands – Bucktons, Nature’s Feast and Peckish.

Since entering into the bird food industry, Westland has revolutionised the market, offering best-selling products for enthusiasts of all levels and categories, supporting key industry events throughout the year and investing heavily in TV, print and digital communication campaigns. It has done all this while maintaining the quality of its products, retaining the BRC accreditation at its Driffield manufacturing site for the 4th year running.

The Bucktons brand has seen great investment, with a brand new website launching in March. This demonstrates continued support for the pigeon, cage and aviary industries as well as sponsorship of key events, such as the annual British Homing World Show of the Year in Blackpool, where Bucktons was once again the principle sponsor, with many pigeon fanciers taking advantage of specialist advice from Westland’s nutritional expert Lorron Bright.

Nature’s Feast has gone from strength to strength since its rebrand in 2013, which was passionately received by trade customers, embracing the brands educational yet clear imagery and comprehensive range. The brand is supported by a vast range of POS support for retailers providing the consumer with all the information they need to make the right purchasing decisions for them.

The company’s Peckish brand has been well received by the market since its launch. Benefitting from a £1 million TV, press and digital campaign (January to March) viewed by over 28 million viewers, the brand is unique in attracting vast numbers of new consumers to the joys of feeding the birds. Peckish is the only brand in the industry to advertise on TV and invest so heavily in advertising to support the sale of its products.

Rachael Dickinson, Senior Brand Manager for Westland, said: “We are delighted to be once again attending PATS Sandown. This is an event which is firmly marked in our calendar and which we plan for throughout the year.

“As well as having a comprehensive range of our products and POS stands designed especially for the pet industry, we are also looking forward to informing new and existing customers about the exciting plans that we have for our bird food brands for 2014 and beyond.”

Exhibitors will have the opportunity of learning more about Interzoo and the export opportunities within the European pet care market at a special PetQuip briefing on Februay 26. 

The briefing is open to members of the PetQuip-organised group and to PetQuip members exhibiting independently at the Nuremberg based show (May 29-June 1).

If firms are still considering exhibiting at this international exhibition, then they should contact PetQuip as the association can release a limited amount of reserve stand space.

Firms attending the briefing, being held at PetQuip’s headquarters in Brasted, Kent, will also have the opportunity of holding one-to-one meetings with an important buyer of pet care products from Switzerland.  

Swiss pet retailer Meiko is the latest buyer to be invited by PetQuip to take part in the association’s highly successful ‘Meet the Buyer’ programme.  Meiko operates six stores, three competence centres which combine retail store, veterinary practice and grooming salon under one roof, and a web shop. They offer a range of 6,000 items for dogs, cats and their owners. The company is now seeking to source a range of British-made products, including supplement foods, quality dog/cat bedding, dog and cat toys, professional grooming items, scratching trees for cats and items for small dogs.

Potential members of the association can also (subject to availability) book a meeting on February 26 with the Swiss pet product buyer; while visiting the PetQuip offices they will also have the opportunity to meet the association team and learn more about the business services on offer and the export opportunities in the petcare sector.

The director general of PetQuip, Amanda Sizer Barrett, said: “The Interzoo briefing will enable companies to prepare for and make the most of this prestigious fair and it will be particularly helpful to first time exhibitors at the show.  The briefing is part of the comprehensive package of services offered by the association to UK exhibitors.  The opportunity to meet with the Meiko buyer will be an added bonus for both existing and potential exporting companies.  Attendees at previous ‘Meet the Buyer’ events have secured important export business as a direct result of the relaxed atmosphere in which the individual meetings are held.”

The briefing meeting is free of charge to all members of the British exhibitor group and PetQuip members exhibiting independently.  There will be a small charge for attending the ‘Meet the Buyer’ sessions, which are open to members and non-members of PetQuip.  PetQuip members will benefit from a discounted rate and full details are available from Theresa Swann at PetQuip (the International Trade Association of Pet Equipment Suppliers), The White House, High Street, Brasted, Kent, TN16 1JE, UK.

Contact: 01959 565995 or email  theresa@petquip.com

BARF pet food specialist Natural Instinct will be offering retailers VAT-free deals on its branded freezers as well as the chance to win one outright during the PATS Sandown trade show on March 18-19.

Visitors taking advantage of the VAT-free deal – small branded freezers for £650 and large freezers for £800 – will get a new curved top chest freezer with a two-year factory warranty and filled with stock to the value of £500.

And new stockists signing up at PATS will stand a chance of winning a freezer packed with Natural Instinct product.

Natural Instinct is launching a new Organic recipe as part of the Country Banquet range.

The company will re-launch Country Banquet with the chicken recipe, which will also be available in organic. The organic alternative will be the same recipe but made using organic chicken with bone, liver, heart and a new selection of fresh organic vegetables.

The inclusion of grasses was a key feature in the original Country Banquet range launched back in 2011 and will feature again in the recipes along with well known ‘superfoods’ containing many antioxidants and vitamins. Dogs often eat grasses because they are a natural aid to digestion as well as being highly nutritious.

The clinical trials for Wheatgrass for human use were carried out on canines so the benefits for dogs are well researched.  Scottish Salmon oil which is a key ingredient in their other range of feeds, has been replaced for Flaxseed oil in the Country Banquet recipes, making the product accessible to dogs with fish oil intolerance. 

For more information visit www.naturalinstinct.com 

A complete overhaul of the Harringtons cat food packaging sees their dried kitten (5 x 425g) and cat (6 x 425g) food available in re-sealable plastic pouches.

Ms Hamson was alerted to the fire on Wednesday, January 29, at about 7pm when she was told by a friend that Collingwood Road was closed.

The shopkeeper went to check on her business and saw the firefighters outside.

Ms Hamson handed over her keys to firefighters and they quickly entered the property, turned off the electricity supply and put absorbent sheets under her ceiling to collect any water seeping through, that was being used to douse the flames upstairs.

Ms Hamson said: “They saved my shop. It could have been so much worse if it wasn’t for their quick actions.

“They moved all the stock out of the way and put sheets up which protected the shop.

“It was very scary for me to see all the fire engines outside the shop as I didn’t know until I got there that the fire was upstairs.”

A 34-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson following a fire in the flat above the pet shop.

The fire was believed to have started sometime between 7pm and 8pm.

A man from Northampton has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Witnesses to the fire, or anyone with information, can call Northamptonshire Police on 101.

The Easidri brand is best known for its High Performance Cooling Coat and super absorbent Grooming Towel, but at this year’s Crufts and PATS Sandwon, three new products are set to join the Easidri ‘family’.

“We’ve created three new bottled products that stay true to the Easidri ethos- quality products that help to make life that little bit easier,” says Kevin Duffy, Easidri Sales Manager.

“We’re launching Medicated Dog Shampoo, Bed & Kennel Cleaner, and Coat & Towel Wash. All these products are packed full of features and we’re sure our Easidri customers will love them.”

The three new products all contain a DEFRA listed active ingredient that kills 99.9999% of viruses, bacteria and fungi. This excellent property not only helps to keep the dog and his equipment clean, but it can also help to prevent kennel cough. In addition, the citridiol oil that the products contain helps to repel flies, tick and other insects, and it’s powerful on odours too as it acts on the cause…rather than just covering it over. On top of all this, all three products are not harmful to anything or anyone.

The Medicated Dog Shampoo has a fresh lemon fragrance and is gentle on the skin and coat, low lather, easy to rinse, promotes shine and leaves the dog smelling great. The Bed & Kennel Cleaner has the same fragrance and comes in a spray bottle that allows the cleaner to be applied to hard and soft surfaces without causing them any damage. The Coat & Towel Wash is suitable for cloth, clothing and rugs, helping to leave them odour free, clean and hygienic too.

“We’re really excited to be launching these new products at Crufts,” says Kevin. “We feel they’re a great fit with our existing range.”

Prices start from £10.

For more information, see www.easidri.com, for trade enquiries, please contact Trilanco- see www.trilanco.com.

Collarways will be launching the Zogoflex counter top display in March to help retailers present the brand's unique toys in a professional way...

Zogoflex toys are made with an amazingly tough material that is buoyant and pliable, non-toxic and FDA compliant.

They are made from a recyclable plastic composite which includes recycled plastic bottles, so whilse they look and feel like rubber toys, they’re not and that’s what makes them so durable. They float, can go in the dishwasher and come with a one-time refund or replacement guarantee against dog damage!

That is a lot of information to get across to customers, especially in a busy shop, so the specially designed stocked counter top display, which includes 30 toys across the mini and small range, helps to get that detail over. 

The handy guide at the front of the display also demonstrates which shape is best for different activities such as chewing, tugging and fetching.

Sized 41.5cm (width), 31cm (depth) and 44.5cm (height), the display will look great on any counter or shelving unit, and is a great way to start stocking this range.

Zogoflex is distributed in the UK by Collarways Limited www.collarways.com and the counter top display will be available from March.

Visitors to PATS Sandown, will be able to view the display and the Zogoflex range on the Collarways stand (T17) in the Esher Hall.

An exhibition featuring one of the UK’s most controversial breeds, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, is now on show at the Kennel Club Art Gallery, which houses the largest collection of dog paintings in Europe.

Over 160 paintings, engravings, sculptures and ephemera all surrounding this much loved breed are on show. The exhibition, entitled ‘The Staffordshire Bull Terrier and its Ancestors’ will celebrate the history and development of the breed and some exhibits have never been seen on public display before. It will run at the Kennel Club Gallery on Clarges Street, London until June 20^th 2014.

Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to view a collection of paintings, watercolours and engravings from as early as 1820 right up to the present day, showing how the breed has been portrayed through the last two centuries. A series of unique and wonderful contemporary art by artists such as Maria Heskins, Paul Doyle and Pollyana Pickering will also be on show.

The historical portraits of early Bull Terrier types, bronzes and a collection of vintage photographs from the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries will also be featured. The sculpture collection on display highlights the porcelain models by Beswick, Royal Doulton and Meissen.

The exhibition can be viewed by appointment from Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm. To book an appointment or for further information, please contact the Kennel Club Art Gallery on 020 7518 1064 or email artgallery@thekennelclub.org.uk. The Kennel Club Art Gallery is situated on Clarges Street, London, and the nearest tube station is Green Park.

SureFlap®, the award-winning microchip-operated pet product specialist, has recruited a new marketing manager, Piers Hampson, as the company gears up to launch a range of innovative new products.

Piers has replaced Judith Bank, who has gone on maternity leave. His role will focus on expanding the SureFlap online marketing presence as well as engaging more effectively with retailers to drive traffic through their doors. This will include a new SureFlap website which will launch later in 2014 and will be redesigned to meet the needs of both consumers and retailers.

Prior to joining SureFlap, Piers was marketing manager at Bodyflight and FlowHouse, the indoor skydiving and surfing centres. His responsibilities included the creation of the brand, the launch of the two unique facilities, strategic planning and implementation, as well as increasing the website functionality and productivity. Piers has also worked at Grafham Water Activity and Performance Sailing Centre and the University of Leicester Enterprise and Business Development Office.

He says that he is a massive fan of products that increase the ease of living and enrich the user’s environment.

“SureFlap is so much more than a product to stop intruder cats, it can help reduce stress for the pet and improve their quality of life and that’s what I find so exciting about the company now and the products it is developing for the future.

“SureFlap’s customer support is second to none and this year we will be redesigning the website to provide higher degree of self-help to complement the already exceptional service provided over the phone. 

“I also want to engage more with the retailers and look for innovative ways to drive traffic through their doors.”

As well as a love of technology, Piers also has a passion for animals. “I’ve grown up around dogs and my mum and dad currently have a chocolate Labrador. I think anyone that has had a companion animal understands the emotional attachment that comes with a pet. I am looking forward to working within the pet industry.”

Andy Bank, commercial director at SureFlap, says: “We are delighted to have Piers on board.  He has led ecommerce activity in a number of different market sectors and brings a wealth of new ideas and experience to the team.”

For further information on SureFlap visit www.sureflap.co.uk/trade, phone 01954 211664 or email trade@sureflap.co.uk.

3P Enterprise Ltd has obtained the exclusive rights to market the new Petmate Portion Right Programmable Feeder in the UK.

Automatic, programmable pet feeders, which dispense measured amounts of dry food at pre-determined times, are popular with pet owners who need to leave their pets alone for short periods. But perhaps of more significance are the health benefits of these feeders as they enable pets to eat small frequent meals which can help to alleviate or prevent the problems of obesity and boredom.

The Portion Right Programmable Feeder is convenient and offers owners the peace of mind that their pet will be fed the right amount every time. It is battery operated and will dispense a measured amount of dry dog or cat food at pre selected times up to 3 times a day.

This stylish feeder has a large LCD screen, built in meal counter and is simple to programme. The transparent hopper holds approximately 5lbs or 2.25Kg of food and allows you to monitor food levels at a glance. It has a handy twist lock lid which is easy to remove for refilling and also keeps the food fresh and secure.  The feeding bowl is removable for easy cleaning and is dishwasher  safe.

The Portion Right Programmable Feeder comes in the new sleek and contemporary Brushed Nickel design and is available now only from 3P Enterprise. 

For more information visit www.3penterprise.co.uk

Lily’s Kitchen is expanding its range of pet treats with the launch of The Truly Naturals range - two new wholesome treats for dogs that have absolutely nothing artificial added, making them truly natural.  

Fish Skin Dog Chews – Low fat treats made with line-caught catfish from the crystal clear waters of Iceland. The skins are naturally air-dried to keep all the goodness inside before being packed.  100% pure and natural with absolutely nothing added, they are easy to digest and a great source of Omega 3, which can help to keep a dog’s coat looking shiny, whilst their slightly rough texture can help keep teeth clean.  75g re-sealable bags RSP £3.99.

Little Liver Rewards – Made from nothing but fresh British Oxen Liver, these treats are bursting with a meaty flavour to give maximum nutrition.  Perfect to pop in pockets at training time for a fully focused hound. 

The Truly Naturals range of treats is available in over 700 independent stockists and vets in 60g re-sealable bags, RSP £3.99.

Henrietta Morrison, founder of Lily’s Kitchen, says: “Not only is this a very exciting launch for us, the Fish Skin Dog Chews have been sourced exclusively for Lily’s Kitchen.  We have been working for a long time to develop a range of the highest quality treats for dogs, which are completely pure and free of any additives.  So we are thrilled to finally have these to feed to our beloved dogs.”

Lily’s Kitchen is a business born out of a desire to do the best for our pets and its products are unique in the world – it is the first company to produce and launch grain-free and meal-free foods and only ever uses 100% fresh meat and fruits and vegetables in its recipes – no meat meals, fillers or fibrous leftovers.

In line with its commitment to supporting dog sports and a firm belief that young peoples’ interest deserves to be nurtured, CSJ is the key sponsor of the Wales team at the 2014 Open Junior Agility Championships.

Open to handlers aged 5 to 18 years old the event will be held on March 1-2 at Houghton Hall, Houghton, Cambs PE28 2DY.

More information at http://openjunioragilitychampionships.co.uk/ojac-2014

A leaflet produced by the Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) guides pet owners through the often difficult decision making process of putting their pet to sleep.

‘Saying goodbye – the ultimate kindness’ is written by vets to help pet owners understand why putting their pet to sleep may be the most caring thing they can do for their pet and to discuss the choices they have.

The sympathetically written leaflet addresses the emotions owners may go through when deciding to put their pet down, it demystifies what happens during euthanasia and explains what happens next.

Vet Tiffany Hemming, AWF Chairman said: “As vets we often see pet owners struggle with letting their pet go when really it can be the kindest thing for the animal to be put to sleep.

“Guilt may be the strongest emotion owners feel when making this decision and we wanted to guide owners through this difficult time in a sensitive way and encourage them to ask questions and work with the vet to help them come to terms with the end of their pet’s life.”

Owners can download a copy from the AWF website http://www.bva-awf.org.uk/pet-care-advice

Vets are asking dog owners to keep their dogs on leads when walking near sheep as the annual lambing season gets underway. Ewes are particularly vulnerable at this time of year, as they prepare to give birth, and sheep worrying can have tragic consequences.

It is good practice for owners to keep dogs on leads at all times when walking near livestock but it is particularly important during the spring. Vets have seen a rise in the numbers of attacks, the results of which may often lead to lambs being lost and sheep being killed and injured.

British Veterinary Association (BVA) President and vet Robin Hargreaves said: “Even dogs who are usually calm and good natured can become very excitable and difficult to control when faced with livestock. Tragically this can lead to chasing, attacks and fatalities for sheep and other animals.

“Over the coming months ewes in the field are likely to be heavily pregnant or to have recently given birth. Chasing and worrying can have severe consequences at this time, leading to serious injuries, early labour and fatalities.

“Later in the season the arrival of lambs brings fresh temptation as their energy and activity can be irresistible to dogs. We ask that owners in rural areas keep their dogs on leads when walking near livestock. They should also consider taking alternative routes during the lambing season to avoid causing distress.”

Fiona Lovatt, President of the Sheep Veterinary Society, has worked with sheep farmers in County Durham and across the country. She said: “The results of these attacks are very distressing for the sheep, the farmer and for the vet. I’ve treated sheep which have been practically shredded by dogs and you often have no choice but to put them down. At this time of year a dog attack can have drastic effects even for the ewes who are not injured, as the stress may cause them to abort.

“I think most owners are well meaning but if your dog is off the lead you may not even be aware of the chasing or attack. It’s important to know where your dog is at all times as they can cause a lot of damage in a short time.”

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

The post office in Wragby village in Lincolnshire is to move into a nearby pet shop, 100 meters from its current home..

The new branch at Wragby Pet Shop will open on Wednesday, March 12.

The move is part of a major modernisation programme across the Post Office network designed the make it easier for customers to do business, through longer opening hours and modern open plan environments.

Post Office regional network manager for central England Adrian Wales said: “We understand how important having a Post Office is to residents in Wragby and we are confident that this new modern Post Office will meet the needs of the local community and secure services for the future.”

He added: “This modernisation is part of a major investment programme, the largest in the history of the Post Office and marks a commitment to no more branch closure programmes.”

The government has committed £1.34bn for the Post Office network to make sure there is no programme of Post Office closures and to update branches.

In November, the government announced a further £640 million investment in the Post Office network, from 2015 to 2018.