The BBC1 hit consumer show Watchdog has gone undercover at Pets at Home "with shocking results" for the second time in less than three years and its findings will be revealed at 8pm today (Thursday)...

The pet superstore chain was featured on Watchdog in 2012, and it's believed there will be more disturbing revelations in this evening's programme.

At the end of last Thursday's show main presenter Anne Robinson said: "Pets at Home: we go undercover with shocking results." And the programme makers tweeted: "Tune in next week for Pets at Home, Uber and more #RogueTraders."

Pet Trade Xtra contacted Pets at Home for a reaction but a spokesperson said: "We've not made any public statements."

It has been a difficult few weeks for Pets at Home, who saw its main investor Kohlberg Kravis Roberts sell half its shares last week, prompting a fall in the company's share price. 

US buyout firm KKR sold 108 million shares, or 21.6% of the business, at 267p a share leaving it with a 24.6% holding.

Following the sale shares in Pets at Home, which runs 400 pets stores and 338 vets' practices, slipped 3%.

Pets at Home last appeared on Watchdog in September 2012. Click here to view that particular episode.

Foul odours from a Nestlé Purina's pet food factory in Sudbury, Suffolk, are still causing “major distress” to people living near the plant despite the company sinking more than £1million into measures to combat the problem, it has been claimed.

The pet company has been criticised repeatedly for failing to eliminate the unpleasant smell caused by steam emanating from its Northern Road premises.

Although Purina bosses say the emissions comply with environmental guidelines and are not a danger to public health, residents of nearby streets claim they cannot bear to sit in their gardens or open their windows because of the stench.

In the past two years Purina has invested more than a million pounds in improvements to its odour abatement systems and has installed new software to help monitor emissions more effectively, which it believes are working. However a spokesman for Purina revealed six complaints had been received about the smell last week.

The Environment Agency also confirmed it had received a number of “odour reports” from Sudbury residents and businesses.

According to George Buffham, 86, who lives in Windermere Road, the pong is now “worse than ever” and is severely impacting on the wellbeing of his family and neighbours.

He said: “This factory is close to a lovely residential area where most of us are retired and we really value being able to sit in our gardens, but that is impossible when the odour reaches a pitch like it did last Thursday, Friday and Sunday. When the smell gets that bad, it’s really causes major distress.

“Purina paid out a lot of money for improvements and it did seem to get slightly better for a few months, but these past few days it seems to have been worse than ever.

“None of us like to keep complaining but we are at the end of our tethers and are desperate for something to be done.”

A spokesman for Purina said emissions were monitored twice a day according to Environment Agency guidelines and a team dispatched whenever a complaint was received. All six complaints received about odours last week were investigated immediately and levels were below those deemed cause for concern.

The spokesman said: “While no abatement technique can remove 100% of odours, we are confident that this (£1million) investment has led to significant improvements in odour emissions.

“Our systems are regularly measured by externally certified specialists and the results submitted to the Environment Agency as part of our on-going monitoring and permit management. This exercise was completed two weeks ago and our results again confirmed that our systems are operating within the expected performance criteria.

“We are committed to achieving the best possible odour control at our Sudbury factory and will continue to work closely with local residents to hear and address any concerns they may have.”

An Environment Agency spokesman said officers had visited the area last week to monitor the severity of the odour in response to complaints.

He added: “Upon our instruction, the company commissioned independent experts to carry out further odour related monitoring last month. We are currently in the process of reviewing the findings from this work and, if we are not satisfied that appropriate measures are in place, we will consider further action.

“We encourage anyone who experiences excessive odour from the site to call our incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.”

A new Pets Corner store in Woking, Surrey, will open its doors to customers later this month as the company aims to reach a target of 100 premises before the end of the year.

Pets Corner has been providing the nation with pet supplies since 1968, and its is now excited to be opening the new store on 111 High Street, Horsell, in Woking on June 27.

The Horsell store is the 96th Pets Corner store to open and later this year a milestone will be reached as the national brand opens their 100th store. 

As a family-run business Pets Corner's focus is on providing the best possible advice to help customers care for their much loved animal family members through knowledgeable, friendly staff, quality products that last and the best animal welfare in the industry.

Karl Golding, manager at the Horsell store, said:“Having grown from a small corner pet shop, Pets Corner, an independent family enterprise, has rapidly expanded over the years and has become one of the leading ethical pet businesses in the UK.

“It’s really exciting to be opening the new Pets Corner store in Horsell. My staff and I, having undergone extensive training in animal husbandry, pet behaviour, animal treatment and medicine and nutrition, are raring to go and looking forward to advising the local community on all their pet issues and day to day questions.”

AQUA 2015, the UK’s premier water gardening and aquatics trade event, will welcome a host of new exhibitors to October’s showpiece exhibition, which will be bigger than ever before.

A growing number of companies are choosing to exhibit for the first time as they see AQUA as the perfect opportunity to showcase their products to retailers and overseas distributors.

Show organiser Annie Foord said: "It's great to see so many newcomers booking stand space at this year's AQUA.

 “I’m also happy to report that the UK’s major exhibitors are again heading for Telford, and many companies have increased their stand space this year.

“Another pleasing aspect is the fact we will be welcoming more overseas companies as well. They obviously regard AQUA as their major platform to showcase products to UK buyers.

“It’s a really exciting time for AQUA and I can promise visitors it will be the biggest ever AQUA show.”

With all the stand space being snapped up months before the event, a record number of 82 companies will be exhibiting their products and services at Telford International Centre on October 14-15.

The new exhibitors include: All Pond Solutions, Aquatlantis, Bimex BV, Hamac, Koral Sea, Lovibond, Multifox, Nauticalia, New Techno, Nordic Reef, Norwood Aquarium, Noux, PondXpert, Sharnbrook Shrimps, and Simply Aquaria.

Norwood Aquarium Ltd is a newcomer to AQUA, and general manager Rob Street said: “We have been supporting the bricks-and-mortar aquatic trade for 50 years, and we have recently made significant investments in our infrastructure. We believe AQUA 2015 is an ideal opportunity to demonstrate these changes and show retailers why we believe we can offer them the best service in the trade. 

Philip Nicholl, sales director of Hamac Trading Company, commented: “Several of our customers have recommended the AQUA show and we are excited about exhibiting this year.”

All Pond Solutions Ltd supply aquatic products to hundreds of stores across the UK and Ireland and they’re looking forward to their first AQUA show. “It promises to be a great event,” said All Pond Solutions general manager Charlie Kenton-O’Neill. “It’s the ideal stage to launch our new product ranges. 

Aidan Wallace, of Nauticalia, said: “We’re new to the show and we’re really looking forward to it.”

One of the most popular features at AQUA is the New Product Showcase, and this year it has been given greater prominence with a new and bigger home.

Nearly 100 new products were showcased in 2013 when AQUA was last staged, and a higher number is expected this year. All the items will be entered into the New Product Awards, which will be judged by team of independent retailers on the opening morning of the show.

In recognition of the growing importance of the New Product Showcase and Awards, there will 10 different categories compared to five in 2013.

The categories that now make up the Showcase and Awards are:

• POS/Merchandising Idea
• Reptile Product
• Pond Construction/Decoration
• Pond Pump
• Pond Filter
• Pond Food, Care and Accessories
• Aquaria and Furniture
• Aquarium Equipment
• Aquarium Food, Care and Accessories
• Aquarium Decoration

As well as getting to see all the new products to be launched on to the market, visitors will be well looked-after during their stay. There are more catering facilities and everyone will receive free tea and coffee, and a free deli bag lunch. Retailers and buyers will also be invited to join exhibitors at an AQUA dinner on the first evening of the exhibition. The dinner, which will also be free, has been moved to a larger room to accommodate nearly 700 people.

Visitors can also benefit from free parking next to the exhibition hall, and will be able to take full advantage of a new events village called Southwater Square, recently opened close to the centre with a new hotel, restaurants, and one of the UK’s largest town-centre parks.

A full list of exhibitors can be found on the AQUA 2015 website www.aquatelford.co.uk. For anyone with inquiries call the AQUA hotline on  +44 (0) 1892 862848. 

Johnson's Veterinary Products is proud of the fact it has never missed a national pet trade show since 1971 and is looking forward to continuing the sequence when it exhibits at PATS Telford in September...

The black and white photo shows the Johnson's stand at that first National Trade Show in Harrogate and the second picture is the company's stand at 2014 PATS Harrogate.

Johnson’s chairman David Johnson said: “We’ve never missed a year exhibiting at National Pet Trade Shows, even though they have changed names and venues a few times, including to Harrogate, the NEC and London area.  

"Nowadays however our Pet Healthcare Range is much bigger, more popular and more professional than it was then, with many Veterinary Strength products. 

"Our regular attendance at trade shows is just another way Johnson’s expresses exclusive support for the pet trade, so that many of our pet healthcare products now lead the way in the Top 10 Best Sellers List for the pet trade’s main national wholesalers and retailers.

“We do not think any other company can lay claim to such a distinguished consecutive appearance record, but if any readers know of one, let us know when you visit our stand at PATS Telford in September. Come and see the complete range on stand 32 and take advantage of many special offers and stand deals exclusively available to the pet trade.”

Around 200 dogs and their owners took part in a ‘Walk in the Park’ event at Walsall Arboretum and helped raise over £2,000 for Birmingham Dogs Home.

Sponsored by Walsall based pet accessories company Ancol Pet Products, the event invited families and their dogs to enjoy a leisurely walk around a 3km route of the Walsall Arboretum. Following the walk, families received goody bags and enjoyed a BBQ, refreshments and a range of stalls. Many also had their dog’s photo professionally taken by Ancol as a memento from the day.

Chief Executive of Birmingham Dogs Home, Simon Price commented: “Thank you to everyone who took part in our first ever Walk in the Park event and all our volunteers who helped out on the day. All money raised will be donated to help the thousands of stray dogs that we look after every year at our two centres in Birmingham and Wolverhampton.

“I would also like to say a big thank you to Ancol for sponsoring the event – without them the day would not have been such a success.”

Sarah Lane, Sales Director of Ancol added: “On behalf of Ancol, we were so pleased to be able to support such a fantastic event and worthwhile charity. Everyone who took part has said what a lovely morning they had with their families and dogs so we’re looking forward to working with Birmingham Dogs Home to make next year’s event even better.”

Family-owned quality pet food manufacturer Burgess Pet Care is to demonstrate its commitment to a happy and healthy pet world at this year’s Pet Show at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on August 1-2. The Yorkshire-based company will sponsor the small animal area and be on hand to provide visitors with expert advice.

Based at stand c34 in the centre of the small animal area, TV vet Matt Brash will join Burgess’ on-site vet Suzanne Moyes to hold small animal talks across the two-day event, giving owners tips on how to keep their pet in optimum health.

Charlotte Hopkins, Events and Marketing Assistant at Burgess Pet Care, said: “At Burgess we are committed to providing our customers with the best expert knowledge from our network of leading industry professionals. Our passion for pets is at the heart of everything we do and we’re delighted to be able to offer this at such huge events like The Pet Show.”

Burgess will also hold an activity area at the entrance to the small animal area, with activities such as willow ball making to keep the whole family entertained.

The stand will display Burgess’ complete range of products and they will be offering customers the chance to buy their small animal treats for just £1.

Customers can also get their hands on a free £2voucher when signing up to Burgess’ new Pet Club – a free monthly newsletter packed with tips and advice to help members keep their pets in good health. 

Having recently freshened up its packaging and added to its wet recipe repertoire and upgraded its website, Denes is now poised to create two new for Autumn lines that will use photographs of pets belonging to its growing legions of loyalists.

According to co-founder, Paul Finger: "Denes is a brand based on authenticity, trust and a single-minded (some might say dogged!) belief in the beneficial health and taste giving properties of everyday herbs. 

"We’ve been a little overwhelmed by the unrelenting positivity being generated our new packaging, which is why we’re now keen to bring forward our next batch of wet, pet food recipe innovation.

"We also felt the time was ripe to celebrate the unflinching support of our followers, which is why we’d like our latest offerings to carry the images of everyday pets belonging to our most devoted Denes enthusiasts."

Denes is a trusted, premium tier pet food provider, based on the ahead-of-his time learnings of Winston Churchill’s beloved vet, Buster, Lloyd Jones; a British-born range that first made its name among the discerning, independent pet food arena before recently extended its reach with a new listing in Sainsbury’s, whilst simultaneously enjoying a growing presence in Ocado, Fetch and Pets at Home.

Paul concludes: "It’s so exciting being part of a reborn, ambitious brand and we simply can’t wait to reward our customers by providing two good-looking pets with some richly-deserved on-pack fame."

For more information visit: www.denes.com

Rosewood Pet Products has launched over 150 new products for dogs, cats, small animals, birds and fish.

This year sees the introduction of a new range of BioSafe toys specifically for puppies and small dogs. They are tough and durable, mint scented and still have all of the same features and benefits as our other BioSafe dog toys launched in June 2014. Available at an entry level price point these toys are great way of introducing the BioSafe brand to owners of new puppies or small dogs.

Rosewood has also extended its Options Chillax Cool range based on feedback from both customers and consumers. This now includes a large sized Chillax Cool Pad to cater for larger sized dogs, a cooling harness and two Chillax Cool Bones all designed to keep pets cool on warm summer days.

The range of Wag ‘n’ Walk Designer Collars and Leads has proved to be extremely popular so the company has added some new styles to the range in contemporary colours, materials and designs. Each design has been inspired by current fashion trends and is still lovingly finished with neat little embellishments or charms.

Tropiclean has extended its range of dental products for 2015 to include products specifically for puppies above 16 weeks. Alongside these products we are also launching their revolutionary Fresh Breath Drops for dogs and cats, a 12 hour fresh breath water enhancer. Six of these bottles are supplied in a counter top display unit; perfect for keeping by the till to help entice customers to take a bottle home for their pet!

Cats will not miss out this year either; there are a number of new toys available as well as a unique piece of cat furniture called Canberra. This has a strong, sturdy sisal surface for scratching, a crinkle tunnel for play and soft brush fibres for grooming! It folds neatly to fit on shelf, so does not take up much room in store and the packaging includes striking lifestyle images of the product in use.

Since its launch in 2006, the Naturals brand of small animal treats has been incredibly successful. This range finally offered consumers the ability to give their pets healthier, more stimulating, better quality treats. No wonder Naturals now has a large and loyal following.

The next step was to put the “Naturals” name to a great quality food that offered both retailers and consumers something different, and better, than those currently available in the market.

So this year Rosewood has launched “Meadow Menu” our main diet for rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas and degus. These three diets use natural and grain free ingredients to promote good digestive health and are blended into pellets loaded with fibre rich grass to wear growing teeth and stop selective feeding .

The pellets are also cold pressed to retain more of their nutrients and contain no added sugar or sugar rich ingredients.

Retailers can contact Rosewood Pet Products on 01952 883408 for more details or go online at www.rosewoodpet.com 

Britain’s most memorable day at the office is set to hit the airwaves today (Thursday), with an appearance on BBC London’s The Barking Hour.

Hosted by Jo Good and Anna Webb from 3pm to 4pm, the programme will discuss Bring Your Dog To Work Day. Set to take place on Friday 26 June 2015, businesses from across the UK will welcome their dog loving employees into the workplace, along with their loyal (and well-behaved!) four-legged companions.

This year the event is raising money for All Dogs Matter, a charity that rehomes hundreds of dogs every year in London and Norfolk. Just a small donation of £2 could be used to buy food for one day, while £10 is enough to buy new bedding for these rescue dogs.

Businesses can donate online (minimum of £50) to take part and become a sponsor, while individuals can gift online or via text (minimum of £2) and upload a ‘pooch selfie’, or £5 online to be entered automatically into a prize draw worth over £700.

“We’ve been blown away with the traction this year’s Bring Your Dog To Work Day has had with businesses and the public. All kinds of businesses - such as news media websites, private jet charters, hair salons, car dealers, pet product manufacturers and marketing companies - have donated,” explains Jo Amit, co-founder of dog grooming product company HOWND, the company behind the initiative.  

“There’s still time for both businesses and individuals to donate and get involved too, even if they already take a dog to work.” 

Most of this year’s Bring Your Dog to Work Day business sponsors have also come together to encourage individual donations for Bring Your Dog To Work Day. 

HOWND, Dogs & Horses, PetSafe, Long Paws, Natural Instinct, MedicAnimal, Leucillin, LoveSniffys, Vet’s Kitchen, Billy & Margot, Oscar & Hooch, Lily’s Kitchen, Company of Animals and Dependable Pets have all donated products towards a mega-prize, which has a total retail value of over £700. It will be awarded to the best individual entry (and a minimum donation of £5) on this year’s ‘Dog With A Job Hall of Fame’, which consists of ‘pooch selfies’, along with a brief description of the dog’s work duties! 

ITV This Morning presenters Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford were amongst thousands of enthusiastic participants back in 2014. Comedian and animal rights campaigner Ricky Gervais expressed support for this year’s Bring Your Dog To Work Day by posting the event to his 8.27 million Twitter followers. 

The award-winning sitcom writer also mentioned the event to his three million Facebook fans, raising hopes that thousands more will donate and participate next week.

For further information - or if you would like to headline sponsor Bring Your Dog To Work Day 2016 - visit Bring Your Dog To Work Day’s official website, or email hello@bringyourdogtoworkday.co.uk. 

Pooch & Mutt has partnered with Shaken Udder, Britain’s leading milkshake brand, to discover the UK’s best office dog.

The two companies share a similar ethos of producing natural, ethical and British made, premium products.

The hunt is on for the hardest working pooch regardless of breed, size or colour. Entries can be made by loving owners who feel their dog deserves a raise via Twitter and Facebook by tagging Pooch & Mutt and Shaken Udder respectively. The competition runs until June 29.

The winning dog and owner will receive a supply of Pooch & Mutt products, as well as Shaken Udder milkshakes to enjoy.

The competition was inspired by the annual, Bring Your Dog to Work Day which will be taking place on June 26. Bring Your Dog to Work Day is a nationwide event that raises money for animal charities.

There have been many proven, positive benefits of having an animal in the workplace including higher employee satisfaction, increased productivity and overall health.

Many studies have found that pets can reduce stress while boosting moral and team spirit. Let’s get our pooches to work!

Eighty snakes and rare iguanas have been taken during a break-in at specialist Rochdale pet shop Reptacular.

The thousands’ of pounds’ worth of animals taken include rare blue iguanas, four royal pythons and many more corn snakes, rat snakes and king snakes.

Thieves struck after the shop closed on Wednesday and staff only discovered the break-in when they arrived for work on Thursday morning.

It’s believed the thieves also tried to take the Newbold shop’s two pet monkeys, a pair of cotton-eared marmosets.

They were found traumatised in the shop after the doors to their enclosure were ripped off.

Business owner David Charlton, 34, said: “When we pulled up at the back to park the van the shop doors were wide open and we ran straight in.

“At first we didn’t think much had been taken but then we realised when a staff member went upstairs they had targeted that area of the shop. “Thankfully the monkeys were still in the shop, they could have been running round Rochdale as the back doors were wide open.”

Reptacular, which specialises in snakes and other reptiles such as tortoises and iguanas, is based in a former three-bedroom house on Milnrow Road.

It is estimated the break-in, mainly targeted at the upstairs of the shop, will cost the business around £15,000.

The shop can house around 1,000 animals - but staff have now removed many to another location, fearful of being targeted again.

Owner Dave says because there are just a handful of blue iguanas in the country he believes they will be the key to identifying those responsible.

He said: “Since the break-in I’ve spoken to hundreds of pet shops, breeders and suppliers, asking them to watch out for these animals. “Obviously if whoever has done this goes to someone with 60 snakes to sell then that will ring alarm bells.

“But I think the key to this might be the blue iguanas, because they are so rare.

“Whoever has done this has made quite a mess, but we’re more concerned about the safety of the animals.

“They can’t just live in a box in a room they need specialist heat and light equipment.

“If nothing else I just want to know they’re alright.”

Police in Rochdale investigating the theft say it’s possible the thieves will try to sell the animals as soon as possible. They are asking anyone with information to call 101 Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or emailing rochdaleeastinpt@gmp.police.uk

The next generation of dog groomers is set to benefit from a new joint venture between the Pet Industry Federation (PIF) and Hadlow College.

The leading trade association for the pet industry and the ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted-rated college are working in partnership to manage the dog grooming school based at Hadlow in Kent.

The Hadlow PIF Dog Grooming School will offer City & Guilds qualifications for dog groomers which are recognised by industry as providing the ideal foundation for those embarking on a career in dog grooming.

The venture is the first of its kind, and forges a unique relationship between industry and education.

"This enterprise provides an excellent opportunity for new and existing groomers," said Nigel Baker, Chief Executive of the Pet Industry Federation.

"PIF has created a unique link between further education and industry, which will ensure the highest standards of teaching and facilitate access for newly qualified groomers to industry. Our qualified grooming assistants and professional groomers will be fully equipped with the skills and knowledge to enter the workplace and offer the highest quality grooming and care for the British public’s dogs.

"The state-of-the-art grooming facilities at Hadlow College are second to none,’ Nigel continued, ‘and the Pet Industry Federation has been able to draw on its network of pet specialists to ensure the school is managed and staffed by respected groomers who have a wealth of industry experience. We are delighted that this team will be led by leading groomer and tutor Julie Harris LCGI."

Having started grooming at the age of 16, Julie has been at the forefront of developments in the grooming industry, consistently raising standards through her teaching career, her involvement in trade associations and through delivering seminars and demonstrations nationwide. She is a member of the Guild of Master Groomers, an accolade held by fewer than 40 groomers in the UK and won the title Speaker of the Year at the Liz Paul Awards 2015. During her long career Julie previously taught at Hadlow College, and then moved on to develop the training programme for The Groom Room at Pets at Home, before joining a London based salon, handling celebrity clients and making numerous media appearances.

Hadlow Faculty Manager Zoe Smith commented: "Hadlow has always had an excellent reputation in relation to dog grooming and we are delighted and proud to be working with the PIF.  The new partnership will undoubtedly result in benefits for the entire industry."

Operating on a commercial basis, the Hadlow PIF Grooming School will not be constrained by the academic calendar and will operate all year round, thereby helping more student groomers achieve success. The modern dog grooming salon is fully equipped and has a good client base, thus giving the students the experience of working in a commercial environment as well as access to the latest in teaching resources.

Registrations of interest for the City & Guilds qualifications can be made via the website: www.hadlow.ac.uk

Dobbies has come under fire after it was found to be selling real fur hats that were labelled as 'faux'.

Emma de Loseby, from Edinburgh, complained to her local Dobbies after suspecting the trim of the £5.99 item wasn't synthetic as stated on its label, but the store denied using real fur and continued to sell them.

The 40-year-old informed animal rights activists PETA - People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals - which obtained one of the hats and ran DNA tests on it proving it contained animal fur, and the company was forced to admit its mistake.

Animal lover Emma, who lives with her husband John and two rescue rabbits, said she knew straight away that the 'faux fur-trimmed' hat at Dobbie's was real when she spotted it in March.

She left the store and wrote to Dobbies, which has stores around the UK, and reported it to the store via email - to which a spokesman replied, denying the fur was real.

It has since transpired that another customer raised this issue with Tesco-owned Dobbies in November, but claim the company also told them they were wrong.

Emma said: "It sickens me to think how many people must have continued to buy these hats believing that the fur was faux, all because Tesco and Dobbies refused to properly look into my complaint."

When presented with the DNA evidence, Tesco agreed to remove the hats from Dobbies shelves, blaming its Chinese supplier for the blunder.

The retail giant claims it 'randomly' checks merchandise in order to avoid these mistakes, but insists that the rest of the hats they recalled and tested themselves did not contain real fur.

Following a record  growth year of 130% (ending March 2015), Accapi Group, the exclusive European distributors of Ruffwear, Kurgo and Planet Dog, has some exciting plans for these innovative, high quality pet brands.

With strong growth forecasted for 2015/16, Accapi hasdeveloped a comprehensive commercial package of customer service and marketing initiatives to develop retailers' businesses.

Investment in additional personnel and the creation of the new position of Marketing Manager will enable swift execution of these new initiatives.

Jade Lambourne (pictured) has joined the team as Marketing Manager from a fast-paced retail background in the sports sector. She is familiar with the challenges of both online and bricks and mortar stores.

Jade is committed to running interactive promotional activity for Ruffwear, Kurgo and Planet Dog Stockists both in store and online to encourage footfall and conversions.

She will be creating promotional activity for summer, producing rich, original content for their product ranges and continuing their innovative customer service package, supporting retailers through improved training resources including multi-lingual training videos and new informative POS.

To contact Jade email  jade.lambourne@accapigroup.com or call 01207 291 261.

Vanessa Vahl has considerable customer service experience working with big retailers such as ASOS. As a native German speaker, she has worked for a number of global businesses helping to bridge the gap for German speaking retailers.

Vanessa will be crucial to the success of the company's international relations, supporting International Customer Service Manager Frauke Gamblin to develop closer relationships with key European retail partners.

To contact Vanessa email vanessa.vahl@accapigroup.com or call 01207 291 248

Ruffwear is launching seven innovative new products in 2015 including a specially developed apparel piece which will be hitting the European market before the USA.

In addition Ruffwear has redesigned 10 existing products, plus its entire branded packaging range for 2015.

John Blackwell, President of the BVA, has welcomed the new Veterinary Science Centre and innovations in disease surveillance in Wales. However, he also warned that local vets need “to remain at the heart of official veterinarian services such as TB testing.”

Speaking at Cardiff’s City Hall on Tuesday 16 June, at the BVA’s annual Welsh dinner, the BVA President praised the introduction of gamma testing for bovine TB at Carmarthen saying that it “takes to sixth gear the early identification and control of a disease that has blighted livestock in Wales, England and Northern Ireland.” 

But he also expressed disappointment that innovative programmes such as Cymorth TB, which provides additional veterinary support for farmers hit by a disease breakdown, are currently in abeyance.

He urged “the Welsh Government to reinstate and expand the programme as soon as possible, including the training of vets new to the programme.”

Highlighting the essential role vets play in promoting animal welfare, Mr Blackwell also recognised successes and progress in Wales on a number of key issues. On horse welfare and fly-grazing, he said: “The Welsh Government has led the way here with the Control of Horses Act introduced in 2014 now being followed in England by a similar Act that came into force in May. We very much hope that this aids partnership and cooperation at local authority level along the border.”

Mr Blackwell also warmly welcomed the Welsh Government’s introduction of the Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) Regulations, commenting: “We very much hope that these regulations will raise the standard of breeding establishments in Wales and be a positive step towards a future in which Wales throws off its unenviable reputation for puppy farming. But as we all know, the test of any regulation is not the words on the paper but in the enforcement and effectiveness of the regulations in action.”

Mr Blackwell also spoke about:

• The importance for animal welfare in Wales of the Animal Health and Welfare Group
• BVA and BVA Welsh Branch support for the recently announced Rural Development Plan and Strategic Framework for Welsh Agriculture
• The critical role of vets in safeguarding human and animal health, particularly in relation to the responsible use of antibiotics
• The introduction of compulsory microchipping of dogs in Wales in Spring 2016 and vets’ work in raising awareness with clients
• The positive progress being made with regard to Vet Futures, and the BVA/RCVS  roadshow in Swansea on Wednesday 17 June 2015
• The continued commitment of BVA and BVA Welsh Branch to end non-stun slaughter in the UK alongside continued dialogue with relevant religious communities
• BVA’s new Animal Welfare Strategy, currently being drafted

Mr Blackwell also thanked the BVA Welsh Branch officers and welcomed the new Welsh Branch President, Neil Paton: “Rob Davies, BVA Welsh Branch President for the last year, has been a tireless and principled campaigner in his promotion of animal welfare on a number of fronts and we thank him for this. I am delighted to welcome Neil Paton as our new Welsh Branch President and know that Rob is passing the baton to very safe hands indeed."

Neil Paton, BVA Welsh Branch President, thanked Mr Blackwell for his support: "We are proud of the progress we have made in Wales, and I look forward to working with Rob and Sarah Carr, our new Junior Vice President, as well as the BVA team to achieve as much as we can for the veterinary profession and animal welfare in Wales. We want to build on the good relationships we have with the Welsh Government to ensure this country maintains the highest standards of welfare for all animals whether they are livestock, pets or wildlife.”

Andrew Cullen MBE of Laochin Gundogs sent this photo of one of his Springer puppies to CSJ saying: “CSJ food from Ceri and her enthusiastic team have created a product that my Gundogs look good on and work well on in all terrains and weather – for me that has to be a winning result.” 

Andrew and his wife Tracy have a small professional Gundog training business – however they are unique in that they have clients from all over the UK and Europe training with them.

Andrew has a military background and a large part of this was as an instructor. This has helped him to train individuals and groups alike to achieve the required results for both the client and their gundogs.

There’s lots more about Andrew and other winning teams on CSJ’s website www.csjk9.com

Advice is always freely given on all CSJ products by friendly, knowledgeable ‘dog people’ on 01745710470 or specific nutritional advice from CSJ’s dedicated nutritional advisor by email via http://www.csjk9.com/contact.asp

Moorland Rider’s new Padded Wash-Bag makes machine-washing synthetic items that have metal or hard elements (like collars, harnesses and leads) easy.

The zipped bag is 33cm x 26cm and incorporates specialist open cell foam padding that protects the machine’s drum during a cycle. The fabric outer acts as a filtration system allowing water and detergent through to wash away dirt and grease, but prevents hair escaping and clogging the filter. The foam cushions the machine’s drum and helps to prevent damage when washing objects with metal components...but it can also be used for softer items. After the machine’s cycle has finished, clean items should be removed, the bag shaken, and it’s ready to be used again.

“This product is perfect for owners who want to keep their pet’s items clean, but don’t want to damage their washing machine in the process,” says Caroline Graham from Moorland Rider. “The size makes it even more useful for bigger, heavier items, such as harnesses and lead chains, that need to be washed. Using a washing machine to clean your pet’s equipment saves a lot of time and also makes it easier to maintain hygiene, but until now, it hasn’t been that easy.”

The Padded Wash-Bag is available in black, in one size, and has a RRP of £15.95.

For more information, see www.moorlandrider.co.uk, email info@moorlandrider.co.uk or call 01782 397796

Gavin Wood of Pet Essentials in Ashford, Kent had cause to celebrate after picking up the ‘phone to the telesales team at Stone’s. He is now the latest winner of one of the retailer competitions that Stone’s run throughout the year.

The on-the-go snack has been walking off the shelves and at Pet Essentials the rewards are twice as nice as the holiday came as an unexpected bonus.

An astute business man, Gavin appreciates the value of having a great team around him and he decided to pass his prize on to Diane Clark who works in the store. Now Diane is off to sunny Suffolk for a week in the summer holidays.

Just like Stone’s Snack Bars that provide a boost when energy is flagging, the competition prize could prove to be just the tonic you need after a hard day’s work in the store. Retailers should make sure that they are signed up to Stone’s monthly deals email – as well as listing all the top Stone’s promotions, deals on Supreme’s range of top class food and bedding for small pets are also detailed, making sure that there is plenty of opportunity to bag a bargain. All retailers have to do to is call Debbie or Penny on 01473 823296 to place an order for Stone’s Snack Bars, and each order will automatically be entered into the latest competition.

Claire Hamblion is Stone’s marketing manager. “It doesn’t surprise me that Gavin has donated his prize – the pet trade is full of big hearted, generous people who also appreciate the value of dedication and great service," she said.

"It’s what makes the trade unique and keeps shoppers coming back for more. We are looking forward to a great summer with Stone’s Snack Bars as dog owners get out and about with their pets. Dog owners living an outdoor lifestyle want to provide their dog with nutrition in a convenient treat. And who doesn’t want to win a free holiday just for stocking something that shoppers already want and need? The end result is everyone wins!”

Retailers can sign up today and be in with the chance to treat themselves as well as their customers.

Visit www.stonesactivedogs.com to view the complete range of healthy snacks and bars on offer.

VioVet, the online pet medications and food retailer, has welcomed new legislation to prevent fly-grazing, the illegal practice of keeping a horse on public or private land without the landowner’s permission.

Targeting irresponsible owners who leave their horses, often for long periods of time, on land they do not own, VioVet says that the Control of Horses Act 2015, which came into effect on 26^th May 2015, benefits both horses and landowners alike.

Richard Jordan of VioVet says the new legislation should hopefully see an improvement in the disgraceful conditions these horses are kept: “Often fly-grazing horses are dumped on land, tethered to a fence or pole, with no shelter or shade, little food and often without water and highly limited exercise – a heart-breaking  sight for animal lovers,” he explains.

“Old legislation meant fly-grazing horse could only be removed after 14 days, and sold at market or public auction, but the new law ensures horses can be instantly taken in and looked after,” he continues.

A landowner must notify either the police or the owner, if that individual can be identified, within 24-hours of taking the horse off their land, giving them 96-hours to retrieve their animal. If no further action is taken and the time lapses, ownership passes to the landowner, who can give the horse to charity, re-house or initiate a private sale.

Giving landowners a wider range of options after they obtain ownership also benefits the horses: “Previously, landowners would take the horse to market having ensured it was microchipped and given farriery treatment, yet the prior owners would buy the horse back, often gaining a more valuable animal,” Richard adds.

DEFRA estimates that there are currently as many as 3,000 horses that are being illegally grazed.

http://www.viovet.co.uk

As part of its online resources for pet care professionals, the Pet Food Manufacturers' Association is producing monthly myth-busting fact sheets on prepared pet food topics. The latest one is now available and focuses on ‘Additives in Pet Food’. 

These fact sheets are designed to be shared with pet owners but will also come in handy for staff training.

The PFMA are asking retailers to download the fact sheet, and link to from your website and social media channels.

The next edition will focus on the animal based ingredients in pet food.