According to Andy Bury of Andy's Pet and Aquatic Supplies, Crown's products have been completely devalued in his two stores in the North-West of England.

"I have two pet supplies shops, one on the outskirts of Preston, which has been established for eight years, and the other on the outskirts of Chorley, opened just 10 months ago," said Andy, pictured above.

"I was pleased with Crown's decision to make positive moves to keep their products strictly specialist trade only, as I was getting more frustrated with local corner shops and smaller convenience stores stocking their products and selling them at ridiculously discounted prices.

"However, the job appears only half successful to me as there are obvious loopholes in their system which still allows unregistered corner/convenience stores to get hold of their products.

"I am experiencing a problem at my Chorley store where the local Talbot Express convenience store, which is only three doors away from my store, is selling James Wellbeloved at stupid prices – for example, 2kg Adult at £6.29 and 15kg at £39.99. Furthermore, I am extremely frustrated with continuously having to match internet prices.

"Crown's products have been completely devalued in my stores. I still have to pay their trade prices but very rarely can I sell out at their RRP.

"As a result new customers are steered well away and more profitable brands are promoted. I agree that most brands have the aforementioned issues but not to the extent of Crown's products.

"If Crown and other brands don't take steps to protect the RRPs of their products the loss in their value in our shops will have to eventually filter back to them."

Keren Delamere, of Bella's Pet & Garden Supplies, said: "Anything that stops the rampant growth in out-of-town pet superstores and online shops is fine by me, and the fact Crown is only available to the smaller stores has got to be a good thing. 

"I have been fully supported by Crown's sales and accounts departments throughout the transition, which was difficult at times.
 
"There may be some behind-the-scenes ramifications that I am unaware of - I am a pet shop owner not a politician – but I am very happy with the all round situation."

And PamPurredPets MD Steve Fowler said: "I pleased to say that the super premium brands of Royal Canin and James Wellbeloved continue to grow significantly within our 45 stores."

C&M Pet Supplies, of Preston, has continued to stock Crown products and has seen a slight increase in sales. But the shop's Martin Sumner said: "I have been disappointed that the price of goods increased from what I use to pay (decreasing my profit margin) and I have been let down twice on the next-day delivery.

"I understand there have been teething problems and these will be ironed out, but I was promised a call from the local rep and his boss in relation to the first let-down and they must have been too busy for a small shop like mine.

"To really help independent retailers who cannot stock masses then you need to do what it says in the terms and conditions and also improve your own customer service."

Hawkes Green Pet Supplies in Cannock disagreed with Andy Reed's comment that focussing on pet shops and quality, and offering great trading terms was key. "It's a bit pointless if you can't get the stock," the store told Pet Trade Xtra.

Hawkes Green was told it couldn't get a delivery on the day before Good Friday because Crown were too busy because of the Bank Holiday. "This Bank Holiday was known about publicly for several years, so we find this situation at odds with their claims."

Meanwhile, at Eclipse Farm near Lincoln, David Swan said: "A lady came in this morning and asked how much a 15kg bag of James Wellbeloved Puppy was. I am cheap bear in mind. 'Oh no, I can buy on the internet for less than that and have it delivered', she replied. Is that helping the retailer?"

A vet business founded 12 years ago with a single practice has been sold to retailer Pets at Home in a deal believed to be worth around £40 million, netting a windfall for its founder.

Vets4Pets will be merged with the retailer's own vet business, Companion Care, to create a 209-surgery business.

Its enlarged vet business will allow Pets at Home to offer more services to pet owners, giving it a bigger slice of the estimated 2,500-practice UK vet market.

Guernsey-based Vets4Pets was founded by its chief executive and majority shareholder Peter Watson using a joint venture or franchise model.

Mr Watson, who is not a vet himself, employed a similar model to grow optician chains Vision Express and Specsavers.

It opened its first practice in Bradford in 2001. Vets own the individual practice, but under a joint venture pay Vets4Pets for services including purchasing, marketing and administration. Vets will not receive a payout from the takeover.

Vets4Pets' branches employ about 900 staff and span vaccinations, neutering and general health, while some also offer intensive care medicine and surgery. Its operational centre will remain in the East Midlands, with support services being split between Oxfordshire and Guernsey.

Mr Watson will stay on with the business to help build its network of standalone vet practices.

Companion Care was founded in 2001 and also operates on a joint venture basis with vets. It employs 1,200 staff, with most of its surgeries based at Pets at Home stores.

Pets at Home chief executive Nick Wood (above) said: "Vets4Pets is highly complementary to Companion Care, sharing fundamental beliefs and values, and is an excellent strategic fit for Pets at Home."

A spokesman said there could be a small number of administrative job losses, but did not give further details.

Leading fish food brand Tetra has come up with a dozen tips to help pet retailers stay ahead of the opposition and increase sales during difficult economic times.

1. Create satisfied customers
Research reveals that the main reasons for leaving fishkeeping are:
• fish getting ill or dying
• the time involved in cleaning and looking after the fish
• unsightly tanks or ponds

If you bear this in mind you’ll have some strong clues as to how to please your customers. Good quality products that will make their life easier are the key to their hearts! Today’s lifestyle is hectic so people look to hobbies that will give them pleasure and help them relax. You have the opportunity to sell them the products that will help make fishkeeping easier.

2. Sell products that do what they claim
First and foremost customers want products that do the job they claim to do. But there are many products available that fall short of their claims. Every retailer should understand the products they are selling and be sure they work. Learn about the manufacturers before you buy from them. It is those that invest in research and development, invest in food trials and can provide the evidence to support their claims that will satisfy your customers.

3. Provide the right information and advice
The introduction of the Animal Welfare Act means that retailers must ensure everyone purchasing animals has the relevant information to ensure they can adequately care for them. A number of manufacturers produce literature that will help this process so ask your sales representatives. OATA also offer training courses for a more in-depth understanding of fishkeeping and retailing. Tetra offers a whole range of materials in a variety of formats, for all levels of expertise.

4. Offer brand reassurance
Research shows time and again that customers want, and expect to see, the well-established brands. These brands give them the reassurance of good quality and reliable results, which is particularly important when you’re keeping pets such as fish. Your customers are looking for products from manufacturers they know and feel they can trust to safely feed or treat their fish.

5. Offer the right range
The ‘right range’ will be slightly different for every store. However, many customers are very loyal to a particular brand. So understanding what these key brands are and keeping a good stock is key to encouraging repeat purchases and developing and maintaining a strong customer base. It is more important to stock the main brands than to try and stock as many brands as possible as the well-known brands will be the ones that produce the majority of your sales and therefore profit.

6. Give value for money
Once the customer can see the brand they want, they are then looking for value for money. If you increase your prices above that recommended by the manufacturer the perception by customers of value for money will be lowered and can affect the level of individual purchases.

7. Allow appropriate shelf space
Displaying two or three facings of a bestseller in your display has proven benefits. More than that is likely to take up valuable space and won’t offer you many more sales opportunities. In fact, it could lose you sales from other products you could be stocking. Space is always a premium so use it wisely.

8. Balance price and volume for profit
First, distinguish between the percentage of margin you are offered from a manufacturer compared to what that means in actual cash. For example, if you were to receive a 50% margin on a product to be sold at £1, your profit would be 50p. Compare this to being offered a 30% margin on a product that you can sell at £2. The percentage margin may not initially look as attractive but in terms of cash it is better – your profit is 60p.

Second, consider the volume of sales on any particular product. For example, if you are likely to sell 100 items per week of a product with a cash margin of 50p, then you will have £50 in the till. However, another item may only sell 10 items in a week that may mean that however good the margin is you won’t make up the difference in cash profit.

9. Clear displays and tidy stores
Once you have the right range, making a clear display will help customers see the products they want. If the display is jumbled and confusing customers will be put off buying, or just won’t be able to find what they want. This means having a logical system throughout the display and across manufacturer’s products. It also means showing beautifully decorated tanks to engage and inspire the customer. This can make a significant difference to the buying decision.

10. Cross merchandise
Cross merchandising can improve sales significantly. For example, site a water treatment alongside a food product. It can prompt customers to buy an additional product they had not originally planned for.

11. Benefit from promotions and offers
Displaying promotions clearly will help move products and using the display material on offer will help attract interest. Promotions offer you a great opportunity to pass benefits onto customers, so make the most of them. Remember that all promotions have a limited life so make the most of it while it’s active and then remove all materials once the offer has finished.

12. Be sensitive to seasonal changes
And finally, take the opportunity to promote certain products at different times of year. For example, holiday food is likely to sell best during the summer holidays, Christmas and Easter. Put yourself in the minds of your customers and make the most of the opportunities throughout the year. Make the most of point of sale to encourage and inform choice. In-store feeding programmes are a great way of recommending products to clients without a sales assistant having to be present.

Research by The University of Edinburgh, supported by Burgess Pet Care, has shown feeding muesli-style foods, with or without hay, is linked to abnormalities that can lead to painful dental and digestive problems that require veterinary treatment.

The results from the study into rabbit nutrition are set to change the way rabbits are fed in future.

Key findings from the authoritative report include:

• Slower gut motility, which can put rabbits at a high risk of gut stasis, an often fatal condition
• Eating less hay, which can lead to abnormal growth of teeth that could develop into painful dental disease Lower hay consumption also results in reduction in water intake, which in turn could lead to urinary tract problems
• Not eating all their caecotrophs, meaning they may not get all the nutrition they need and uneaten caecotrophs may become matted in rabbits’ fur, putting them at risk of dermatitis and fly strike
• Selective feeding, where rabbits pick out their favourite pieces rather than eating the whole portion, which can lead to an imbalanced diet lacking in vital vitamins and minerals
• The recent research has also shown that eating muesli-style foods without hay can cause rabbits to become overweight or obese

Professor Anna Meredith from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, said: “The findings of this research have significant implications for the feeding of the Nation’s rabbits.

"Vets have suspected for a number of years that feeding muesli-style foods could lead to health issues in rabbits, and now we have the proof to substantiate that.”

Paul Miley, Managing Director at Burgess Pet Care, said: “It will come as no surprise to vets and indeed the pet food industry that feeding muesli-style foods to fibrevores is unhealthy. What will be a surprise is the clarity of Professor Meredith’s findings.

"The findings of this two-year independent study in layman’s language are quite simple; muesli-style rabbit food is linked to painful and often fatal digestive and dental conditions.

"Good retailers and the veterinary profession have long endorsed the Excel Feeding Plan, and now they have the evidence to actively dissuade owners from feeding muesli.

"With this research, we and our Rabbit Awareness Week partners will seek to eliminate this dangerous food stuff from the pet food aisles. To assist this transition we’re offering a full range of educational materials for vets, vet nurses, staff and of course consumers, with clear instruction on how to feed a healthy diet, the issue with muesli, and how to safely manage the transition.

"As the physiology of guinea pigs, chinchillas and degus (‘fibrevores’) are similar to that of a rabbit then these findings have demonstrable implications for these animals too.”
Commencing on May 4, Rabbit Awareness Week, backed by the leading UK animal charities RSPCA, Wood Green, Blue Cross, PDSA and RWAF, is also running a mass education programme among rabbit owners to stop the selling of muesli-style foods in its tracks and support the health of the Nation’s third most popular pet.

Offering free health checks and rabbit related events nationwide at participating vets and retailers, the RAW partnership will also be undertaking a national media campaign to highlight the plight of rabbits and raise awareness of the free health checks on offer.

Vets and retailers interested in supporting the cause can sign up to be part of RAW 2013, by hosting rabbit healthcare clinics at your veterinary surgery or events in your store or rescue centre, by visiting www.rabbitawarenessweek.co.uk to order your free support kit and register your event.

Upon registering, free support packs are issued to help advertise and run your own health check events, as well as care advice materials to give out to clients who bring their rabbits into your surgery, store or rescue centre.

A record number of UK suppliers of pet care products are exhibiting their latest innovations in the British pavilion at Zoomark 2013, which is being held in Bologna, Italy, from May 9-12.

The British group is being organised by the PetQuip association for the fourth time at the biennial Zoomark trade fair and all of the eligible companies in the 15-strong group are receiving £1,400 UK government grants to help them offset the cost of stand space and construction.

Commenting on the increase in exhibitors since the last event, the director general of Pet Quip, Amanda Sizer Barrett (left) said: “Many of this year’s exhibitors have been encouraged by the positive sales successes of British exhibitors at previous Zoomark fairs and at other overseas trade fairs for the pet sector that have been attended by PetQuip-organised groups.

"Growth in export sales has proved to be the lifeblood for many of the association’s members in recent years and Italy has vibrant pet sector that offers considerable potential for UK exporters.”

The exhibitors in the British Pavilion are:

Animology (Hall 22, British pavilion – B21) is showing its award-winning dog shampoos and sprays, and is planning to unveil its next product programme at Zoomark. The shampoo and spray items in the range give excellent cleaning results and are used by professional groomers, champion show dog owners and pet owners. The products are sold in more than 30 countries and are trusted by millions of pet owners around the world to provide the very best for their pets.

Barking Heads & Meowing Heads (Hall 22, British pavilion – C24) is a range of premium nutritious diets that include a meat or fish content in excess of 50 per cent making them suitable for both cats and dogs. The Barking Heads range has been developed to provide the very best in nutrition, using only natural ingredients that exclude the use of synthetic chemicals, preservatives or colourings. The range is being extended at Zoomark to include new products for larger breeds.

Crate Ideas & Designs Ltd (Hall 22, British pavilion – B25) is adding three new brands to its range of dog crate covers, crate bumpers, and crate beds. The items are designed for front or side opening crates and produced from 100 per cent cotton designer fabrics, fully lined with cream poly/cotton fabric. The beds and bumpers have soft non-allergic hollow-fibre fillings and the zipped bed covers are easily removed and machine washable. The products are available as individual items or in sets. Also on show is a range of dog beds and accessories made from crypton fabric, dog bowls, elevated feeding dishes, treat jars and pet dining tables.

Fisherman’s Daughter (Hall 22, British pavilion – B23) is a completely new brand of dog feeds and treats that is making its debut at Zoomark. All of the products use Padina Pavonica, which is a form of algae grown on the sea-bed. It has been used for many years in human nutreceutical and cosmetics and for veterinary purposes to help to regenerate cells, build bones and joints and renew skin. The range includes salmon and potato complete dry food for dogs, salmon cookies and Scottish salmon oil. There are also fish skin dog treats that are made from 100 per cent fish.

Get Off (Hall 22, British pavilion – C28) is a range of cat and dog repellents produced by Spotless Punch Limited. The range conforms to EC Biocides Directive 98/8/EU. Get Off animal repellents offer a highly effective means of deterring even the most persistent cats and dogs. Also on show is the Get Off Scatter Crystals that are a ‘jelly-like’ substance for use on lawns and flowerbeds; the Get Off Spray that prevents indoor or outdoor territorial marking; and Wash & Get Off Spray’s unique 2-in-1 formulation that cleans, neutralises and deters repeat soiling.

Hing Designs (Hall 22, British pavilion – C20) offers the design-conscious pet owner a range of stylish feeding devices for cats and dogs. The range consists of The Bone Bowl (small and large sizes available) and The Fish Bowl, both of which are available in seven colours to complement any decor. Features include non-slip rubber feet, a wipe clean body and dishwasher safe removable stainless steel bowls. The Dome Bowl, a patent protected non-tip feeding device for small mammals, is being shown for the first time at Zoomark.

James & Steel Ltd (Hall 22, British pavilion – B31) is adding to its range of pet accessories with the introduction of a new 100 per cent natural, eco-friendly clumping cat litter, called GreenCat. Made from corn husks, GreenCat is dust free, odour eliminating and can be flushed away for easy cleaning. Also new at Zoomark is Medi Pet, a complete range of cat and dog grooming products and flea repellents. Other new products include household cleaning products, dog and cat toys, wild bird feeders and a new bright range of toys for indoor birds.

Lily’s Kitchen (Hall 22, British pavilion – B29) is exhibiting its range of natural and organic foods for dogs and cats, and is launching ‘Breakfast Crunch’, a baked complete food for dogs. All of the recipes are made using the best quality ingredients without resorting to meat meal, animal derivatives, fillers or flavourings. The main ingredients comprise fresh meat, fruit, vegetables and a blend of botanical herbs. Lily’s Kitchen is also showing a range of innovative products including grain-free and meat meal-free dry recipes for dogs and cats.

Litter Kwitter (Hall 22, British pavilion – B27) is launching PET DINER™, a new range of automated pet feeders that enable a pet to be fed when the owner is not present. The feeders are programmable with up to four meals per day over 28 days. The PET DINER’s digital timing mechanisms make sure pets dine at the allotted time. Also on show is the Litter Kwitter, a device to help people train their cats to use a human toilet. The product comprises a special white base plate (like an oversized toilet seat) plus 3 colour-coded training discs.

Loc8tor (Hall 22, British pavilion – B19) is showing its range of pet locating and tracking devices that focus principally on cats, dogs, tortoises and horses. Being launched and demonstrated for the first time at Zoomark will be a new Loc8tor Bluetooth Tag. This tiny 5 gram tag can be paired with a smartphone and be used to find a pet in the immediate vicinity. It will also indicate when the pet is in close proximity and inform the owner if the pet is outside and requires letting in. Also on show is the Loc8tor GPS that enables a lost dog to be tracked online and a credit card sized cat locating device.

Long Paws (Hall 22, British pavilion – C26) is showing its pet water bottle, packable dog rain coats, collars and leashes. The design of the stainless steel pet water bottle ensures that it releases water when licked by a dog. The bottle is leak proof and is perfect for carrying a dog’s water when the owner is out walking. The company’s MacPAWS range of packable dog raincoats that fold into a pouch which attaches to a leash is also being shown. The raincoat is available in a large selection of sizes, and designs include a Union Jack inspired Jack Splat range.

Pet Rebellion (Hall 22, British pavilion – B17A) is showing its practical pet rugs and absorbent food mats. The pet rugs act as a barrier to prevent muddy paw prints spreading throughout the home. They have a non-slip gripping backing, which works efficiently on all types of floors, including tiles and wood. The mats are available in four sizes and runner lengths and are machine washable. Also in the range are rugs that have been designed to fit into the boot of a car. A range of absorbent food mats is also on show, and these are available in three sizes, small dog/cat, medium dog and giant size.

Pet Quip (Hall 22, Stand C32) is the UK-based International Trade Association of Pet Equipment Suppliers. The association is organising the British group of exhibitors for the fourth time at Zoomark and has a British pet care industry information stand in the British pavilion, which is in a prime location within the show. The PetQuip team assists and promotes the development of international trade in the pet equipment sector.

ROK Straps Europe (Hall 22, British pavilion – C30) is displaying its new ROK stretch dog leads and accessories. The leads are made from a solid natural rubber core and tight nylon outer braid. Unlike recoil leads, they allow the handler to be in control at all times, making them ideal for training. The leads are also chew-resistant and are available in seven colours and in four different sizes. Several new additions to the range, including matching collars and couplers, will be launched at Zoomark.

Symply Pet Foods Limited (Hall 22, British pavilion – B17) is introducing a new Canagan Grain-Free range of dog and cat feeds. As trends in dog and cat foods move towards a more natural diet, the Canagan brand has become particularly popular in the UK. Dogs obtain the majority of their nutritional needs from meat sources, with the remainder coming from fruits and vegetables, and Canagan matches this ratio perfectly, therefore providing a well balanced diet.

The TastyBone Company Ltd (Hall 22, British pavilion – C18) is introducing two new additions to its range of nylon, rubber and edible chews at Zoomark. Due to popular demand, an additional four flavours have been added to the Gourmet Edible range. A new ‘Nylon Dental Bone’ is also being launched, which is a uniquely shaped bone that has been formulated with massage rings to help reduce plaque and tartar. Completing the display will be a selection of play toys.

Further information is available from Emma Lewis or Theresa Swann at PetQuip (the International Trade Association of Pet Equipment Suppliers), The White House, High Street, Brasted, Kent, TN16 1JE, UK. Telephone:  01959 565995, email: info@petquip.com or visit www.petquip.com

Below: A selection of products the British exhibitors will be showing...

Companies involved in the aquatics industry – from shop owners to dry goods manufacturers and importers – who are not members of OATA are being asked to share their thoughts on the trade association.

OATA, which was set up in 1991 to promote and protect the interests of the ornamental aquatic industry, has created a short online survey. And it’s now encouraging businesses which are not currently members to take a few moments to fill it in. 

The trade body will use the feedback as part of a current project looking at the aims and objectives of the association as it plans for the future.

“We’ve asked our members recently what they think our priorities should be and if they think we’re doing a good job for them and the industry,” said OATA Chief Executive Keith Davenport. “The results showed that members are satisfied with what we’re doing and that they value our work protecting the industry.

“But what will always be more revealing is why businesses don’t join our association. This is where we can perhaps find some good ideas on how we can improve what we do to make it more attractive and meaningful to the industry we represent.

“We are obviously keen to have as many businesses join our association because it gives us political and economic clout in our work protecting and promoting the industry at all levels. So understanding why businesses don’t join as a member is very important. We hope companies will spare us a few minutes to give us their thoughts on what we do so that we can improve in the future.”

To fill in the questionnaire, which should only take a few minutes click here

Verm-X's Philip Ghazala appeared on BBC Gulf News while exhibiting at a major pet trade show in the Middle East.

Now in its fifth year, the hugely successful VET Middle East exhibition (VETme) attracted businesses from across the globe once again, as financial growth in the Gulf continues.

Leading intestinal hygiene control company, Verm-X, attended the show for the second year running and enjoyed a 12% increase on last year’s visitor numbers.

Said Philip: “Our product range, including Verm-X for Camels and other exotic species, is in demand in the Middle East as the trend for reducing chemicals in animal husbandry is now a global happening.

“The natural and herbal ingredients in Verm-X provide vitamins, minerals and trace elements that contribute to overall health and wellbeing, in addition to intestinal hygiene control. 

“The packaging carries a ‘Veterinary Approved’ logo and an acknowledgement of the Veterinary Medicine Directorate's (VMD) acceptance to the marketing of Verm-X which differentiates Verm-X from the illegal marketing of any unlicensed products in the market place. Verm-X is also registered for use on organic holdings.”

Philip featured on the BBC Gulf News whilst at the show. Click here to see him being interviewed

Gardman is taking a lead on launching its Christmas pet care promotional package this week. 

“It’s important to get ahead of the game," said Nicola Beet, Gardman's Pet Care Category Manager.

"Our aim is to ensure that our retail partners have the firepower to attract the 70% of pet owners who buy their pets gifts for Christmas.  So we’re launching a new range of appealing high volume festive themed products as well as some tried and tested Christmas promotional lines, all at great prices.”

Gardman has benefited from a growing percentage of Christmas promotional sales. For example, last year Gardman increased the number of promotional Christmas lines by two thirds and sales increased by well over 100%.  This success has encouraged the company to build on the potential of Christmas promotions through its even stronger pet care Christmas offer.

As well as cat and dog Christmas stockings (which are expected to be the biggest seller) and chews, toys dominate the Gardman Christmas pet care offer – an opportunity highlighted by the fact that pet toys account for 38% of the £210 million pet accessories market.

The promotion also offers standout POS and merchandising to support impulse purchases.  All promotional pet care lines together with the themed POS and merchandising are available for pre-ordering.  

See Gardman’s new pet care website www.gardmanpetcare.co.uk for more information.

A young entrepreneur is in the running for a national award after doubling turnover at the aquatics shop she took on in 2008 – when she was just 22 years old.

Twenty-six-year-old Laura Fowler has already won the £500 East Midlands Young Entrepreneur Award for Victor Aquatics.

It means she is now up for the National Category Winners' Awards, which could give her the opportunity to win two more awards, worth nearly £10,000 in total.

The dedicated young businesswoman is investing her winnings so far in double-glazing for the shop and if she wins either of the other two awards, she plans to spend the money on expanding the premises in the future.

Laura said: "Since I took over, I have reinvested almost everything back into the business and have already extended the shop and added an outside area.

"The other businesses that have been nominated are amazing and I can't believe I've even got this far – I'm really proud."

Organisers Streamline and the Federation Of Small Business have invited Laura to the gala event at Glaziers Hall, in London, on Thursday, April 18, where the winners will be announced.

Down-to-earth Laura has not let dyslexia hold her back, studying for a business qualification with the Open University while working as a PA for the director of a mobile home company.

In 2008, she took on the store, which had a turnover of £114,000. By 2012, that had increased to £246,000 – and she now employs her two brothers and sister, who is currently taking a career break to have a baby.

Leading Worcestershire-based pet food manufacturer Albion Meat Products, which recently celebrated its 30th year in business, has given the pet trade a sneak preview of its new packaging for its premium range of BARF diet products.

Along with a new company logo, the firm’s premium range will now be called Canine Country Bowl and will incorporate the strap line 'Natural food that puts a spring in their step'.

The packaging features images of different breeds of pedigree dogs taken by leading dog photographer, Nick Ridley. Each variety has a different colour, making it easy for the customer to identify it in the freezer.

Albion Meat Products is one of the pioneers of the Biologically Appropriate Raw Food diet in the UK.

The company was founded by Catherine Donegan, the daughter of a Birmingham meat supplier, who started the business at the age of 18 by delivering meat products for dog owners from the back of her car around the Midlands.

The business expanded quite rapidly and the product range was expanded to include butcher’s pet mince. It opened a manufacturing plant based in Birmingham and moved its sales and delivery service to Pershore where Catherine lived. Her husband Gary is also now a partner in the firm.

All the meat in Albion’s products is sourced locally where possible and is of human grade quality. They offer five core ranges as well as selection of bones. For those who do not want to make up their own recipes they also offer a complete food called Meaty Feast. The Chunky and Free Flow ranges are also shortly to be re-packaged under the Canine Country Bowl umbrella and these will be available later on in the year.

The new packaging will be available from May.

“We are absolutely delighted with our new packaging," said Catherine. "We felt it was time that our ranges were given a facelift. By giving them a new brand name and stronger packaging we feel that our products have more pick me up and buy appeal in the freezer with a name and image that people can remember.”

New laws to tackle dangerous dogs are welcome but the Government must look at preventing incidents rather than dealing with them afterwards, according to the British Veterinary Association (BVA).

The Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Bill, published this week, will extend dangerous dogs legislation to make it an offence for a dog to be dangerously out of control in any place, including private property.

The BVA has long campaigned, alongside the major dog welfare charities and enforcers, for these changes which recognise that responsible owners must keep their dogs under control in all situations.

The Bill will also explicitly cover attacks on assistance dogs but the BVA is reiterating its call for the protection of assistance dogs to be extended to all protected animals, such as dogs, cats, horses, and others.

Ultimately, the BVA wants to see a complete overhaul of the Dangerous Dogs Act which has failed to protect the public.

Veterinary surgeons and all of the major organisations working with dogs agree that a more preventive approach is needed and the BVA is repeating its call for Dog Control Notices to be introduced, similar to those used in Scotland and those being considered in Wales.

Current proposals made by the Home Office under anti-social behaviour legislation are inadequate.

Commenting, Peter Jones, President of the British Veterinary Association, said: “The Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Bill is a welcome move that will ensure owners take responsibility for their dogs’ behaviour in all situations.

"Too many postal workers, nurses, social workers, and family members have been injured on private property with no protection under the law.

“But despite these proposed changes, the law will still be focused on dealing with incidents after they have occurred rather than attempting to prevent them. The BVA strongly supports the introduction of more preventive measures, such as Dog Control Notices, to identify problem behaviour before it becomes serious.”

Lily’s Kitchen has extended the natural pet food market with the launch of its new range for puppies and cats.

The new products are Perfectly Puppy Tasty Chicken with Salmon, Chicken Dinner for Puppies and two varieties of Crunchy Nibbles for Cats.

Each dish has been specially created to ensure it contains only the freshest ingredients, the best quality meat and fish, and as with all Lily’s Kitchen meals each one is a super healthy source of vitamins and minerals.

Henrietta Morrison, the founder of Lily’s Kitchen, is continually thinking of new and innovative products for both cats and dogs that ensure they receive the optimum amount of vitamins and minerals that are required to lead a healthy and balanced diet.

“We have been working on these new recipes for over two years. And although we use the widest range of wholesome, natural ingredients, the way we make our food is very gentle yet highly technical.

"No other pet food company in the world has made dry recipes with such a high content of fresh meat and fish, for example.

"Innovation is something that is at the very heart of what we do – we always want to be at the forefront of nutrition to ensure our pets get the best possible diet available.”

A total of 400 cat owners trialled the Crunchy Nibbles for cats with 94% of owners reporting that they liked or loved the new food and that their cat’s fur was noticeably shinier with many also stating their cat had a nicer temperament.

Staff at a pet shop in Liverpool have been left "extremely upset" after a large lizard was stolen during a burglary, police have said.

The 5ft (1.50m) black-throated monitor lizard was taken along with "an amount of cash" from Barks Pets in Walton.

Sgt Georgina Minnery said it was important to find the reptile as it needed "specialist care and attention."

She added the lizard was "not worth a huge amount of money."

Money was also taken from a neighbouring business during a second break-in which police said happened at around the same time.

The missing lizard is described as being dark green and black in colour, with around half its length being its tail.

Ms Minnery said its owners were "very concerned about its welfare, particularly as it requires specialist care and attention.

"Without this care it may become ill or even die," she said.

"I would appeal to anyone who may know of the whereabouts of the lizard or who may have been offered this animal recently to contact us, particularly if you have concerns about its origins."

An application has been submitted to turn the former Comet store in Hatfield, Herts, into a Pets At Home outlet.

The store has been empty since the electrical giant collapsed, but this week a local councillor said she was “really glad” it could soon be filled.

Pets at Home has applied for a change of use license in order to use the store as a vets and animal grooming parlour as well as a pet shop selling food and accessories.

The application also includes alterations to the building’s roof.

Pets At Home this week declined to comment on the application, but a document submitted to Welwyn Hatfield Council states: “In response to evolving customer demand, it (Pets At Home) has begun rolling out a new concept in many of the larger stores, in which grooming salons and fully equipped ‘Companion Care’ veterinary surgeries can be found alongside the traditional retail element of the stores.”

The planning application also states: “This [application] will allow busy people to access a wide variety of animal health services under one roof over an extended period of trading seven days a week.”

The largest part of the store would be used for retail, and the grooming and veterinary areas and reception would be towards the rear of the store.

Councillor Maureen Cook, Labour, who represents the Hatfield Central ward, said: “It was a shame when the Comet closed, but these things happen.

“It is still a good space and I am just really glad it will be occupied again soon.”

Meanwhile, Pets at Home has opened a new store at the Altrincham Retail Park in Greater Manchester.

Johnson's Veterinary Products has appointed Simon Collinson as its new Area Sales Manager for the Midlands.

Simon (right) has over 20 years experience in the UK’s pet trade in both a retail and more laterly a sales role environment, and therefore brings with him considerable experience from both sides of the counter.

The appointment follows the early retirement of Mick Moore due to health problems.

Mick (left) had been responsible for successfully developing and maintaining the distribution of Johnson’s comprehensive range of pet health care products throughout the Midlands.

His salesmanship, experience and enthusiasm will be greatly missed by his many customers and friends in the trade.