In This Issue
Tetra welcomes Spring with new pond care and food range
Pet shop owner counts the cost of floods
Broomhall Feeds becomes Sneyd’s Wonderfeeds wholesaler in Scotland
Gift buying for pets is becoming big business
James Milbourne takes over as trainee CEO at Symply
Dozens of coats donated to homeless dogs
BSB Products launches new cat litter with unparalleled odour control
Collarways introduce new Zogoflex dog toys to UK
Caught on camera: thief steals python from pet shop by hiding it down his trousers
Barking Heads launches limited edition dog treats for Valentine's Day
Get your own copy of Pet Trade Xtra
Police appeal after theft from Pets at Home in Weston-super-Mare
Alpha Feeds launches Sporting Dog of the Year competition
Devotion award for Brighouse police dog
Eukanuba announces top athlete as ambassador
Dog fouling fine doubles in Scotland
Supreme honour for South Africa’s most successful poacher-hunting dog
RSPCA warning after poorly kitten is dumped in blanket in Sutton Coldfield
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Tetra welcomes Spring with new pond care and food range

Tetra has launched three new pond care products to tackle three common problems experienced by pond keepers that will help to drive sales ahead of the 2016 pond season...

One of the biggest challenges faced by pond keepers is maintaining crystal clear and balanced water all year round. As retailers, consumers will look to you for advice on how to keep their pond in good condition to maintain healthy fish and plants during the warmer months. By offering simple solutions you can help customer to keep their pond healthy and clear whilst also driving sales in the category.

     

Tetra has launched three new pond care products to tackle three common problems experienced by pond keepers that will help to drive sales ahead of the 2016 pond season.

  • Tetra Pond SedimentMinus (NEW improved liquid formula)contains special bacteria spores (genus Bacillus) which degrade organic bottom sludge effectively leading to improved water quality and increased depth visibility.
  • Tetra Pond WaterStabiliser helps to stabilise important water values (such as KH and pH), supporting the wellbeing of pond inhabitants. It dissolves quickly and effectively allowing it to work immediately without clouding the water.
  • Tetra Pond Peat & Straw Extract uses a pure and natural active component which filters out and reduces light penetration for natural clear pond water; it acts as a light filter and impairs the photosynthesis processes. Quick, safe and ego-friendly in order to protect fish and plants, it can be used all-year-long. 

Tetra Pond products are priced at £9.00 - £16.49 depending on product.

Tetra Pond Food Range

With the warmer months many fishkeepers will also notice an increase in activity and will turn to retailers to find out the latest information on fish food and nutrition. Tetra’s extended pond food range includes natural ingredients to offer varied nutrition for all pond fish including goldfish, orfe, golden rudd and koi.

The all new premium Tetra Natural Sticks and Natural Mix were developed to create a completely natural feeding experience with 100% vegetable sticks for easy digestion resulting in clear and clean water and healthy fish. Both products are also ideal for feeding fish daily.

  • Tetra Natural Sticks contain 100% high-quality vegetable ingredients including cereal which supports growth and is a great source of energy for fish and rich in highly digestible carbohydrates, to offer a complete and balanced nutrition. Their worm-like shape appears natural to fish and softens quickly for easy digestion providing great taste and less pollution of water.
  • Tetra Natural Mix contains 100% pure vegetable ingredients in feeding sticks and natural river shrimps for a tasty, natural diet rich in minerals, proteins, and dietary fibre. River shrimps also enhance fish colouration due to their high content of carotenoids.

Tetra Natural Sticks range from £4.50 - £17.50 depending on product and size. Available in 1L tins and 4L bags.

For more information about any products in the Tetra range please visit www.tetra.net or email info@tetra-fish.co.uk

Pet shop owner counts the cost of floods


The 'distraught' owner of an Aberdeenshire pet shop is looking at a repair bill of thousands of pounds after raging flood waters washed away a 20ft wall from his shop...



The 'distraught' owner of an Aberdeenshire pet shop is looking at a repair bill of thousands of pounds after raging flood waters washed away a 20ft wall from his shop.

Graham Skene, who has owned Inverurie Pet Supplies in the town’s Keith Hall Road for the past seven years, said he saw four feet of water build up in his shop in just 20 minutes.

Mr Skene said it was a scene of utter devastation.

“We have been pumping water out the shop pretty much non-stop, day and night, since it all happened.

“Because of all the rain, a 25kg bag of dog food now weighs 50kg so it will be a bit of a job to get it all cleaned.

“I’ve never seen anything like it in my life. Every other time the weather has been bad, we have been okay.

“It all happened so fast, Luckily, I got out, but there was about four feet of water in about 20 minutes and that got up to about seven feet.

“There is probably about 20ft of wall missing as well as all the damage inside.

“We are waiting on the insurance assessor to come round but, until then, we are in the dark.”

Inverurie councillor Hamish Vernal said he had “heartfelt sympathy” for Mr Skene and pledged that Aberdeenshire Council would help businesses “get back on their feet”.

He said: “I think that the council, the emergency services and the people of Aberdeenshire have all really risen to the occasion and I am proud of the concern that people have shown for each other.

“I have heartfelt sympathy for Mr Skene. The (Scottish) Government and local government will be working hand in hand to work with local businesses to help them get back on their feet.”
 
Broomhall Feeds becomes Sneyd’s Wonderfeeds wholesaler in Scotland
Leading pet and dog food manufacturing company, Sneyd’s Wonderfeeds has announced its range of dry dog and working dog foods will now become more widely available north of the border thanks to a new association with Scottish wholesaler, Perthshire-based Broomhall Feeds...

Leading pet and dog food manufacturing company, Sneyd’s Wonderfeeds has announced its range of dry dog and working dog foods will now become more widely available north of the border thanks to a new association with Scottish wholesaler, Perthshire-based Broomhall Feeds.

Broomhall Feeds supply horse feed and pet food to shops, agricultural merchants and country stores right across the region.

Scunthorpe-based Sneyd’s Wonderfeeds, which has specialised in producing the highest quality dry dog and working dog food for the past 42 years, will be supplying Broomhall Feeds with their Wonderdog brand.

The Wonderdog brand includes the Special, Original and Gold ranges, which are particularly popular with breeders, gundog owners and pet owners.

The foods are packed full of vitamins, minerals and the right levels of protein to ensure the health and vitality of all types of dogs depending on their activity levels.

Managing Director Phil Judson feels that with the reliable and friendly service that Broomhall gives its customers, they will be a creditable force in helping to strengthen the Wonderdog brand throughout Scotland.

Retailers in Scotland can contact Broomhall Feeds on 01828 686 244 if they wish to stock the Sneyd’s Wonderdog brand. Retailers are also advised to look out for promotions in 2016.

For further information on Sneyd’s Wonderfeeds Tel on 01724 844 189 or email sales@wonderdog.co.uk or visit www.wonderdog.co.uk

Gift buying for pets is becoming big business


More pet owners are buying gifts for their animals, especially at Christmas, says an award-winning retailer...



More pet owners are buying gifts for their animals, especially at Christmas, says an award-winning retailer.

Le Friquet Garden Centre in Guernsey has just been recognised as The Greatest Pet Christmas Team in a competition organised by Garden Trade News.

Centre manager James Robin says: “Pets is a core footfall driver for our centre and one of the cornerstones of our business in the Island so it’s hugely important to us year round.

“The trend of pet owners buying their animals Christmas gifts has been growing year on year and we see that continuing through product and display innovation.”

The Greatest Christmas Awards judges said of Le Friquet: “The pet centre at Le Friquet was on grand scale and full of stylish displays in which the team had clearly invested a lot of effort.”

Le Friquet won gold at the awards in Harrogate on Sunday, along with Bents Home & Garden near Warrington in Cheshire.

The Pet Place Café, a huge selection of pet beds, ‘Let them try it before you buy it’ dog food sampling opportunities, good relationship with societies and a resident pet behavior expert made this a clear winner, revealed the judges.


The Greatest Pet Christmas Team 2015

Finalists:

  • Baytree Garden Centre
  • Cherry Hill Garden & Landscape Centre
  • The Old Railway Line

Bronze: Raemoir Garden Centre

Silver: Planters Tamworth

Silver: Torwood Garden Centre

Gold: Bents Garden & Home

Gold: Le Friquet Garden Centre

 
James Milbourne takes over as trainee CEO at Symply
Symply Pet Foods Ltd, owners of the Canagan and Symply brands of dog and cat food, have appointed James Milbourne as Trainee CEO. James is the son of founder and Managing Director Eddie Milbourne...



Symply Pet Foods Ltd, owners of the Canagan and Symply brands of dog and cat food, have appointed James Milbourne as Trainee CEO.

James is the son of Eddie Milbourne, the founder and Managing Director of Symply Pet Foods Ltd.

James has previous experience working in the company from a young age and has been involved in various areas including Customer Services, New Product Development and International Sales.

Eddie is “proud to announce the appointment of James to Trainee CEO which helps secure our long term goals and ethos to continue supporting the independent pet trade. It demonstrates that Symply and Canagan’s loyalty to the specialist channel is healthy and here to stay.  This is a family owned business and with James we have the future.”

Symply Pet Foods dedication to the independent pet channel is reinforced by ensuring that its products are never available in grocery stores, National Superstore Chains or on-line discounters.

James is “looking forward to help develop and progress the brand. Having been brought up heavily involved in the pet trade, I look forward to utilising the knowledge and values instilled in me from my father. We will continue to produce the best grain free foods available whilst maintaining our loyalty to the specialist pet trade. We will always produce ultra-high quality pet foods with ingredient integrity, product performance and quality as our prime concern.”

For more information visit www.canagan.co.uk  or www.symplypetfoods.co.uk

Dozens of coats donated to homeless dogs


A charity for homeless dogs has received dozens of coats and doggy treats following a campaign organised by Pets Corner...



A charity for homeless dogs has received dozens of coats and doggy treats following a campaign organised by Pets Corner.

A total of 224 coats have been donated to the animal charity ‘Give a dog a coat’, which will be distributed to homeless dogs across the UK to help keep them warm during the cold winter months.

The family-run ethical pet retailer asked customers and animal lovers to donate pre-loved, new and homemade dog coats throughout November and December by dropping them off at one of the 102 Pets Corner stores across the UK.  For every coat received, Pets Corner matched the donation with a tasty doggy treat for the charity.

‘Give a dog a coat’ was set up by Lara Evans of Essex, who was upset by seeing so many homeless, cold and shivering dogs in London during winter.  She felt the need to help and started knitting and sewing dog coats.  When she couldn’t keep up with the demand, she started an appeal asking others to donate second hand or homemade dog coats of their own.

Lara said: “We have been overwhelmed by the response and we would like to thank Pets Corner for collecting the coats and everyone who has made a donation and supported us with this initiative.  The coats will make a huge difference to the lives and wellbeing of homeless dogs during the colder months.”

Managing Director at Pets Corner Dean Richmond added: “It’s tragic that in 2016 there are so many homeless dogs across the UK.  We are delighted to be supporting ‘Give a dog a coat’ and cannot thank our customers enough for their enthusiasm, generosity and support.”

It’s still not too late to donate a coat to ‘Give a Dog a Coat’ – either drop off your donation in one of Pets Corner’s 103 stores or visit the ‘Give a Dog a Coat’ Facebook page for more information.
 
BSB Products launches new cat litter with unparalleled odour control
When it comes to clay cat litter, nothing can beat Intersand Odourlock’s new innovative odour control technology. Odourlock effectively controls odours using its SMART ODOUR SHIELD, an exclusive technology that neutralises urine and faecal odours for 40 days...
When it comes to clay cat litter, nothing can beat Intersand Odourlock’s new innovative odour control technology. 

Odourlock effectively controls odours using its SMART ODOUR SHIELD, an exclusive technology that neutralises urine and faecal odours for 40 days. Simply put, it prevents the breakdown of urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide, the vapours that cause the odours.

In addition, Intersand ODOURLOCK is 99.9% dust free, ultra-absorbent, quick clumping and safe for both cats and their owners.

Colin Rodger, Managing Director of BSB Products, commented: “The combination of the breakthrough SMART ODOUR SHIELD technology together with one of the lowest dust levels in the industry, ODOURLOCK clumping cat litter is sure to win over cat owners and breeders alike”

Intersand ODOURLOCK is immediately available in the UK in 6kg & 12 kg bags at SRP £8.99 & £14.99 respectively.

Founded in 1992, Intersand has made it its mission to “improve and simplify animal hygiene through innovation”. 

This family-owned business is dedicated to offering the finest quality animal hygiene solutions on the market from its state-of-the-art facilities in Boucherville, Canada. Intersand exports to over 30 countries and is considered to be the world’s leading exporter of premium animal hygiene solutions.

For more information, please contact BSB Products on 01737 767679 or email sales@BSBProducts.co.uk

Collarways introduce new Zogoflex dog toys to UK

Zogoflex Air is West Paw Design’s new subtly squishy, yet durable collection of play toys for active dogs. They are being distributed in the UK by Collarways...


Zogoflex Air is West Paw Design’s new subtly squishy, yet durable collection of play toys for active dogs. 

Engineered for dogs who love to try to sink their teeth into something, Zogoflex Air has a tough outer shell that surrounds soft pockets of air that “give” when dogs squeeze it in their mouths.

With an air injected centre, Zogoflex Air toys will float high on the water for easy visibility making them unsinkable and providing unstoppable fun for power players on land and in water.

Available in three striking colours the first products available using this technique are the Boz ball, in two sizes and the Dash flying disc.

Unlike a tennis ball, the Boz (rhymes with nose) is durable, squishy and doesn’t contain any toxic glues or lead with the smaller size designed to fit in standard ball throwers. 


The Dash is ergonomically designed for easy pick-up for both humans and dogs. The curved profile provides a pulsing, strobe effect during flight to allow dogs to track it in the air while allowing smooth, off-ground retrieval.

Like all Zogoflex products, Zogoflex Air  is made in the USA, guaranteed against dog damage, non-toxic and BPA and phthalate free.

Distributed in the UK by Collarways.

For more information visit www.collarways.com  or call 01747 832050.

Caught on camera: thief steals python from pet shop by hiding it down his trousers


A thief has been caught on CCTV stealing a two-foot long python from a pet store by stuffing it in to his trousers...



A thief stole a two-foot long python from a pet store by stuffing it in to his trousers.

The man, who is wearing a black top and baseball cap, can be seen looking at stock in the A to Z pet store in Portland, Oregon, before making his way over to the snake tanks.

After opening the glass panelled tank, the snake thief can be seen handling the reptile before pulling the waist band of his trousers forward and pushing the python in.

The thief readjusts his clothing before returning to the pet store to browse the aisles once more.

Christin Bjugan, owner of the shop, said when she arrived at the shop, she noticed the snake was missing and the locks on the cage were unlatched.

Ms Bjugan said it was “pretty gutsy” for the man to put the python into his trousers, adding it could have been a bad move as it was close to feeding day.

The shop owner said she was left gobsmacked after seeing the CCTV footage of the man taking the python, which would sell for £275 [$400].

She added: “We thought ‘Oh my gosh, he put it in his pants'. He opened up the front, dropped it in, situated it, adjusted himself and walked out.

“It is not normal. That is not a place you want to put a snake.”

Sergeant Greg Stewart from Portland Police Bureau, said no arrests had been made and this was the first time he had investigated such a bizarre theft.

He said: “If you look at the theft of stuff from pet stores, a lot of times it's someone wandering in drunk and doing something stupid.

“This one's a little bit different, although putting a snake down your pants is not super bright. There's a lot of different ways that could go wrong.”

To view the CCTV footage click here
 
Barking Heads launches limited edition dog treats for Valentine's Day
Barking Heads is launching a limited edition pink coloured treat in time for Valentine’s day. The aptly named ‘Love Bites’ offer dog owners the chance to show their beloved pooches how much they mean to them...
Barking Heads is launching a limited edition pink coloured treat in time for Valentine’s day. The aptly named ‘Love Bites’ offer dog owners the chance to show their beloved pooches how much they mean to them.

This limited edition, handmade product comes in a deliciously romantic strawberries and cream flavour and is made from 100% natural ingredients and packed with protein. Available in fun sized pink coloured bites, it is the perfect, special treat for your dog.

Paul Hunter, co-founder of Barking Heads, says: “We’re really excited to launch this new product in time for Valentine’s Day. We know dogs are man’s best friend and so we wanted to produce a product our customers would love and want to treat their dog too.”

RRP £2.99.

For more information visit www.barkingheads.co.uk
 
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Police appeal after theft from Pets at Home in Weston-super-Mare
Police are appealing for help to find a woman they would like to speak regarding a theft at Pets at Home...


Police are appealing for help to find a woman they would like to speak regarding a theft at Pets at Home.

They want to speak to the woman pictured in the CCTV who they believe can them with their enquiries.

The incident took place at Pets At Home, in Marchfields Way, Weston-super-Mare, on December 31.

Anyone who recognises her can contact Avon and Somerset Police on 101 and quote reference number 5215073957.
 
Alpha Feeds launches Sporting Dog of the Year competition
Alpha Feeds, producer of top quality food for sporting dogs, is offering the opportunity for one dog to be selected as the winner of the ‘Alpha Sporting Dog of the Year’ and receive fantastic prizes...


Alpha Feeds, producer of top quality food for sporting dogs, is offering the opportunity for one dog to be selected as the winner of the ‘Alpha Sporting Dog of the Year’ and receive fantastic prizes.

From the flyball track, to the shooting field, the competition is open to all breeds and ages, the only requirement is that the dog shines in his or her sport.

The winning dog will receive a year’s supply of Alpha food, together with a great selection of branded gear and a trophy.

To enter, owners simply write a short entry (approximately 100 words) explaining why he or she deserves to win and include a photo. They can post entries via the Alpha Feeds Facebook page or email them to info@alphafeeds.com.

Competition closes 15th April 2016.

For further information contact Alpha Feeds on +44 (0)844 800 2234 or visit www.alphafeeds.com.

 
Devotion award for Brighouse police dog
A police dog from Brighouse has posthumously received a devotion award from veterinary charity PDSA, for helping locate an elderly lady who had gone missing...


A police dog from Brighouse has posthumously received a devotion award from veterinary charity PDSA, for helping locate an elderly lady who had gone missing.

Police Dog Ty was nominated by handler PC Jerry White following an incident where Ty successfully located a missing person in West Yorkshire in May 2007. Sadly the German Shepherd died in 2014 and his award was accepted by PC White.

PC White said: “Ty and I were called to a care home where an elderly resident had gone missing at night after taking sleeping tablets. Ty soon picked up a trail nearby and led me to nearby gardens where he stopped and began barking. As I shone my torch I heard a soft cry for help and spotted the lady on the ground hidden by bushes.”

PC White has always believed that Ty’s rapid action in tracking the lady saved her life.

He added: “The lady had been missing for several hours in cold weather. If officers had needed to do a physical search it could have taken hours to locate her, by which point it could have been too late to save her.”

PDSA Director General, Jan McLoughlin presented Ty’s certificate at a ceremony at West Yorkshire Police Training & Development Centre.

Jan said: “The PDSA Commendation recognises the outstanding devotion that animals display and celebrates the amazing ways they enrich our lives. It is clear that Ty made an incredible contribution to keeping his community safe during his time with West Yorkshire Police and he is a worthy recipient of the PDSA Commendation.”

Find out more about PDSA’s Animal Awards programme at www.pdsa.org.uk/awards.
 
Eukanuba announces top athlete as ambassador
Eukanuba has appointed Libby Clegg as its ambassador for 2016. As one of Great Britain and Scotland’s most successful track and field athletes of recent years, Libby will be working with Eukanuba to celebrate extraordinary nutrition, along with her extraordinary guide dog, Hatti...
Eukanuba has appointed Libby Clegg as its ambassador for 2016. As one of Great Britain and Scotland’s most successful track and field athletes of recent years, Libby will be working with Eukanuba to celebrate extraordinary nutrition, along with her extraordinary guide dog, Hatti.
 
The partnership will see Libby and Hatti working closely with Eukanuba to educate dog owners on the impact of nutrition on health and longevity, helping them to have as many happy and healthy years as possible with their beloved pets.
 
As well as two Paralympic Games Silvers, World Championship Gold and European Championship Gold, Libby is the proud owner of guide dog, Hatti. Libby suffers from a deteriorating eye condition known as Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy disease, which means she only has slight peripheral vision in her left eye, and is registered as blind. Libby successfully completed all her training to have Hatti full time in May 2014.
 
Libby sees her decision to get Hatti as one of the best she’s ever made, they share a special bond and Hatti gives Libby support as both a working dog and beloved pet.

“By being by my side, Hatti gives me the confidence to live an independent life. As well as being a fun and loving dog, she can switch into guide dog mode in an instant and becomes the ultimate professional.

"I know I can trust her fully and the impact she has had on my day-to-day life is huge. She is definitely an extraordinary dog. Even though she has added so much to my life, she is ultimately a working dog and her job is both important and hard going. She’s always full of energy and raring to go, and it’s crucial that I fuel her with the right food and make sure she gets her exercise so she can always work at her very best.

 “Hatti has Eukanuba Adult Dry Dog Food for Medium Breed, Lamb and Rice. Being an athlete myself, I really notice when I have eaten rubbish; you just don’t feel great or perform at your best. So I think having highly nutritional diet for your dog, especially a working dog like Hatti, is really important. Her teeth and coat are really healthy and she’s very fit, which I put down to her diet.

"Hatti and I have an amazing partnership and it’s extremely important to me to keep her healthy and happy for as long as possible – both as a pet and as a guide dog. One of the reasons I choose Eukanuba is for this reason, as Eukanuba (along with appropriate care) has been shown to help dogs fulfil their potential to live a long and healthy life.”
Dog fouling fine doubles in Scotland
The fine for dog owners who fail to pick up after their pets has been doubled by the Scottish Parliament....
The fine for dog owners who fail to pick up after their pets has been doubled by the Scottish Parliament.

The fixed penalty for dog fouling is being increased from £40 to £80 to bring it in to line with the fine for littering.

The change comes after the overwhelming majority of responses to a Scottish Government consultation on responsible dog ownership said they would support the fixed penalty being raised. The Dog Fouling (Fixed Penalty) (Scotland) Order 2016 takes effect on 1 April 2016.

Nearly a third of people experience animal nuisance (dog fouling or animal noise) as a very or fairly common problem, according to the Scottish Household Surveys of 2013 and 2014.

As well as the fixed penalty, the Scottish Government is also considering how to develop a more robust system to tackle the issue of collecting unpaid penalties.

Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs, Paul Wheelhouse, said:

“Dog fouling is not only unpleasant, but also can pose potentially significant risks to health, particularly for children, and we’re very clear that dog owners who do not clear up after their dogs are breaking the law.

“We believe the increased penalty will act as a greater deterrent for people who do not take responsibility for their pets and clean up after them.

“Our public consultation has shown us that we have public opinion behind us in an effort to get tougher on dog fouling and to tackle an issue that affects all too many communities across the country.”

Derek Robertson, Chief Executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful said:

“We welcome the doubling of the fixed penalty notice for dog fouling, a measure supported by 63% of people asked in a YouGov Poll commissioned by Keep Scotland Beautiful in August 2015.

“Increasing the fine to £80 is a positive step in the right direction and will send a clear message to irresponsible dog owners that their actions have a negative impact on people and communities. However, increased fines form only part of the solution and that is why we are leading a national stakeholder group to develop an action plan on the issue."
 
Supreme honour for South Africa’s most successful poacher-hunting dog
A dog risking his life in the battle to save the African Rhinoceros from extinction has been awarded the PDSA Gold Medal* by comedian Ricky Gervais. The medal is recognised worldwide as the animals’ George Cross...


A dog risking his life in the battle to save the African Rhinoceros from extinction has been awarded the PDSA Gold Medal* by comedian Ricky Gervais. The medal is recognised worldwide as the animals’ George Cross.

In the past four years, the acute tracking skills of five-year-old K9 Killer, a Belgian Malinois, have led to the arrests of 77 poachers; making him the most successful dog working with Kruger National Park’s Special Operations Team.

Alongside handler Amos Mzimba, Killer is flown in by helicopter to track and apprehend armed poachers when they are sighted, or a dead rhino is discovered.

Comedian, Hollywood actor and animal welfare advocate Ricky Gervais announced K9 Killer’s award, on behalf of PDSA, in a special video released on social media.

The PDSA Gold Medal is the highest honour a civilian animal can receive for bravery and devotion. Killer is only the 24th PDSA Gold Medal recipient worldwide, since the award was instituted in 2001.

Killer’s work

Both Killer and handler Amos can be deployed deep inside Kruger National Park several times a day, and Killer’s tracking and early detection of suspects is paramount to keeping Amos and the rest of the team safe from harm.

On one occasion, following a sighting of poachers in the infamous Bangu area, close to the border of Mozambique, Killer and Amos were flown in as part of a four-strong team including South African Defence Force personnel. While trying to find a spoor to track, shots were fired and, in the confusion that followed, Killer and Amos became separated from the main group.

Killer picked up a spoor to track the suspects, giving him and Amos the upper hand over the poachers. As the determined dog and handler followed the suspects to the bottom of a cliff, they spotted someone just in front of them. Amos shouted to the suspect to surrender, but heard a heavy calibre rifle shot and the bullet passing close to his head. He returned fire to save his and Killer’s lives before apprehending two other suspects.

Thanks to Killer’s tracking skills, 115 arrests have been made to date, but the fight against poaching continues.

Reaction

Killer’s handler, Amos Mzimba, said: “It is an honour to have Killer by my side. It means a lot that he has been recognised for his skills and assistance in tracking and arresting poachers. Thanks to him, we are arresting more poachers, but there is a lot more to be done if we are to save the rhino from extinction. Killer is invaluable in achieving that.”

PDSA Director General, Jan McLoughlin, said: “The PDSA Gold Medal recognises extraordinary acts of courage and dedication in life-threatening situations, and Killer is indeed a worthy recipient. His contribution to saving the rhino population has been truly remarkable. His track-record is astounding and we are honoured to recognise his fantastic work in this way.”

Killer’s award was formally presented by Ricky Gervais, who said: “Killer does fantastic work in the Kruger National Park. Rhino’s are wonderful creatures that are being killed in their hundreds by these poachers. Killer and his colleagues are fighting back. He helped capture dozens of poachers in the last year alone, thanks to his amazing courage and dedication. He’s making a huge contribution to rhino protection in South Africa.”

With the number of rhino killings increasing from 448 in 2011 to 1215 in 2014, Killer is an integral part of the fight against poaching.

Bruce Leslie of the Environmental Crimes Investigations Unit, nominated Killer for the PDSA Gold Medal. He said: “To save the rhino from extinction, someone has to stand between them and the poachers and that job falls to our rangers. Killer’s sense of smell is absolutely amazing at tracking people. He makes us more successful and increases our arrest rate. All of our dogs carry out incredible work on a daily basis, but Killer stands out for his tenacity and dedication so I’m enormously proud that he has received the PDSA Gold Medal.”

Since its inception in 2001, the PDSA Gold Medal has now been awarded to 24 heroic animals. Recipients include UK police explosives search dogs Vinnie, Jake and Billy for their lifesaving work in the aftermath of the 7/7 terrorist bombings in London, in 2005.

For more details about the PDSA Gold Medal and its previous recipients go to www.pdsa.org.uk/goldmedal.
 
RSPCA warning after poorly kitten is dumped in blanket in Sutton Coldfield
The RSPCA is urging people to think carefully about the commitments of getting a pet after a poorly kitten was dumped in a blanket by a bin in Sutton Coldfield...
The RSPCA is urging people to think carefully about the commitments of getting a pet after a poorly kitten was dumped in a blanket by a bin in Sutton Coldfield.

The 10-week-old black male kitten was found by a member of the public at 1.30am on Friday morning by an industrial bin in Birmingham Road.

The kitten, who has been named Belushi, is now in the RSPCA’s care. The young kitten was found to be suffering from cat flu.

RSPCA inspector Nicola Johnson said: “If you have taken on an animal, you can’t just dump them if they get poorly.

“You are responsible for him or her, and need to pay for vet bills or pet insurance if they get ill.

“Abandoning an animal in this way is a callous thing to do. This would have stressed Belushi terribly, even more so because he was a poorly little kitten to begin with.

“Belushi is very lucky that he was found when he was, otherwise it could have been fatal for him to be left out there in the freezing cold at night. Thankfully he is now getting the treatment he deserves, but it should not have to have got to the stage of him being dumped in the way that he was.”

Anyone who has any information on where Belushi came from should call the RSPCA’s appeals line confidentially on 0300 123 8018.
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