Pets at Home has responded to Watchdog accusations of poor animal welfare in its stores, stating: "The claims in the programme were misleading and in many cases simply wrong."

CEO Nick Wood said: “We have been at the forefront of pet welfare for nearly 25 years and our number one value is ‘Pets before Profit’.  That’s what drives us.

"Nearly all of us are pet owners. We all love pets, and we are constantly challenging ourselves to find new ways to get better. 

“We have looked in detail at every single claim put to us by Watchdog, which are misleading and in many cases simply wrong.

“But viewers don’t have to take my word for it. Our stores are open every day and our colleagues will be happy to explain the care we provide for our pets.  

"You don’t need to go undercover; it’s in full view for our customers to see because we have nothing to hide and plenty to be proud of.” 

It's the second time in less than three years that Pets at Home has featured on Watchdog .

Pets at Home has produce a video in which it answers the claims made in the Watchdog programme on BBC1 last week, and has posted it on its website. You can view the video at http://petsfirst.petsathome.com/