The treatment and effective management of pond water can be a source of stress for many pond keepers, especially when faced with murky water or weed problems.

It is a job of the retailer to not only advise consumers on the best solution but also to provide preventative advice, so it is important that staff have a good overview of common issues and products.

Tetra’s pond range has been developed to ensure your customers get the best results possible, with an assortment of products available to target specific problems.

          

• Green ‘pea-soup’ pond water is commonly found in ponds during the spring and is caused by the rising water temperature. The green water is caused by millions of tiny green algae which cloud the water and can harm the pond’s biology. Tetra Pond AlgoRem quickly clears green water found in ponds by clumping together the algae cells, so that they can be sieved out by the filter or form clumps which float to the surface for quick and easy removal.

• Algae filled water may also develop in ponds following water changes due to alterations in the water chemistry. TetraPond AquaSafe makes hard tap water safe for pond use by neutralising poisonous heavy metals such as copper, zinc and lead as well as aggressive chlorine. This should be used whenever new water is added to the pond to ensure fish are always kept in a healthy environment and green algae is kept at bay.

• Filamentous algae (blanketweed) is a regular problem for garden ponds as it grows rapidly and entangles around equipment and plants. This weed looks like strands of green hair in pond water and will not go away if left untreated treated and risks getting worse. Tetra Pond AlgoFin is a highly effective liquid treatment for most frequently occurring algae types, such as blanketweed, floating algae and smear algae, designed to remove them and prevent further algae growth. 

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

French company Diet'Dog is finding that more pet owners are turning to its natural dietary supplements and holistic skin and paw care products to ensure the well-being of their dogs and cats. And in a bid to get its products into the hands of more UK customers through better distribution, the firm will exhibiting at PATS Sandown on March 17-18.

"Our natural supplements are packed with superfoods, enzymes, essential nutrients, minerals and vitamins and are based on the principles of phytotherapy and aromatherapy to help with dogs and cats everyday conditions," says Alexandra Banry, who manages the UK side of the business.

As she prepared for PATS Sandown, Alexandra gave Pet Trade Xtra an insight into her company's innovativeproducts.

How long has the company been in existence?

Diet'Dog is a family owned company based in the east of France. The idea for Diet' Dog came to my dad, an animal nutritionist with a vet education, about 20 years ago. Diet'Dog has been in existence for 15 years in France.

A mad dog lover, my dad has always had dogs and always worked with animals, putting their wellbeing as his top priority. While spending lots of time with his doggy friends, he noticed that some of them were not as happy as they should be due to nutritional deficiencies, having health issues such as itchy and sore skin, dull, dry and flaky coat, degeneration of skeletal muscle, joints issues, digestive issues including bad breath and winds and lack of energy/vitality, so he started to think about how he could help these issues through nutrition.

It became clear that even the best of diets (raws, species-diet) could come from soils that are depleted or from lower quality food sources and lack sufficient protein, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Sometimes the food also loses many of its key nutrients through processing and storage. Having worked for the animal nutrition division of Roche, a global healthcare/pharmaceutical company, he had a thorough understanding of the importance of vitamins, carotenoids, enzymes, antioxydants and human quality nutrients in dogs' diet. So he came up with the idea of creating natural nutritional supplements  (by using phytotherapy principles) that every pet owner could use, adding all the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and enzymes lost in heavily packaged food and helping health issues of dogs. 

Do you now own the company?

The UK business is mine but Diet'Dog belongs to my dad.

Can you tell us more about your products?

Diet'Dog is a phyto-nutrition and phyto-care specialist. With Diet’Dog pet owners can keep their best friend naturally healthy. Our natural products respect pets while our supplements work naturally from the inside out.  Our products are vet approved and are recommended in the UK by holistic vet Richard Allport. Our mission is to ensure the wellbeing of all dogs whatever their age, size, breed or activity. We use the best possible ingredients we can source. Our ingredients are of the highest human grade quality. Using premium and ethically sourced ingredients, every product combines 100% natural ingredients to promote optimum health. The nutrients, vitamins, enzymes, minerals contained in our supplements are all naturally occurring, coming from plants, algae or vegetables.

We use minimal processing methods. We use the gentlest processing method of freeze-drying at (minus) - 40° to prepare our tasty granules to preserve all the abundant vitamins, minerals and nutrients, enzymes of our ingredients. Most pet products on the market are manufactured through a hot processing method (much cheaper), removing all the activity of their ingredients. Our supplements can replace the natural enzymes, phytonutrients and trace vitamins and minerals that are removed during the processing of most packaged food. Because of our granulation process, our granules are tasty and naturally effective: a guarantee for dogs! 

We believe in meeting high ethical standards. Diet’Dog complies with European Union established standards and guidelines to ensure traceability of the ingredients and optimal conditions for manufacture of its products. All our products are made in France. We do our best to make sure our products have no harmful effects, on human and animal health or the environment. None of our products have been inhumanely tested on animals.


How do your products work?

We believe in natural effective formulae which have been thoroughly prepared. We make sure that our ingredients work synergistically. For example, we combine herbs together to enhance certain properties and reduce others to create a tailored product with multi actions. A herb can improve the actions of another herb due to a completely different action of its own. As we only use natural ingredients in our natural supplements, their benefits are thought to build over time. A regular course of at least 21 days several times a year is therefore recommended. All our supplements are in the form of tasty granules that can be given daily whole by hand as a treat or sprinkled and mixed with normal food. 

How many products in the range?

Our range includes tasty natural dietary supplements and skin and paw care products for dogs and cats: 13 supplements and 6 care products. In total 19 products, including two supplements for all round health (D-Dog Superfoods and D-Dog Superfoods Beta) and 17 products targeting specific needs of pets (for example, itchy skin, joints, energy etc.)

Can owners of dogs with dietary problems use your products without seeing a vet first?

Yes they can unless their dog has a serious condition and is monitored by his vet.

What are you hoping to achieve by exhibiting at PATS Sandown?

We are hoping to get our brand further established in the UK and reinforce our distribution network.

A family-owned pet shop which closed when the owner retired has been given a new lease of life thanks to his nephew.

B. Thomas Pet and Garden Supplies, in Bargoed, Wales, is up and running once more after 24-year-old Sam Collins agreed to re-open the shop.

His uncle Peter Collins, 66, retired from the business, which had served the local community for more than 60 years, in November.

“As a kid I always kept animals so this move seemed like natural progression,” Sam explained.

“I’m thoroughly enjoying it. All my other jobs just don’t compare. Who wouldn’t want to work with animals?”

The pet shop was established in Bargoed in 1950 by Len Collins, whose father, David ‘Bob’ Collins, had run a corn merchant business in Dowlais and Merthyr Tydfil.

Len had worked in the family business before moving his young family to Bargoed to set up on his own.

Initially starting off in the High Street before later moving to the current premises in Hanbury Road, his eldest son Peter took on the shop in 1972.

“I thought it was a real shame that the shop had to close, having been in the family for so long,” said Sam, a history graduate.

“Everyone was over the moon when they heard that I was taking it on. I don’t think people realised how much they would miss it and everyone has stopped by to congratulate me. It’s a privilege for me.”

Sam said he aims to continue the same, high quality service that his family have provided in the past. And while he will continue to sell “anything fluffy, furry and feathery”, Sam also hopes to branch out and stock more exotic animals.

Peter said he was delighted that the business will remain in the family.

“When I saw the shutters down on the shop, it was awful. Knowing that the shutters are going up again is great, and more so because it’s staying in the family,” Peter, from Gilfach, said.

“Sam is young and it will be a big learning curve for him but he has a lot of new ideas. I’m pleased the business is in safe hands.

“The rest of the family are just as delighted as me.”

The Pet Place at Bents Garden & Home near Warrington in Cheshire will be hosting its very first Puppy Party on Thursday March 26. The event will be an opportunity for puppies and their owners to get together and socialise with each other in a safe and welcoming environment.

The newly launched Puppy Parties, which will be hosted by Tyldesley Veterinary Centre will provide an opportunity to help educate, habituate and familiarise puppies at what is a very impressionable age!

The party on Martch 26 is the first of what will become a monthly date in the Bents’ event calendar, taking place on the last Thursday of every month. 

The party will last for an hour and will be split into two halves with the first 30 minutes dedicated to a topic related to puppy development, in a talk delivered by an expert in their field, and the second half providing an opportunity for puppies - and their owners - to socialise and get to know each other.

Says Matthew Bent, Managing Director at Bents Garden & Home:  “It is strongly believed that introducing a puppy to certain situations during the first few weeks of its life can help it become a well balanced adult dog.  After a certain point the introduction of new experiences and unfamiliar situations can be disruptive and quite stressful so events such as these puppy parties can be very beneficial in the development of a new puppy.”

The Pet Place at Bents aims to provide a safe, friendly and welcoming environment where young pups can get together with their owners and learn to socialise with each other whilst owners will also learn and benefit from the topics being discussed. 

Puppies attending the parties must be between 11 weeks and 6 months of age and must have had all their vaccinations. 

Fully qualified wets will be in attendance at the Pet Place every Thursday (8.30am-5.30 pm) and Sunday (10.30am-4.30pm) providing a vaccination and micro-chipping service.   

For more information call Bents on 01942 266 300.

A vast array of new products will be showcased when the doors to PATS Sandown open on Tuesday, March 17.

The large number of entries to the popular New Product Showcase is a positive sign that PATS exhibitors are really excited about their latest products and can’t wait to show them to visiting retailers and buyers.

All the products entered into the Showcase will be judged by a panel of independent pet retailers on the first day of the show, and the winners of each category will be announced at lunchtime.

“It’s great to see so many exhibitors putting their new products forward,” said organiser Annie Foord. “Speaking to visitors, we know that a lot of them head to the Showcase first. They can see all the latest items in one place, and once they’ve seen what they like, they then head off to the stand of the manufacturer or supplier of that product to discuss it in more detail.”

There are seven categories in the New Product Showcase – cat, dog accessory, dog food or treat, bird, small animal, pet care, and grooming – and past winners admit that winning an award can certainly increase the profile of the items to the trade.

Irish company Christies Global have won an award at the past three PATS shows and their marketing manager Lindy Harper knows the importance of such an accolade. “Christies Global has always prided itself in bringing innovative products to the grooming market and these awards recognise this work,” said Lindy. “Given the high standard of competition in the market, we feel truly honoured to have won three consecutive awards.”

Supa Ltd are another company to recognise the prestige of a New Product Award, having won one with their stylish Gloucester range of bird feeders at PATS in September. “The award has certainly focused attention on Supa and has led to some new listings with current customers and also the opening of some new accounts who have wanted to stock this new and dynamic range,” said managing director Chris Goodlad.

The Showcase is designed to help visitors to find easily the latest and most exciting products to hit the pet trade, as they are gathered together in one, extensive display near the entrance to the Esher Hall. There is an information card beside each product, giving details such as suggested retail price and where in the show you’ll find the item’s exhibitor.

With so many new products on show and more than 140 exhibitors attending PATS Sandown this year, the exhibition is set to draw an equally impressive amount of visitors.

The organisers have also secured a strong line-up of speakers for two days of seminars designed to give pet retailers ahead-of-the-game ideas on new lines, new approaches and new profit potential.

The free-to-attend series of seminars will cover topics including: retailing RAW pet foods; using social media to build a loyal customer base; 20 business tips in 20 minutes; getting more online visitors to your website; and what customers are saying about your pet business online. There is also a chance to earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points for those people attending a special seminar by animal healthcare specialists Merial.

Other PATS features aimed at making it a great day out include free entry, free catalogue, free tea and coffee, and free parking. Visitors still have time to register online at the new and improved PATS website www.patshow.co.uk.

A full and up-to-date list of exhibitors is available on the website together with information on how to reach both venues and regularly updated show news.

Opening times
Tuesday, 17^th March, 2015: 9.00am-5.00pm
Wednesday, 18^th March, 2015: 9.00am-4.00pm

Jakub Kolesa has been appointed as General Manager of Royal Canin UK and Ireland following the move of Andy Reed to head up the brand’s European sales and marketing operations.

Jakub was previously the GM of Mars Czech & Slovak Republic, and joined the Mars Group in 2011 as the company’s first non-Mars GM, and also the first Czech native to take up such a role. 

Having gained his MBA while studying in the UK, he has worked in major companies such as Sara Lee, Coty and Gillette in a range of sales and marketing roles, and over the last four years has overseen outstanding growth for the company’s brands and driven consistent growth in the Czech and Slovak markets across both multiple and independent retail sectors.

Jakub says: “I am very excited to be coming to the UK at this time, especially to be coming back here after my MBA studies. 

"Although the market for Royal Canin is well established, and the brand performs well with superb support from the UK specialist pet trade, it is clear that there are still major opportunities to develop.  The cat market is a prime example, where there is huge scope to develop the specialist pet trade business in partnership together. 

"I look forward to getting to know the UK pet trade, and to developing our relationship for all our benefits.”

Jakub (42), who loves sport, theatre and travel, will move to the UK with his wife and three sons and will be based at Royal Canin’s UK HQ in Castle Cary, Somerset.

Precious Pets London, whose products can now be found in seven countries other than the UK, is planning its biggest challenge yet...to conquer the US market!

The award-winning company launched its luxury grooming products on to the international market in June 2014 and has gained considerable success throughout European and Asian markets.

This week co-owners Charlotte and Gregory Nash are attending the Global Pet Expo in Orlando as part of the UK Pet Quip group, to learn more about the North American market and meet with potential distributors.

"With our traditional British style, values and approval from Her Majesty herself, we’re sure the Americans will fall in love with the products and brand even more than the Europeans and Asian markets," said Charlotte.

A robber left staff at a Fraserburgh pet shop in Scotland in a state of shock after brandishing a knife and escaping with around £60 in cash...

The man pulled the blade on the owner of Pets Palace and his colleague in Hanover Street on Sunday.

The incident happened around 4.30pm when the shop was closed to customers.

Owner Graham Skene and staff member Linda McRobbie were feeding animals when the lone robber entered the shop.

The man, who was believed to be wearing a Superdry jacket and jeans, stole cash from the float, which was in the till, before getting away.

The man is believed to have gained entry through the main door of the pet shop, which had its shutter open.

Linda McRobbie said: “We’re a bit shook up but we’re okay.

“The shop is closed on a Sunday but we have small animals so they need to be fed.

“We came in to do our normal feed and restock and we had only been here five or 10 minutes when this person appeared with a knife.

“He actually apologised. ‘I’m sorry, this is an robbery’, he said. If he was really sorry he wouldn’t have come in the first place.”

CCTV captured the man and footage has now been handed to Police Scotland.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Inquiries into the incident are ongoing.” He said they were appealing for witnesses.

Loving Pets, the manufacturer and supplier of high quality pet feeding bowls and accessories, has signed its first two distributors in the UK, making its range of products available in this country for the first time. 

The company has signed with Armstrong Richardson and Su-Bridge as part of its drive to expand sales and awareness amongst retailers in the UK and mainland Europe.  

Loving Pets’ best-selling items will be available from the company’s UK warehouse, including the award-winning Bella Bowl which will be available in four different sizes and a choice of colours. 

In the United States, the Bella Bowl range has won awards for its functional yet stylish design, which features a patented removable rubber base and bacteria-resistant stainless steel interior. More than half a million Bella Bowls are sold in the US every month.  

Other products available from Loving Pets UK include the ultra-tough Robusto feeding bowl, and the Gobblestopper, a slow feeding aid that fits in any pet bowl and is proven to prevent bloat, reported to be the second major killer of dogs after cancer.  

Loving Pets UK director Jonathan Moyce said: “It’s an exciting time for Loving Pets UK as we move into the UK and European markets, and we’re delighted to be working with our new distributors Armstrong Richardson and Su-Bridge, as well as a number of well-known European distributors. 

"We know these carefully chosen items sell well – effectively we are bringing some of the world’s best-selling products into the UK and Europe for the very first time - and we plan to expand our range further this year.”

Loving Pets UK was officially launched last year by Moyce, previously a food safety consultant with the British Standards Institute.  

The company is a partner to the highly successful Loving Pets brand in the US, which was established in 2005 by Moyce’s uncle Eric Abbey. 

In the past ten years, Loving Pets has established a reputation for selling high quality, affordable accessories and healthy treats for dogs and cats, using only natural ingredients.   

Further information is available on the Loving Pets website http://lovingpetsproducts.com/. Alternatively, contact the UK sales office at sales@lovingpetsproducts.co.uk or telephone 01424 868 346 or find Loving Pets UK on Twitter @LovingpetsUK or Instagram @Lovingpets_UK

Ceva Animal Health has launched a major new national TV advertising campaign to highlight the benefits of its leading veterinary behaviour product Adaptil amongst dog owners.

Running hot on the heels of the recent Feliway TV advertisement which focused on the real life testimonial of a cat owner and the challenges of introducing a new cat to a household, the new Adaptil advertisement will feature a dog owner and her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Dude, who is anxious when his owner is away from home. 

With the strapline ‘Best behaviour starts here’ the advertisement will educate pet owners on the action they should take to keep their dogs happy when they are left at home alone and Dude’s experience taking the ‘Adaptil 30 day challenge’.

The new 30-second Adaptil advertisement aired for the first time on Monday and will run until Sunday to coincide with Crufts.

This will be followed by 10-second and 30-second versions of the Feliway advertisement, which will air from Monday, March 16 until Sunday, March 29. 

The advertisements, which are aimed at ABC1 women, will be featured on ITV1, Channel 4, Channel 5, digital channels including E4, Film4, ITV2, ITV3 and ITVBe and London Live.

“With interest in dogs at its highest in the run up to and during Crufts, we will be raising awareness of both Adaptil and Feliway via our new TV advertising campaigns over the coming weeks to further enhance our status as market leaders in behaviour,” comments Emma Jackson, product manager for Adaptil and Feliway at Ceva Animal Health.

For further information on Adaptil or Feliway visit adaptil.co.uk or feliway.co.uk

Pets at Home has defended a decision by one of its vets to euthanise a cat which was taken to its Newtownabbey store after being mistaken for a stray.

Local woman Julie Neeson posted details of the tragic incident on Facebook earlier this week, sparking a huge reaction from animal lovers across Northern Ireland and beyond.

She explained how the cat, her family pet of 15 years, was mistaken for a stray by a neighbour who took it to the in-store vet at Pets at Home, Longwood Retail Park where it was put down a short time later.

Alongside a picture of her 10-year-old daughter saying her final goodbyes to her beloved pet, Julie hit out at the actions of the Pets at Home vet, branding the decision to euthanise her cat “an absolute disgrace” and telling how the incident had left her daughter “devastated.” She later posted that her family were “heartbroken” by what had happened.

Responding to public criticism of the decision to euthanise the family’s pet, a spokesperson for Pets at Home said that the vet had been “acting in the best interests of the cat.”

“At Pets at Home we always put pet welfare at the heart of everything we do. Stray animals are frequently brought to our vets and they always receive a full clinical examination. We will always try to rehome them whenever appropriate,” he commented.

“The cat was brought in and presented as a stray by a concerned and sympathetic member of the public who recognised that he was not well. Our vet carried out a full medical examination as we do with all animals brought to us.

“Our vet has over 12 years’ experience and quickly diagnosed that the cat was in the end-stages of chronic renal failure. He had clearly suffered from this condition for a number of years and was unfortunately untreatable. He was not wearing a collar, and was scanned for a microchip but none was found. Unable to identify the owners and with the cat suffering, he made the difficult decision to put him down.”

The spokesman added: “We completely understand the family’s response and it’s never easy to lose a beloved pet. Our vet is very experienced, fully qualified and was acting in the best interests of the cat. We’d like to express our sympathies to the family at this difficult time.”

Employers in the pet trade need to be patient when they appoint newcomers into their business because it can take some time for a fresh face to settle in, according to a leading recruitment expert.

Pet Trade Solutions founder and owner Lynda Ward says: “The pet industry does have certain peculiarities and it’s not always easy for people inexperienced in this trade to understand its workings and to build solid relationships quickly. 

"Desk-bound roles such as marketing or certain senior sales roles in particular can present problems with a lack of grass roots understanding causing difficulties with both customers and the team.

"Strategies which may work beautifully in other industries can destroy current strengths or waste time as they have been used (successfully or otherwise) here before.

"When speaking recently to a senior manager of a well-known brand I was shocked to hear that they felt it had taken them at least a year to settle into the pet trade and understand fully how to use the tools of communication and to address trade and consumer needs. 

"Employers always seek people who can ‘hit the ground running’ but unless newcomers to the trade are very carefully chosen, fully supported and inducted fully into their new role the term that often best fits the outcome includes ‘running’ but also the words ‘headless’ and ‘chicken’."

Lynda is always happy to personally advise on any aspects of recruitment and marketing strategy and can be contacted on 07946 743784 or at lyndaward@pettradesolutions.com

Switching from the diamond trade to the pet trade, Mushka Gluck has joined the sales team of Long Paws. In her words she is "trading up from working with a 'girl's best friend' to a man's best friend."

It has been a busy start for Long Paws, having just moved into their new offices in Hampstead. Mushka is the first new member of the team.

She will be focussing on promoting Long Paws existing range as well as the new Comfort Collection of collars, leads and harnesses being launched by Long Paws at PATS Sandown.

For more information visit www.longpaws.co.uk

James Wellbeloved has launched two new 'senior' foods, recognising the importance of distinctive nutrition for different ages and sizes of dogs. The company now offers a senior food specifically for small breed dogs, and has also introduced a grain-free senior food.

James Wellbeloved marketing manager Anne-Laure Jaouën says: “We are very enthusiastic about these products, which provide naturally healthy nutrition for the specific needs of senior dogs in the small breed and grain-free sectors.  This is another way in which the specialist pet trade can differentiate their businesses, and another way to demonstrate your expertise.”

Grain Free Senior is available in Turkey, Lamb and Fish variants in 1.5kg and 10kg bags, and the new line joins the well-established grain-free foods for adult dogs.

Grain Free Senior provides all the benefits of standard James Wellbeloved Senior products but without the grain, and includes added chondroitin, glucosamine and herbs to help maintain healthy joints, plus added taurine for heart support.  Increased levels of vitamins C and E help support the older dog’s immune system, and reduced sodium and phosphorus levels lessen the impact of kidney problems.  Grain Free Senior is available only to the specialist pet trade.

New ‘freshpack technology’ means that 1.5kg bags will now be gas-flushed, ensuring freshness for longer, while the 1.5kg and 10kg bags are all designed to be easy to open and re-seal. The new-look James Wellbeloved packaging, rolled out late last year, appears across all packs, creating a strong, vibrant and impactful in-store presence.

Small dogs represent big business for the specialist sector, with many living to over 15 years, and consuming a Senior food for half their lifetime. They have specific nutritional needs, linked to their higher energy requirements, and tendency to dental and urinary problems. James Wellbeloved Small Breed Senior helps to address these issues with higher oil and protein levels plus green tea and cranberry extracts.  Small Breed Senior is available in Turkey, Lamb, Duck and Fish variants in 1.5kg and 7.5kg formats.

Campaigners have won Government backing in their fight for a change in the law so that people will be told if their pets are killed on the roads.

More than 120,000 people have signed a petition launched after Jude Devine’s poodle, Harvey, disappeared during a visit to friends in Liverpool in 2013.

The teacher reportedly spent more than £8,000 distributing leaflets and stayed in a caravan so she could search the area.

But in February last year a ‘highway patrol officer’ told her on Facebook that Harvey had been found dead on the M62 a mere 20 minutes after vanishing.

An amazing 122,150 people have signed the petition calling for the creation of ‘Harvey’s Law’ so other owners are spared such heartbreak.

They want the Highways Agency to be forced to:

• Scan all domestic animals retrieved from the roads;
• Log reports and circulate these to police and dog wardens;
• Keep photographs of the deceased animals to help with identification.

Campaigners were concerned that from April next year owners will face fines if their pets are not fitted with a microchip but the Highways Agency was not required to tell them if their dog is found dead.

The petition states: “Imagine the heartache, frustration and distress caused because of inadequate and unenforced procedures. There are numerous documented occasions where people’s pets have been shamelessly discarded without consideration, respect or compassion for the owners rights.”

The bodies of dead pets are normally kept in cold storage for seven days. Because Harvey was not claimed he was cremated.

Since 2012, it has not been compulsory for Highways Agency staff to scan collars and trace owners.

Halton MP Derek Twigg secured a Westminster Hall debate to put pressure on the Government and praised local campaigners who are pushing for a change in the law, saying it was a “great example of how democracy in action can work”.

He said: “The loss of a pet is traumatic for all concerned... The fact is well over 100,000 people have signed the petition.

“I think that shows the extent of concern about this issue.”

Transport minister John Hayes had good news for the campaigners when he responded to Mr Twigg, saying that new contracts will make scanning mandatory – and he wants to “retrofit” existing contracts.

He said: “I think we need to act immediately on this. I don’t want any further delay...

“This is a straightforward matter... I just want to get on with it.”

Announcing his plans, he said: “I have therefore asked the Highways Agency to ensure that indeed they do collect [and] identify every animal that is killed and contact the owners by whatever practicable means...

“I want this to be mandatory and it will be.”

The Pet Industry Federation has announced its support for ‘Harvey’s Law’, a campaign calling for the compulsory scanning of domestic animals when they are found by the roadside.

‘Harvey’s Law’ has been spearheaded by Nina Blackburn in response to the death of Harvey - a miniature poodle that died on the motorway in 2013. Despite a massive local search, his fate wasn’t discovered for another 13 weeks, as Highways Agency procedures didn’t require officers to scan, log and report pets found on the road.

The campaign is calling for legislation which would require Highways Agency departments to compulsorily scan all domestic animals retrieved from the highways and to log details and photographs with police and dog wardens.

The issue was debated in Parliament on Monday after the e-petition reached over 118,000 signatures.

Nigel Baker, Pet Industry Federation Chief Executive said: ‘The Pet Industry Federation is delighted to add its voice to the ‘Harvey’s Law’ campaign. We know from working with our members that pets are part of the family, and it’s only natural that their owners want to leave no stone unturned in finding out what has happened to their pet if they go missing. Legislation requiring the relevant agencies to scan and log domestic animals found on the roadside would help to prevent the long wait that many pet owners face in finding out what happened to their missing pet’.

Nina Blackburn said: ‘In April 2016 the law will state that all dogs must be microchipped. Can the government really insist that some 9 million dog owners, by law, must have their dogs micro chipped but then state, that should their dog be killed on one of England's Highways, nothing will be in place in order to scan that chip and notify the owner? 

"Harvey was not an isolated case; there are many other documented stories just like Harvey's and families have been left devastated by the failure and lack of procedure on the UK’s roads. This is such a simple procedure, the cost of which is minimal. To be notified that your beloved pet has been killed on any of our roads is the least a pet owner should expect."

To see the latest on the Harvey’s Law campaign, visit the Facebook page – ‘Find Harvey’.

Independent veterinary group Best Friends has been busy celebrating the long service of its employees.

• Denise Woodley (pictured above) – Receptionist at Best Friends in Chatteris. It has been over 10 years since Denise joined the group. 
• Amanda Britten – Head RVN & Clinical Coach at Best Friends in Dagenham. Amanda started working for the Dagenham practice in 1995. 
• Jan Sambrook – Accounts Department. Jan had been with Best Friends Veterinary Group since Principal Andrew Bennett bought his first practice and started the company in 1991. After 24 years Jan has just said an emotional farewell due to retirement.
• Alison McGuiness - Receptionist at Best Friends in Shenfield. Alison has a massive 35 years service at the same practice under her belt.

Best Friends Veterinary Group is still growing, having opened four practices 2014  with more planned for this year.



Pictured above: Andrew Bennett presents long service gifts to (from left to right), Amanda Britten, Jan Sambrook and Alison McGuiness.

CSJ Specialist Canine Feeds has struck a deal with one of the largest privately-owned agriculture merchants in Republic of Ireland, to stock its products.

Quinns of Baltinglass Ltd has seven Agri-Stores, which distribute and wholesale seeds, feeds, fertilisers, fuels and hardware goods throughout Ireland.

Ceri Rundle, CSJ’s founder, says: “We are delighted that Quinns are stocking our products and are committed to working together to ensure that owners of hard-working and competing dogs can now easily find CSJ lines by visiting their Agri-Stores in Baltinglass, Naas, Athy, Avoca, Geashill, Milford and Portlaw.”

CSJ sponsors a number of working and sporting dog events throughout the UK and Ireland, including  the 3 Province Nursery Sheepdog Final held at Dunroe, Co. Carlow at the end of February.  

Results of the 3 Provinces Nursery Sheepdog Final:

A class – Peter Concannon with Tim.

B class – Michael Healy with Sweep.

Beginners – Gerrard O Malley with Jock.

For more information visit www.csjk9.com and www.quinns.ie

 The Pet Industry Federation has launched a range of online courses aimed at people working with pets.

The 12 ‘Pet Handling & Welfare Courses’ are short courses covering a range of different taxa, including guinea pigs, ferrets, chinchillas, rats, cats and dogs. They have been developed by PIF to provide guidance and information to pet professionals and cover biological data, identifying breeds, handling and determining gender as well as correct care information.

The online format is convenient, reducing time away from the business; and helps keeps the costs low. Learners can track their progress by doing a short test at the end and, once they have passed the threshold, receive a certificate.

Nigel Baker, PIF’s Chief Executive said: "These courses offer people working in pet retail and with companion animals a quick and convenient way to refresh their knowledge and take on new information. Each course covers a broad range of health and welfare issues and they will  help retailers comply with the requirement in the Model Conditions for Pet Vending Licensing 2013 to ensure that staff have the appropriate training and knowledge in the care and welfare in the animals they stock."

The courses are available through ‘PIF Education’ at www.petfederation.co.uk and are priced at £40 per course – PIF members get a discount.

Hagen has introduced a new exciting and hardwearing dog toy called Bomber! on to the market...

Made of natural rubber, with a reinforced polyester layer to help maintain shape, this dog toy has ultimate bounce with the added feature of being able to float.

Available in two sizes, Mini and Regular, there is a bomber to suit all dogs and their needs.

Key Features:

• Made from natural rubber
• Maintains shape
• Available in 2 sizes (Mini 4.5" and Regular 7")
• Clipstrip available - preloaded with 6 Small Bomber Balls

Check out this exciting range on You Tube by clicking on the video above or by clicking here

For more information contact Rolf C. Hagen (UK) Ltd on 01977 556622 or visit www.hagen.com.

Frozzys, the healthy frozen yogurt treat for dogs, is fast establishing itself with pet owners across the UK.

Made in the UK and packed full of carefully selected nutritionally beneficial ingredients, Frozzys are available in four lickable flavours – blueberry, cranberry, original, and strawberry – all of which are lactose free, low-calorie, and suitable for all dogs and puppies.

See the full Frozzys range at PATS Sandown 2015, stand K2.

For further information please contact Noel Conlon. Email sales@frozzys.com or call +44 (0)28 9070 7754.

The Licensed Kennels & Catteries Association has been formed as an organisation of like-minded kennel and cattery owners to provide support, education, information and advice.

A spokesperson for LiKCA explained the reasons behind the association's launch

"Our vision is to provide a voice for our industry and campaign for a level playing field across the boarding sector. We are a non-profit making organization whose objectives are purely to support our members and their businesses.

"We aim to promote the positive aspects of licensed boarding kennels and catteries to the public and educate the public to our high standards of animal welfare, together with the positive experience that dogs and cats can have in this environment.  We need Licensed Kennel and Cattery owners to join us because the larger we become, the louder our voice the stronger our case will be and the better we will be able to represent ourselves. The Government, DEFRA, Animal Health, CIEH and Local Authorities will only listen to our voice if we stand together.

"LiKCA will campaign for a level playing field across the boarding sector.  We all know about unfair competition from Home Boarders and have experienced inspections by the junior EHO with the clip board and know that we will have to abide by a different set of criteria to the home boarders and the kennel/cattery down the road, just because we happen to be in a different Local Authority area. The "level playing field" will eliminate the base line differences required by licensing officers interpreting vague requirements to suit their own fancies.  

"As all kennels and catteries are aware, the formal licensed boarding industry suffers loss of business from unregulated competition. These other businesses, in many cases, function by hiding behind the loose interpretation of the “not my main business” loophole and therefore operate without inspection. Under these conditions we have concerns about levels of animal welfare, duty of care and health risks. LiKCA, through publicity, will create a better public understanding and endeavor to increase awareness of the differences between home boarding conditions and those of licensed kennels and catteries.

"LiKCA will lobby for representation on national bodies and committees who influence policy and licensing conditions, inform members of the latest governmental regulations and other legislation and support this with kennel level explanations and, as necessary, recommend, support or push for change. LiKCA will also provide a forum where members can request advice regarding operational issues or general problems        

"We will be formally announcing the launch of our organisation at Crufts with David Cavill from the Animal Care College stand, Hall 5-103, near the Education Zone, on Friday 6^th March at 12.00 noon.

"Our first conference with the theme that “Home Boarding cannot fulfill license requirements” will be held at the College of Animal Welfare, Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire on Saturday 25^th April 2015 and our speakers include David Cavill, Dr Roger Mugford, Dr Lisa Collins from Lincoln University on “How Dogs potentially find Boarding Kennels exciting”, Barry Peachey LLB (Hons) Chairman of the Society of Animal Lawyers and Julia Boness MRCVS a practicing vet who inspects kennels, catteries and home boarders. Full details of speakers and topics will be announced at Crufts.

"By the time you read this our website: www.likca.org.uk will be almost completed and about to go live, where you will be able to read more about us, register for our conference and join us."