UK Pet Food (formerly Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association) has unveiled its new Pet Population Report for 2024. The research reveals a noteworthy gender difference in pet adoption demographics with more men opting to adopt adult cats.  Findings also highlight the huge value that pets bring to our lives.

Over the past four years, 27% of men have chosen to take on an adult cat as a pet, compared to 18% of women (2).  This translates to 1.5m new male households benefiting from the addition of an adult cat, compared to around 1m female households.  For the first time since the pandemic puppy and kitten boom, UK Pet Food data notes an appreciation for mature pets across all demographics, with a total of around 2.5m households acquiring adult cats and adult dogs have been welcomed into 2.1 million households (3).  

Key highlights from the report include:

• 17.2 million households (60%) house one of the UK’s 36 million (non aquatic) pets in 2024 (4)
• There are 13.5 million dogs and 12.5 million cats in the UK in 2024 - an increase of 1.5m each
• 38% welcomed a new pet into 10.9 million homes over the last four years (5).
• Kittens and puppies welcomed into 2.6 million and 3.7 million households respectively over recent years.  
• Fish are also swimming up the charts in 21% of UK homes. 

The report confirms that emotional benefits appear to be a strong draw for pet ownership with around one quarter of owners admitting that they enjoy time with their pet more than with their family members. Over a third (39%) confirm that their pet benefits their family’s mental health, around one half of owners over 45 would be lonely without their pet and one fifth would like to see pets available on prescription.

Michael Bellingham (pictured above), Chief Executive of UK Pet Food, comments: “This year’s findings prove again the huge popularity of pets in the UK.  As the owner of an older cat, I was particularly interested to see that more men are adopting older cats! There could be all sorts of reasons for the increasing popularity of our furry and aquatic companions, but this year’s research highlights the profound therapeutic impact of pets. Pets play a significant role in our homes; they help combat loneliness and they can have a positive effect on our mental health. We were pleasantly surprised to see that one fifth of those questioned are calling for pets to be available on prescription. We couldn’t agree more.”

Daniel Warren-Cummings, Behaviour Officer at Cats Protection and owner of Lady Bug the cat, said: “Cats have always been a popular choice of pet but we’re particularly delighted to see that more men are seeing the benefits of older cats, as well as kittens. Just like humans, cats are all different and this is what makes them great pets for people from all walks of life - whether its indoor cats suited to living in a quiet home, or more adventurous ones, which thrive in a busy household, and love exploring the outdoors. We often hear from men who tell us their cats are not only great companions, they’re also incredibly entertaining which can be a great stress-buster.”

Chris Whatling, Founder of Animal People Recruitment explains why he adopted older cats: “Harper and Bear became cherished members of our family over eight years ago when we adopted them from Cramar Cat Sanctuary in Birmingham. After a heart-wrenching experience with our previous rescue kittens, who unfortunately succumbed to FIP6, we turned to rehoming older black kittens that find it harder to find a home. Harper and Bear's unconditional love and gentle nature have filled our lives with joy and healing. Their presence has been integral to our well-being, and now, with Rodney, our beloved Cavapoo, our family feels complete. Rodney's companionship not only brings immense joy but also significantly contributes to our mental and physical health through daily walks, fostering a deeper sense of connection and vitality in our lives.”

UK POPULATION OF PETS 

Based on extensive research across 8956 households, the UK's pet population: 

• 60% of UK households (17.2m) households 36 million non-aquatic pets
• 13.5 million dogs (36% households)
• 12.5 million cats (29%)
• 1.5 million indoor birds (3%)
• 1.3 million domestic fowl (1.6%)
• 1 million rabbits (1.6%)
• 700,000 tortoises and turtles (1.6%)
• 700,000 horses & ponies (1.5%)
• 700,000 Guinea Pigs (1.2%)
• 600,000 hamsters (1.5%)
• 600,000 snakes (1.3%)

This year's Pet Population data is featured as part of the comprehensive 'Pet Data Report,' offering insights into UK population data, regional trends, market data, pet nutrition research and more. For further details, visit ukpetfood.org.

Leading natural pet food company MPM has unveiled the beginning of a significant evolution in the look and feel of its bestselling wet and dry cat food Applaws – the first makeover of the brand since its launch in 2006.

For 18 years, Applaws has been the go-to choice for pet parents seeking natural, tasty and high protein responsibly sourced cat food and is now a £135m-plus brand sold in over 40 countries including the US, UK, Australia in over 130 retailers.

Now Manchester-based MPM is lifting the lid on the largest brand refresh it’s ever undertaken.

The change is the result of an extensive project, speaking to thousands of cat parents all over the world to make sure the new look delivers an even more premium, quality offering.

It has partnered with strategic and creative agency, Bulletproof who worked on packaging and visual identity across all our touchpoints.

The new look and feel was unveiled at Global Pet Expo in Orlando, Florida.

The rebrand covers the full Applaws offer – wet foods, treats and dry food – and the new branding is expected to be fully in place across global retailers by the end of 2024. 

MPM’s chief executive officer Julian Bambridge said: “This is a really important moment for our Applaws brand and the wider MPM family.

“The high quality, naturally tasty ingredients, that Applaws is known for, have won over cats and cat parents alike all over the world.

“But it’s now time to do even more to tell our story and show there’s a naturally tasty adventure waiting for every cat.

“I’d like to thank the incredible MPM team globally and our global agency, Bulletproof, who have worked on this rebrand - executing this kind of change, sustainably and effectively is no easy task.

"But that work is laying a foundation for our ambition as we grow to be the number one premium natural cat food brand in the world.

“As a B Corp we’ve delivered this thoughtfully with MPM staying true to its principles. The refresh will be phased over a period of time to ensure there is no packaging waste as the brand transitions to its new look and feel.”

MPM (Making Petfood Matters) was founded in 2002 with its brands Applaws, Reveal and Encore based around natural recipes for cats and dogs and distributed worldwide.

Pedigree Wholesale has invested £600,000 in a new fleet of delivery trucks, helping the company to achieve its overall aim of providing better service to customers.

It plans on replacing its entire fleet of vehicles over the next three years. This continued investment plan is part of a commitment to becoming the ‘wholesaler of choice for customers and partners’.

The new trucks come with a new look and feature some of the exclusive own brands on the back: Cooper & Co Dog Food, Natures Deli Treat Pastes and Nobbly’s Dental Dog Chews.

Quinten Evans, Head of Operations, Pedigree Wholesale, said” “This year, our strategy is to put our Customers first, so our new, refreshed fleet helps us to do just that by enabling us to service our Customers better. We are also pleased to share the new, fresh designs on the backs of the trucks, showcasing some of our great Own Brands when our drivers are on the road.”

The Pet Industry Federation has launched its annual Innovation Awards, which recognise the groundbreaking ideas and advancements in the pet industry from companies and people who have pushed the boundaries of innovation.

The awards are free to enter and are open to all businesses in the pet sector, including product, service or tech.

The Innovation Awards are a key feature of PIF’s Business of Pets conference, designed to help pet businesses take that vital step to the next level. The two-day conference, now in its second year, will take place on Wednesday 5 - Thursday 6 June at Cranfield Management Development Centre near Milton Keynes and will have a full itinerary of inspirational and insightful speakers; from angel investors and key distributors to sustainability and marketing experts; legal advisors and mentors.

A judging panel will select ten finalists in the Awards who will then have the opportunity to present their innovation at the Business of Pets conference, giving them unprecedented access to potential investors. The winner will be chosen on the final day of the event. 

Nigel Baker, PIF CEO, said: "We had fantastic feedback for the Business of Pets conference last year and the Innovation Award finalists found that the conference provided an unrivalled opportunity to pitch their innovation in front of an audience of experts and peers. There is so much innovation in the pet industry and these awards recognise the hard work and dedication that go into getting new business concepts off the ground. I would encourage all pet innovators to enter for PIF’s Innovation of the Year Award."

For full details of entry criteria and how to enter, https://petfederation.co.uk/the-business-of-pets-conference/innovation/

Entries close on Thursday 25 April. Tickets to The Business of Pets conference will go on sale from Thursday 18 April. 

Pictured: Huskaloo Coconut Cat Litter was the Innovation Award winner in 2024. The company's Tracey Voss was presented with the award at the Business of Pets conference by Nigel Baker, PIF CEO.

Award-winning pet superstore chain Jollyes has agreed a new 10-year logistics partnership with supply chain partner Wincanton.

It also announced it had completed the eight week transition of logistics operations to a new shared-user Wincanton site, on time and with no disruption in service to stores and suppliers.

Since 2019, Wincanton has provided warehouse and distribution services, providing store fulfilment to Jollyes stores across Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The new ten-year contract will help support Jollyes’ continued ambitious growth plans as it prepares to accelerate expansion following significant investment by new owner TDR Capital.

Since 2022, Jollyes has doubled the size of its estate, opening 37 new stores, most recently in Belfast and Newport and will open its 101st store in Rotherham, South Yorkshire tomorrow (Friday, March 22).

Building a foundation for a continued growth, Jollyes move to Middlewich, Cheshire, brings a much larger space onstream, able to accommodate its rapid store growth.

The new hub means Wincanton can pick and deliver up to 25 per cent more cases each year as it replenishes all Jollyes 100-plus stores, fulfilling over 10,000 deliveries each year.

The operation is supported by Wincanton’s warehouse management system (WMS) to deliver tailored inventory management, item tracking and performance reporting.

Joe Wykes, CEO at Jollyes, said: “Our partnership with Wincanton is a crucial part of the platform we’re building to support our growth plans.

“Our determination to grow, bringing our special combination of expertise, service and value to UK pet parents has to be underpinned by world class infrastructure that will help us realise those ambitions.

“We’re looking forward to building on our existing strong relationship with Wincanton as we move well beyond the 100-plus stores we trade from today.”

Carl Moore, Managing Director of eFulfilment at Wincanton, commented: “We’re delighted that Jollyes has chosen Wincanton to continue to support its future growth journey. Our shared-user warehouse model means we can provide the agility and resilience retailers need to delight their customers and grow their business.”

The new contract with Wincanton comes just days after Jollyes was named the UK’s best retailer turning over up to £250m in sales at the prestigious 2024 Retail Week Awards.

Jollyes has increased the number of locations by 50 per cent in three years, opening 33 stores in 26 months and has ambitious plans to open an additional 12 new stores over the next 12 months. 

It has already secured agreements for new locations in Northampton, Nuneaton, Chester and East Kilbride in 2024.

Leading cultivated meat company Meatly has created the world’s first cans of pet food that use cultivated chicken as the protein source. The product was created in collaboration with its first brand partner, Omni, a fast-growing novel protein pet food company in the UK, founded by veterinarian Dr Guy Sandelowsky.

This is also a significant step in Meatly’s B2B route to market, as it looks to become both the first company in the world to sell cultivated meat for pets, and the first to gain regulatory approval and sell cultivated meat-based products in the UK and Europe.

For Omni, which has achieved more than £2 million in sales to date selling dog food crafted from pulse, algae, and yeast protein diets, this first venture into the cultivated meat market comes in the form of canned wet food for cats. By utilising Meatly’s cruelty-free chicken ingredient, this step represents a much-anticipated evolution of the pet food market as pet food brands, like Omni, look to offer ethical and more environmentally friendly products that are healthier for pets.

It also marks a huge moment for the wider pet food industry, which is growing 7% per annum globally and is expected to be worth £120bn by 2026. However, with this growth, the industry’s environmental impact is increasing rapidly. 22% of the meat currently consumed in the UK is consumed by pets, representing a significant amount of GHG emissions. Meatly addresses this by producing sustainable, tasty and nutritious meat, whilst reducing our reliance on industrial agriculture.

To realise this potential and meet booming consumer demand for pet food, which has doubled in the last ten years and is expected to outstrip supply in the not-too-distant future, it is vital that sustainable protein sources like Meatly’s are brought to market quickly and at affordable prices. Once its product has been granted regulatory approval, through partnerships with retailers and manufacturers like Omni, Meatly-produced pet food will be available in shops across the country. As an early investor in Meatly, Pets at Home plans to be the first retailer to offer these products in its stores.

Owen Ensor, Co-founder and CEO of Meatly, said: “It is incredibly exciting to see the first ever cans of cultivated pet food fly off the production line. This is a major milestone for cultivated meat globally and shows that we are ready to sell product.”

“As demand continues to grow, with pet food already accounting for 20% of meat produced globally, so too does the industry’s environmental impact. Cultivated meat gives pet parents an easy choice – high quality, tasty, nutritious, and sustainable pet food. We’re thrilled to work with innovative companies like Omni to make this a reality as soon as possible.”

Dr Guy Sandelowsky at Omni, added: “Meatly’s ingredient is incredibly exciting to us at Omni, not only because it represents a virtually infinite, cruelty-free source of meat but also because it can be optimised for health. This means more essential vitamins, minerals and omegas, and an elimination of the troublesome components that can be found in traditional meat, such as antibiotic residues. We see the ingredient of particular importance to the cat food market, which lacks credible alternative protein solutions currently.”

David Wainwright, Commercial Director at Pets at Home, said: “We are excited to be a part of Meatly’s journey and are looking forward to being the first retailer to offer their products in our pet care centres. While it is still early days, we are committed to helping drive change in the industry and finding sustainable alternatives to replace some of the protein used globally in pet food would be a major step forward.”

HOWND, a pioneer of cruelty-free certified plant-powered products for dogs, has launched its vet approved nutritionally complete and balanced Superfood range into Pets At Home online. 

Packed with genuine goodness for optimal gut and overall health, HOWND wet and dry Superfood is suitable for all breeds and specifically developed with food intolerances and sensitive tummies in mind. 

Each plant-powered recipe is high in protein, low in fat and purines, and free from soya, wheat, GMO and animal derived ingredients. All flavours contain hydrating pumpkin for easy digestion and palatability, pre- and pro-biotics, marine algae as a rich source of Omega-3, as well as cranberries and blueberries to support a healthy urinary tract. The brand has also included Phytodroitin, an innovative cruelty-free alternative to commercially derived Chondroitin for joint support and mobility. 

Delicious Pumpkin, Quinoa & Moringa Dry Superfood is available in 2kg (RRP £15.39 ) and 10kg (£65.99 ) in fully recyclable eye-catching packaging. Popular wet food options include Hearty Quinoa & Pumpkin Casserole, Fresh Blueberry & Coconut Porridge with Chia & Moringa, and Fragrant Papaya Chia & Lentil Dahl With Coconut & Moringa. RRP £3.50 | 400g. 

“We’re delighted to have HOWND Superfood listed in Pets at Home as a healthy alternative diet. For the last ten years we’ve evolved as a plant-based wellness and nutrition brand for UK’s health conscious dog parents, and this is a tremendous milestone for us. We can't wait for pet parents to see the happiness it brings to their furry friends' mealtimes, whilst keeping them in optimal health and good shape,” Jo Amit, Product Director. 

HOWND has a single mission: to harness the boundless potential of plants to improve the health and wellbeing of dogs.

Since 2015, HOWND has evolved into a multi award-winning ethical lifestyle brand for dogs in the UK and overseas. The company was named as one of the most ethical businesses in the world by The Good Shopping Guide in January 2024, emerging top dog in categories such as environmental impact, animal welfare, and public record with a score of 98/100. 

The prestigious list of the Top 200 Ethical Companies and Brands recognised HOWND's commitment to positive ethical practices as they were independently certified through Ethical Accreditation by The Good Shopping Guide. HOWND plant-based nutritionally complete dog food has been included in the Food Tech 500 final ranking by Forward Fooding two years running.

April sees the launch of an exciting new range of freeze-dried dog food recipes from Kent-based Dr Veneta.

Freeze-drying is the latest phenomenon in the pet food market. It marries the convenience of a traditional kibble with the nutritional value of a raw diet.  The intricate freeze-drying process safeguards both the nutritional structure and shelf life of the products to create a far-reaching range that supports the ongoing health and wellbeing of our canine companions providing essential nutrients to your dog, such as  protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is also convenient and easy to use, highly digestible, grain free, is a complete meal, uses human-grade natural ingredients such as raw meat and vegetables and is high in protein. The food is suitable for all sizes and breeds of dogs from 6 months of age. The kibbles themselves also make excellent dog training treats.

The inspiration behind the brand is Dr Veneta Kozhuharova DVM, MRCVS, Cert.CFHVNut. who is Director of Associated Veterinary Services. As one of the UK’s leading practicing vets and canine nutritionists, Dr. Veneta has been instrumental, not simply in the day-to-day wellbeing of countless sick pets, but supporting forward-thinking pet food manufacturers assemble first class recipes jam-packed with nutritional integrity.

Dr Veneta said : “The creation of the Dr Veneta dog food range is a dream come true for me. I wanted to make a dog food that I could feed my own dog as well as dogs around the globe and to develop recipes that would support not just the wellbeing of dogs, but their microbiome which is responsible for so many physiological functions that happen in dogs’ bodies and where 84% of the all-important immune system resides. I also wanted my food to have functional properties and to tackle the most common ailments seen in an everyday veterinary practice – elderly dogs, anxiety, joint problems, poor digestion and skin irritations. Furthermore, I was looking for my dog food to be minimum processed so that the enzymes and the nutrients in the ingredients would be preserved.  I also wanted my food to be convenient for feeding, storage and transportation.”

Dr Veneta recipes have been developed using a holistic approach. All ingredients are wisely chosen and mixed to achieve certain effects and to support health conditions. In addition to herbs and superfoods, a “hero” ingredient, Nutritional Yeast which is fermented and gluten free and very palatable to dogs has been added to support and feed a dog’s microbiome. All meat proteins, vegetables and fruits are British and locally sourced supporting local communities.

Dr Veneta is available in four varieties: STAY MOBILE (Chicken Swede & Blueberry) STAY CALM (Turkey, Pear & Apple) STAY SHINY (Turkey, Salmon, Carrot & Blueberry) & STAY YOUNG (Pork, Pumpkin & Pear).

For further information visit www.drveneta.com

A popular dog day care centre has added another feature to its award-winning business – a grooming salon.

Norwich-based Tom and Toto won Dog Daycare Business of the Year at last year’s PIF Awards for its well-attended group walks in the city's green spaces.

Sarah Wright, owner of Tom and Toto, told the Norwich Evening News: “We're delighted to extend our services to include professional dog grooming. our mission has always been to cater to all the needs of dogs and their owners, and the grooming salon is another step towards achieving that goal.

Australian brand FuzzYard has launched its exciting Autumn Winter 24 Apparel Collection with great new on-trend styles, colours and fabrics.

Jackets, harness jackets, raincoats and sweaters, including the very popular Turtle Teddies (in new season colours), are in this comprehensive range available after the Summer season.

Each year FuzzYard produces a totally different collection which give its products the edge over competitors.

FuzzYard is distributed in the UK by In Vogue Pets. For full details on ordering, availability and pricing, contact Jonothan Goodman  at tradesales@invoguepets.co.uk or call  on 01923 853484.

One of the leading veterinary groups in the UK, IVC Evidensia, has reported a new milestone figure of 8.6% during 2023, illustrating they have reduced antibiotic use by almost a third in the last three years. 

This new figure represents both systemic and local antibiotic treatments and prescriptions in outpatient care, reported as a percentage of the total number of patient visits during 2023. It follows previous figures of 10.4% in 2022 and 11.8% in 2021.

The current statistics indicate that the UK is on track to hit a group target of 5% by 2030, which follows in the footsteps of other IVC Evidensia territories such as Sweden and Norway, who already have reached figures of 4.9% and 5.9% respectively.

Anna-Maria Andersson, Group Infection Prevention & Control Director for IVC Evidensia, commented: “Our vast international network enables us to share relevant knowledge and best practice for reducing the use of antibiotics, learning from those countries who are already ahead of the curve and evolving our strategy to keep the percentage going in the right direction. 

“The continued reduction in the UK will have far-reaching implications beyond educating clients about the global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), ensuring that our group is actively addressing the problem and taking a responsible approach to the use of antibiotics in the future.”

To achieve this progress in reduction figures, IVC Evidensia has implemented a number of group-wide campaigns, such as the Antimicrobial Stewardship (ASP) Programme, an Infection and Prevention Control Month and a partnership with RUMA CA&E:

• Dedicated vets have been empowered as local leaders (known as Antimicrobial Stewards) and given bespoke training, support and all the necessary tools to be able to safely reduce antibiotics used in their practices
• In October 2023, an Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Month was celebrated which raised awareness of the relationship between antibiotic use and hygiene where IPC ambassadors are the key players, championing excellent hygiene standards in their practices, which is absolutely essential to underpin a reduction in antibiotic use
• During London Vet Show in November, a partnership with RUMA CA&E was launched where vet professionals were able to access a free AMR Social Media Toolkit via a QR code, with assets to help support both colleagues and clients in understanding the dangers of AMR

Kelly Lee, Regional Veterinary Director for the Midlands, commented on the uptake of these campaigns in practices: “It’s wonderful to see such positive progress in reducing the use of antibiotics. It’s all thanks to the dedication of our colleagues in practice, who really care about the important One Health issue of AMR and are making sure it is getting the necessary focus.

“I believe a combination of these recent campaigns, alongside our vets’ willingness to raise awareness of the dangers of AMR with clients is what has led us to such positive figures. I look forward to working with our teams to drive the reduction down even further in 2024.”

Across the UK there have been efforts by vets to become more aware of their own attitudes towards antibiotics and as well as utilising the campaigns already mentioned, trying to be more aware of the potential dangers of AMR and educating themselves and clients over it.

One such example is Angharad Thomas, a Veterinary Surgeon from Fivelands Veterinary Centre in the West Midlands who made a practical change when it came to prescribing antibiotics in dentistry. This has led to a 17.8% reduction between 2022 and 2023: “Long dental treatments are a great time to chat to vet students, but one day, instead of quizzing them, I was trotting out my thoughts on the decision-making for the case when I reached post-operative drugs. Stopping here I asked, ‘What are you taught about this these days?’ I suppose I wasn’t surprised to hear that antibiotics didn’t feature. 

“It was a lightbulb moment: Why was I using post-operative antibiotics for my dental cases? I come from the generation of vets who were firmly taught never to give antibiotics to routine surgeries, so why was I continuing to use antibiotics in dentistry? All at once I felt terribly old and out-of-touch. I decided it was time for a change!

“Given that reducing antibiotic usage is now fairly well recognised by the general public, owners have appeared very supportive. A day three post-operative check provides reassurance that their pet is healing and allows us an opportunity to intervene if required.

“Being an ‘experienced’ vet can be a trade-off between textbook clinical decision-making and what we believe would work for our patients and their owners. Sometimes we need a paper or two to persuade us to change our ways, but here, going back to basic principles was enough for me. 

“Twelve months later, after watching my cases for any mild complications and reflecting on the whether such complications could be attributed to the lack of antibiotics, I am convinced that this change has had no negative effects on my patients.” 

To find out more about the most recent Positive Pawprint report and further information about antibiotic reduction across IVC Evidensia, head over to the website here

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury can be a serious blow to the careers of professional athletes such as England Lioness’s captain Leah Williamson, NFL quarterback Tom Brady, and Brazilian footballer Neymar Júnior, but did you know dogs often suffer cruciate ligament injury too?

A new study from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has shown that surgery can support better recovery from CCL ruptures in dogs, just like your favourite footballer or professional sportsman. The study found surgery was more effective than non-surgical management of the injury, helping to reduce injured dogs’ short-term lameness by a quarter (25.7%) and long-term lameness by a third (31.7%).

This evidence will help vets recommend the best course of care and management for owners deciding on treatment for CCL ruptures in their dogs. Like human ACL injuries, CCL ruptures in dogs are a serious and common problem, but are usually caused by gradual degeneration of the cruciate ligament until it finally ruptures in dogs.

Previous RVC VetCompass research* had reported that CCL rupture affects approximately 1 in 180 dogs and that Rottweilers, Bichon Frise, West Highland White Terriers and Golden Retrievers are at greatest risk of CCL rupture, with dogs most commonly affected in middle-age.

Treating CCL rupture often requires owners to decide between surgical and non-surgical management. However, until now, the evidence comparing clinical outcomes between surgical versus non-surgical management in dogs has been limited. Most previous veterinary studies were limited to reporting associations rather than showing true causal links between treatment and outcome.

To fill these data gaps, this new study measured clinical outcomes following surgical vs non-surgical treatment for CCL rupture to report on short- and long-term lameness as well as the use of pain relief medication prescription. These data were analysed using novel causal inference methods and demonstrated a substantial causal link between receiving surgical management and better outcomes.

Led by the RVC’s VetCompass Programme and supported by an award from Dogs Trust, the study was based on anonymised clinical records from more than two million dogs under first opinion veterinary care in the UK in 2019.

This study applied causal inference methods to the analysis of random samples of 815 dogs with CCL rupture aged between 1.5- and 12-years-old to replicate a randomised clinical trial and explore the impact of the different treatment methods. Balancing the arms of the study for variables including age, breed and bodyweight, the researchers compared the outcomes for the dogs who received surgical management for CCL ruptures to those that were managed non-surgically.  

The results showed that dogs managed surgically were 25.7% less likely to show short-term lameness at 3 months post-diagnosis and 31.7% less likely to show long-term lameness at 12 months post-diagnosis than dogs managed non-surgically.

Surgically managed dogs were 38.9% less likely to have a pain relief prescription at 3 months post-diagnosis, 34.1% less likely at 6 months and 32.7% less likely at 12 months than dogs managed non-surgically. These findings also similarly demonstrate lower longer term pain in surgically managed dogs.

Camilla Pegram, VetCompass PhD student at the RVC and lead author of the paper, said: “This study used an exciting new approach that allowed us to determine ‘cause’ rather than being limited to ‘association’. Surgical management for CCL rupture is often considered as providing better outcomes than non-surgical management, but this study now provides an evidence base to support this. Whilst surgical management might not always be feasible for some dogs, the findings allow vets to quantify the benefit in their discussions with owners.”

Dr Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor in Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC and co-author of the paper, said: “Uncertainty when deciding on the best treatment option for their ill dog is one of the hardest challenges for any owner. This new VetCompass research uses Big Data analyses from millions of dogs to give owners of dogs with cruciate rupture the best evidence to support the best possible treatment decisions. Good science should be caring as well as scientific.”

Paula Boyden, Veterinary Director at Dogs Trust, said: “We’re delighted that Dogs Trust can support a wide range of groundbreaking studies through its Canine Welfare Grants. This study has revealed useful data that can help vets guide owners to make the most appropriate decision to deliver the best outcome for their dog. We hope this new insight will lead to improved dog welfare.”

direct to your e-mail inbox...

The best news service every week.

Subscribe for free by clicking here

OATA has welcomed Emily Maunder as its new Scientific Support Officer.

Emily joins from Pets at Home, having previously worked in a number of independent aquatics retailers and a public aquarium before lecturing in Animal Welfare at Moulton College. She also has a first-class Master’s degree in Marine Biology from the University of Southampton.

In her new role Emily will support OATA’s Scientific and Technical Advisor Dr Matthew Bond with analysis, research and evaluation on a diverse portfolio of issues affecting the industry, and support the delivery of the trade body’s City & Guilds-accredited training programmes.

OATA Chief Executive Dominic Whitmee welcomed Emily to the team: “Emily has an excellent range of experience, from working in the industry, to lecturing on animal welfare, as well as a track record in data analysis that will be invaluable to her new role. We’re very pleased she has joined the team because we have plenty to keep her busy, from preparing for the CITES marine fish project to compiling our annual Trade Statistics report.”

Emily Maunder said: “I’m thrilled to be working with OATA to bring together my academic and industry experience for the betterment of the aquarium trade. The industry faces numerous challenges and I am delighted to have been given a role where I can help not only the industry itself but the animals it depends on.

“I've always had a soft spot for livebearers and currently have a tank full of Goodeids but I'm always on the lookout for more!”

In her spare time Emily also plays the Euphonium in a number of brass bands.

Pet loving Brits are forking out millions on DIY repairs caused by their furry friends running amok at home, according to new research by Novuna Personal Finance. 

The study, which polled over 2,000 UK homeowners aged 23 to 50, sheds light on the scale of misbehaving pets and the related repair bills impacting homeowners across the UK. 

The Novuna research, unveiling the scale of havoc unleashed by the nations pets reveals three quarters of Brits (75%) have experienced pet related damage at home, leading to an eye watering repair of £627m. 

From dogs destroying households at a cost of over £348m to a cat-a-strophic repair bill of £279m courtesy of the nations’ feline friends, the errant ways of the nations’ pets are coming at a considerable cost to homeowners.  

According to Novuna’s new study, soiled carpets and flooring damage (50%) leads the tail of destruction faced by half of all UK homeowners, whilst chewed furniture (32%) is a headache encountered by a third of pet loving Brits. 

Homeowners in their droves are also left chasing their tails to repair ripped furniture (23%), torn curtains (13%) and electrical damage (10%) thanks to their unruly pets. 

Indeed, due to the vast scale of unruly pets causing havoc across the UK, exasperated homeowners are fighting back, with nearly a third (32%) undertaking home alterations, equating to over 2m homeowners, to reconfigure their property in order to keep their unruly pets in check. 

Tails of destruction region by region: - Reconfigured pet friendly homes across the UK 

Theresa Lindsay, Director of Marketing, Novuna Personal Finance, said:  “Despite being a nation of pet lovers, the damage caused by our unruly four-legged friends is leaving an unexpected hole in homeowners’ pockets, as well as their furnishings.  With eye watering repair bills of over £1,000 for many households it demonstrates the lengths we’ll go to keep our furry friends happy, but also the importance of planning for unexpected costs."

Alarming figures have emerged from a second survey conducted by the British Independent Retailers Association in assessing the impact of the ongoing retail crime wave plaguing Britain's high streets.

Bira, who work with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, released its latest report to shed light on the escalating threat of retail crime faced by traders.

Conducted in March 2024, this second survey six months on, provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of criminal activities on independent retailers across the UK. The findings of the survey highlight the persistent threat posed by retail crime to independent businesses, with alarming statistics revealing the extent of verbal and physical abuse suffered by shop staff, as well as the increasing prevalence of theft and cybercrime.

The 2024 survey revealed 35.5% of people had experienced verbal abuse from individuals in their shop - a decrease of 7.5 percentage points in verbal based incidents from six months ago.

Among those subjected to verbal abuse this year, 66% chose not to report it, consistent with the figures from the previous year. Of those who did report it to the police, 29% indicated that the police didn't attend, showing an improvement in police attendance over the past 6 months. In the 2024 survey, of those where police did attend, 57% did not lead to prosecution - an increase in non-prosecution levels.

Shockingly, incidents of physical abuse are still high, with a slight increase of 7.95% (from 7.23%) of shopkeepers experiencing violence, including threats with weapons such as needles, knives, and even one shop keeper having a hammer thrown at them. Of those physically assaulted, a concerning 70% opted not to report the incidents to the police, while in 2023, 82% also didn't report it.

Of those reporting physical abuse to authorities this year, 62.5% didn't end in prosecution, while 25% of those calling for help, were not visited by the police.

The amount of physical abuse suffered by shop staff seems to have peaked within the last three months, while 53% reporting that physical attacks have gotten worse in the past year. Reports of shop workers being spat at, kicked, and pushed have been high.

One shop keeper said: "A customer threw a hammer at me in the shop and physically assaulted me. The police did not take action even though I had CCTV, his reg and his home address."

Another said: "We have had multiple issues where police haven't attended. One was when a customer shoved me out the way. The second a lady threw a bottle of drain clear into the shop without looking and police never came."

The survey revealed a concerning increase in theft, with items ranging from everyday essentials to high-value goods being stolen from shops. Notably, the number of higher-value items stolen (£200-£499) has skyrocketed from 7.35% to 25% in 2024, indicating a significant shift in the modus operandi of thieves.

A shop owner said: "It seems like it is high value quick sale items which are worse. Not necessities but small items stolen by thieves for quick turnaround such as electronics, Christmas lights and bulbs. It feels like they are stealing to order."

Of those surveyed, 96% expressed that retail theft had worsened over the past 12 months, mirroring the sentiment of 92% in 2023. Some shopkeepers conveyed their skepticism towards the effectiveness of the '101' number, citing it as "too much trouble" to report every incident, while many deemed reporting as "pointless".

In response to these escalating crime rates, shopkeepers are increasingly investing heavily in expensive CCTV equipment or adjusting their stock to deter thieves.

The survey also indicated a slight increase in cybercrime related to online product sales, rising from 6.8% to 9.4%, with fraudulent transactions and online scams being the most prevalent.

Shop owners expressed their desire for a greater police presence, improved response rates to crime, and stricter sentencing measures.

In September, police forces across England and Wales pledged to adopt a 'back-to-basics' approach to tackling retail crime, promising to pursue every lead with a reasonable chance of apprehending criminals and solving crimes. 

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "The results of our second crime survey paint a troubling picture of the challenges faced by independent retailers across the UK. Retail crime not only inflicts financial losses but also poses a grave threat to the safety and well-being of shop staff

T"he national retail crime action plan was launched last September and maybe it is too early to judge if it is making a difference. However, we are hearing mixed feedback about the buy-in from individual police forces and that is unacceptable. We have a national problem that merits a national, co-ordinated and consistent response. BIRA will continue to work with the Home Office and the police forces to better protect business owners and the people who work in the shop," he said.

The British Independent Retailers Association has said it is 'hopeful' to see consumer confidence rising after news that UK inflation had fallen to its lowest level for almost two and a half years.

Bira, who work with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, commented on the news that UK inflation has fallen to 3.4%.

The Office for National Statistics said that the slower pace of food price rises helped push down inflation, along with soft drinks, restaurants and hotels. The effect has also partially been offset by petrol prices and rental prices.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "It is good to see inflation falling, and hopefully, the decline will have a positive impact on consumer confidence. This confidence would be further enhanced if the Bank of England now did the right thing and started to reduce interest rates, especially as energy prices, a factor in inflation, will fall again in April."

For long-time user of CSJ feeds, Kevin Evans, topping the rostrum is a regular event and on the 9th and 18th of March he was there again with two different dogs.

First, with his male dog Hendre Tex, winning the Four Nations Nursery Championship and being in the Wales Team which won the Team Shield – then days later, with his female dog Kemi Gin, winning the European Nursery Championship.

Kevin has always been interested in dogs and it’s not surprising since he grew up on the family farm under the Brecon Beacons and his father, Dai, a top handler and trainer in his own right has had a huge influence in him.

His tally of wins is legion and it began early!  He was described as one of the most talented young handlers of his generation when, in 1994, at just 13 years old, he won the One Man and His Dog ‘Young Handler’ competition with his first trial dog.

Other early memories include winning the 2008 International Supreme Championship with Mirk and for many years now Kevin’s kennel has become a by-word the world over for top-notch dogs.

Take a look at Kevin Evans Sheepdogs https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063549425911 for numerous videos and photos over the years and … for more on CSJ products visit www.csjk9.com or call 01745710470.

After 44 years at the helm of the Company of Animals (COA), founder and CEO Dr. Roger Mugford is passing the torch to his daughter Emily.

Roger has been an influential figure in the pet industry, and his legacy will now be carried forward by Emily, who has been unanimously appointed by the COA Board as their new Chief Executive Officer.

In a heartfelt message to COA staff, Roger expressed gratitude for the fulfilling and varied career he has had with dogs and the COA. He highlighted the unique nature of COA as an independent business, free from the corporate constraints that dominate the pet industry. He emphasized both the past achievements and continuing opportunities that arise from his daughter’s appointment. 

Dr. Emily Mugford is a Veterinary Surgeon with a wealth of experience in the pet industry and has been a director and COA Board member for three years. In her introductory letter to the staff of COA, she shared her journey from packing Haltis when a child and in the early days of the company, to qualifying as a veterinary surgeon and then practice owner. She expressed pride in Roger’s achievements and outlined her commitment to build upon the foundations he has laid.

Having owned a veterinary practice and worked in various leadership roles within the veterinary industry, Emily brings a deep understanding of the pet industry. She expressed excitement about leading COA and her commitment to learning from the team, acknowledging both the present challenges and future opportunities.

Dr. Roger Mugford will continue to be involved in COA, overseeing The Pet Centre at the company’s UK headquarters on Ruxbury Farm and pursuing opportunities that benefit animals and the planet. He expressed gratitude to the staff for their loyalty and urged them to extend the same support to Emily.

The Mugford family's dedication to the well-being of pets and their owners is evident in COA's mission statement: "To enrich the lives of pets and people through innovative best-in-class products and services." Emily is poised to carry forward this mission, with an emphasis upon building strong customer relationships and a promise to focus on activities and products that enhance the human-animal bond, which are the core of COA's work.

The transition from Roger to Emily marks a new chapter for COA, emphasising continuity and a commitment to the values that have defined the company since its inception.

Yorkshire-based pet food company Inspired Pet Nutrition has announced an investment of over £30 million in new technologies designed to significantly expand technical capability, potential product range and capacity.  

IPN has invested more than £6m at its wet food facility to more than double its capacity.  The company has also invested close to £25m at its Thirsk-based factory to increase its technical capability, product range and use of fresh ingredients.  

Embracing the latest technologies and state-of-the-art equipment, the company is investing to ensure its portfolio of brands and products are consistently offering the highest possible quality, taste, and healthy nutrition. 

Despite this, two trends in the pet food industry are driving the need for investment: premiumisation and humanisation. Owners not only want the highest-quality nutrition for their pets but want to feed them recognisable ingredients and fresh recipes with high meat contents. 

IPN, owner of brands including Harringtons and Wagg, is one of the UK businesses continuing to invest in capital despite a turbulent economy to ensure customers still find value for money in its family of brands; its wide portfolio ranging from affordable to uber premium ensures there’s an accessible option for every pet owner, no matter their individual price point. 

Along with improving existing manufacturing processes, the investment will see the company upstreaming its supply chain; in doing so, IPN can ensure the use of the best quality ingredients. 

It comes just months after Inspired Pet Nutrition celebrated 100 years in business, evolving from a family-founded animal feeds company in 1923 to where it is now, with great grandson of founder James R Page, Richard Page, at the helm as Chairman. 

IPN acquired Pet Food UK in 2020, expanding its brand portfolio to include Barking Heads, Meowing Heads and AATU. It recently announced the achievement of becoming a £200m sales business, with ambitions of exceeding £500m of sales within the next five years.  

Chief Operating Officer Anthony Stones comments on what the investment represents for the business: “This valuable investment represents IPN’s core values in providing accessible, affordable nutrition. We’ve been developing our recipes and portfolio of brands for a century now and are constantly looking for ways to improve our offering for pet parents. By investing in our technical capabilities and upstreaming our supply chain, we have better control over the quality of our recipes and greater traceability of our ingredients. 

“Alongside this, we’re increasing the size of our technical team and will have a new laboratory. We’re also investing in real-time testing equipment – and all this means that there’s continuous improvements both to our products and manufacturing processes. 

“Our mission has always been to offer the best quality product possible for any given price point to consumers, and this investment represents our desire to constantly improve on this proposition with a sole intention – to keep pets healthy and owners happy.” 

Winning a New Product Award at the Pet & Aquatics Trade Show can have a tremendous impact on the fortunes of a PATS exhibitor. It can help turn a new launch into a bestselling item in pet stores around the country and clinch that all-important export deal.

One of the main reasons why the Award is held in such high esteem is the fact it is decided by a panel of independent retailers, who know what it takes for a product to fly off the shelves.

The New Product Showcase at PATS 2024, which takes place from Sunday 29^th September to Tuesday, 1^stOctober, at Telford International Centre, Shropshire, is always a popular feature with visitors, and it is expected that this year’s three-day exhibition will attract a record number of entries.

Here three companies who triumphed in the New Products Awards at PATS Telford in 2023 reveal what the accolade has done for their business.

Case Study No 1

Rogz – Winner of Dog Harnesses, Leads and Dog Wear with Amphibian Classic Collar. 

Sallie-Ann Reed, managing director for UK and Ireland, said: “For us as an established pet accessories brand winning the New Product Award at PATS last year provided recognition for the whole team for the endless hard work and creative determination to continue bringing new and exciting products to market.”

Do you think the award has helped to elevate your winning product in terms of exposure? 

“Absolutely. The UK pet market is extremely busy and receiving the award gave us the opportunity to stand out and shout about the fabulousness of our products and why retailers should choose to stock Rogz. It put us on the radar for sure.”

Have you used the award to promote the product? 

“We added the ‘New Product Award Winner 2023’ logo to our email footers straight away, then included the award photos and blurb to our digital platforms. Winning the award certainly added some kudos to the range!”

Will you be entering this year’s New Product Showcase?

“Definitely. Rogz is committed to the ongoing innovation and development to further enhance the brand portfolio and bring products to retailers that pet parents want to buy and love to use.”

Case Study No 2

Mealberry GmbH – Winner of Small Animal and Bird Products with Little One Christmas Tree (Christmas treat toy)

Doreen Werner, sales and marketing manager, said: “Winning the respected PATS New Product Showcase Award makes us very proud, as it acknowledges Mealberry’s expertise in the industry. Our products have already won five of these awards, and every time it gives us confidence that the company is on the right path of its development and growth.”

Do you think the award has helped to elevate your winning product in terms of exposure? 

“It definitely does. We experience the great brand awarness it creates on a daily basis. These awards are also a quality assurance for our new customers, and we believe they also help customers to recognise our company’s products in the market and choose them above others.”

Have you used the award to promote the product? 

“We use it all the time for our marketing and proudly show them at the big international events. Winning PATS Awards reflects on all the effort, time and hard work that we put into our products.”

Have you used the award to promote the product? 

“We are very greateful for this opportunity and won’t miss this chance to enter the competition. The New Product Showcase is a great way to announce novelties and winning the award is the best advertisement for a new launch.”

Case Study No 3

Naturaw – Winner of Dog Food Products with Naturaw Forage – Free Range Pork (lower carbon).

Chris Broadbent, director, said: “Winning at PATS for the past three years has been hugely beneficial to the Naturaw brand. It means everything in terms of credibility.”

Do you think the award has helped to elevate your winning product in terms of exposure? 

“It has certainly been helpful across the pet trade sector, both for existing stockists and helping to attract new ones.”

Have you used the award to promote the product?

“We have used the awards on our website and in both consumer and trade communication across a number of channels.”

Will you be entering this year’s New Product Showcase?

“Yes, we are looking at a number of options for 2024.”

To register for free entry to PATS 2024, which takes place at Telford International Centre from Sunday 29^thSeptember to Tuesday, 1^st October, visit www.patshow.co.uk

Jollyes, voted Retail Chain of the Year at the PIF Awards 2023, has opened its 100th store in Newport Gwent.

Since the beginning of 2022, Jollyes has doubled the size of its estate opening 35 new stores.

The Newport store, which opened on St David’s Day, underlines the company’s continued commitment to South Wales following openings in Llanelli and Merthyr Tydfil and the creation of 36 new jobs at private label supplier facilities in Llangadog and Pencader.

The Newport store opening saw the launch of the first ever Ambassadogs, a scheme to find local pets who are now Jollyes ambassadors. 

Jollyes recently secured significant backing from investment funds managed by TDR Capital LLP to enable it to accelerate its UK store growth plans.

The investment will enable Jollyes to continue to grow its store estate at pace, as it strengthens its position as a highly competitive number two in the UK retail pet market.

The deal with TDR Capital is expected to complete in April with retailer Andy Bond (executive chairman of Pepco Group and a former CEO of Asda) due to become non-executive chairman.

On completion of the investment, TDR Capital will take a majority stake in Jollyes alongside Andy Bond and management.  The investment will help to provide important new growth and support customers, colleagues and suppliers.

Jollyes will open its 101st store in Rotherham, South Yorkshire on March 22.

See gallery of pictures from the store opening below...

A Pets at Home spokesperson said: “We are incredibly disappointed the CMA's findings do not fully reflect our unique business model of locally-owned vet practices. Whilst our brand is national, our veterinary practices are led by individual entrepreneurial vets who have clinical and operational freedom. They choose all pricing, products and services to ensure the best care for clients and their much-loved pets in their local area, which promotes competition in the market and helps to keep prices low.

“We have been working closely with the CMA on their areas of concern and will continue to do so as their inquiry progresses to ensure the distinctiveness of our model is fully recognised.”

Pets at Home runs for 448 vet practices across the UK under its brand Vets for Pets.