Inflexion Private Equity announced this week that it has invested in Lintbells Limited, a leading producer of nutritional supplements for pets.

Founded in 2006, Lintbells is now the leading pet supplements company in the UK, including two key brands: YuMOVE, the number one joint mobility supplement for dogs and cats, and YuMEGA, the UK’s number one supplement for skin and coat.

Lintbells has growing international businesses in Asia and Europe.

The UK market for pet supplements is worth approximately £100m and is growing at 7% per annum as pet owners become more aware of the existence and effectiveness of such products.

With an immature and fragmented market, there is significant scope for Lintbells to scale further. There is also the opportunity to launch new products, enhance Lintbells’ existing digital presence and continue its international expansion.

Inflexion can draw on its experience in the pet-care market, having already invested in Medivet, the UK’s largest independent operator of veterinary practices, and Kynetec, the primary provider of market data to companies operating in this sector. 

Tim Smallbone, Head of the Enterprise Fund, Inflexion, commented, “We are delighted to have partnered with such a strong and motivated management team. The business is well placed to accelerate its already impressive growth in both the UK and internationally, with significant investment and R&D underpinning Lintbells’ prospects.”

John Howie, CEO & Co-founder of Lintbells, said: “We are excited to have brought on board a true partner whose international presence and sector expertise will be invaluable as we work together to drive Lintbells’ growth.

"We knew we had found the right partner when the Inflexion team showed the ability to quickly understand our business and what drives it. It made the process move incredibly swiftly.

"We look forward to working closely with them as Lintbells attracts new customers, launches new products, and enters new geographies.”

The Inflexion deal team comprised Tim Smallbone, Ben Long and Robin Senivassen. Ben Long will join the board on completion.

This deal was made by affiliated funds advised by Inflexion Private Equity Partners LLP.

British pet food brand Little BigPaw is looking forward to a successful 2018 with rapidly expanding UK and International partnerships after collecting a number of impressive industry accolades last year..

Little BigPaw was presented the Award for Innovation at the China International Pet Show held in Shanghai. The award honours companies whose products are highly innovative and embrace the latest global consumer trends.

The company was also thrilled to be crowned winners at the UK Pet Industry Federation Awards, walking away as Exporter of the Year in recognition of its overseas sales successes. Little BigPaw is now available in 40 countries worldwide.

Only recently launched, the company produces a range of super premium wet complete foods for dogs and cats.

All produced in the UK, every recipe is made with select, high quality ingredients and only with British meat. The foods are 100% natural, hypoallergenic and grain free, making them well suited to dogs or cats with sensitives or intolerances.

Little BigPaw provides optimum nutrition, but most importantly… big taste for all pets.

Little BigPaw is distributed internationally and works with many leading UK wholesalers including: Glenkrag, Natural Pet Products, Pedigree Wholesale, Su-Bridge and Trust Pet Products.

2018 promises to be even busier for the company with a selection of new products ready for launch early in the year.

For further information about Little BigPaw visit www.littlebigpaw.co.uk. To contact the team to discuss distribution opportunities in the UK or Internationally email bigtaste@littlebigpaw.co.uk.

Armitage's Dog Advent Calendar was a big hit with pet owners at Christmas, according to a nationwide bestsellers list.

The popular product was placed at No 52 in the Top 100 Christmas Products list produced by Garden Trade News.

GTN uses Epos data from garden centres to track what have been the top selling items throughout October, November and December, and Armitage's Dog Advent Calendar was a consistent seller during that period.

Another pet product made the Top 100 list – the Happy Pet Christmas Vinyl Dog Toy just scraping in at No 100.

Staying with the pet theme, the History & Heraldry Santa Paws Glass Bauble was the 26th bestselling product.

Following the growing success of Carnilove dry cat food, now available in independent pet stores throughout the UK, BSB Products is now importing and distributing Carnilove canned wet cat food.

The new Carnilove canned products are over 55% real meat together with forest fruits, vegetables and herbs. These grain and potato-free meat cans with a unique composition of white muscle meat provide a delicious meal for cats.

Unlike many other wet foods Carnilove is a complete food which means it has all the nutrients a cat or kitten needs to thrive, – there’s no need to feed anything else.

The canned products mirror the Carnilove dry product range of carefully selected wild-origin meats, which correspond to the composition of natural prey.

The five Carnilove cat canned recipes include Turkey & Salmon for Kittens, Chicken, Duck & Pheasant, Turkey & Salmon, Chicken & Lamb and Turkey & Reindeer.

These grain and potato-free meat cans with a unique composition of white muscle meat provide a delicious and healthy complete meal that respects cats’ natural nutritional needs.

Carnilove only contains the highest quality ingredients. The wild-origin meats provide quality sources of protein and the forest fruits provide nutrients, fibre and vitamins. Fruits are rich in anti-oxidants supporting cell protection and boosts the immune system. No chemicals, preservatives or colourants are added to the ingredients.

Carnilove wet foods are available in 100g cans and have an introductory price of £1.25.

To find out more about the Carnilove range, introductory offers and trade margins available, contact BSB Products on 01737 488400, email sales@bsbproducts.co.uk or visit www.carnilove.co.uk

The dog walking and pet sitting firm, We Love Pets, has been recognised as one of the UK's top franchises.

The Berkshire-based company was placed at No 66 in the list produced by industry magazine Elite Franchise 100.

The magazine recognises the country's brightest businesses and ranks them according to a range of criteria from their financial performance and heritage in the industry to their contribution to the community and the way they embrace innovation.

We Love Pets has been providing dog walking and pet sitting services to thousands of customers for 10 years.

Each branch is owned as a franchise, supported by a head office team of business, marketing and pet experts, vet nurse and solicitor.

"We’re delighted with the success of our franchisees, they have all complemented our ethos of looking after people and pets," said strategic director Jo White.

With one in three UK dogs now deemed clinically obese it’s plain to see that the fallout of ill-informed human eating and snacking decisions isn’t simply confined to human families. 

Spiralling veterinary bills, inadequate ‘walking regimes’ and inappropriate snacking are all playing a part in the inevitable growth of ‘pooch paunches’.

Fortunately January is that ‘healthier living’ time of year when pet owners not only reassess their eating habits, but those of their four-legged friends – a time of year when the award-winning Cotswold RAW operation traditionally enjoys its greatest surge of ‘raw’ enquiries.

Co-founder Mark Lewis said: "We applaud the commitment of National Obesity Awareness Week (January 8-14) to encourage humans to reassess their dietary habits at the start of the year but feel this open-minded outlook should be extended to the 26% of UK households that include a dog. 

"Our commitment remains one of converting dog owners from bland, dry  meal solutions to balanced, complete meal plans made with best-in-class British ingredients."

With this in mind Cotswold RAW will be championing a number of reduced price ‘starter pack’ offers over the coming weeks via its online shop (www.cotswoldraw.com) to encourage trial and the ‘healthy debate.’

Cotswold RAW actively embraces New Year, New Dog thinking!  Why should dietary detoxing be confined to humans?  It’s worth remembering that Cotswold RAW sits at the vanguard of modern pet food thinking mirroring the growing commitment among human orientated foods to: local sourcing, beneficial superfoods (turmeric), small batch production and raw thinking outlook that rejects vitamin and mineral sapping heat treatments.

Natures Menu has launched a new website, giving users the chance to see the clear distinction between the company's core brands – Natures Menu Original, Home Prepared, Country Hunter and the recently launched premium cat and dog food range True Instinct.

The website aims to enhance the user experience in key E-commerce areas including the customer registration and check out experience as well as being easier to use on a range of digital platforms including mobile and tablet devices.

Tracy Martin, E-commerce & Digital Manager at Natures Menu said: “This is the first in several planned online improvements, with customer subscription to be released in the next few weeks along with onsite customer personalisation.  Our aim is to create the best user experience possible for new and existing customers and retailers with a user-friendly site offering advice, information and E-commerce services.”

Natures Menu is the largest natural pet food brand in the UK and makes 15,000 deliveries every month, feeding over four million meals to pets across the world. As the largest raw pet food company in Europe, and exporting to over 20 countries worldwide, the business has grown from £10million to £30million in revenue, in just five years.

Natures Menu remains in charge of its entire supply chain providing ethically sourced natural ingredients with full traceability.

The company’s latest addition to the business is True Instinct, a premium brand which specialises in a complete and balanced range of grain and gluten free, natural raw and raw-inspired products.

The new range features complete and balanced frozen raw nuggets and freeze-dried raw treats for both cats and dogs. The True Instinct Raw Boost has also been introduced, which delivers the ultimate high meat protein, no grain, low carbohydrate diet with the power and taste of raw in every bite.

True Instinct will offer every meal across the formats in a variety of premium quality deboned meats, with vegetables, high quality botanicals and superfoods and no artificial colours flavours or preservatives.  The range will be available for Adult Dog, Small Adult Breeds, Puppy and Adult Cat across a number of variants.

For retailers wanting to place an order for True Instinct or to find out more information about Natures Menu and their ranges, email trade@naturesmenu.co.uk, phone 0800 0183770 or visit www.naturesmenu.co.uk.

By registering for a trade account, retailers can gain access to hassle-free online ordering, great value freezer deals and point of sale, plus free training and the option to become a qualified Raw Advisor.

A dog creche took centre stage at a special theatre performance of ‘The Hundred And One Dalmatians’, in Birmingham, when volunteers from Fish4Dogs gave helping hand to some four-legged VIP guests.

The stars of the show were not of the spotty kind - but a mix of breeds with very special skills: hearing dogs for deaf people, who had accompanied their owners to a BSL interpreted and captioned performance of the show at Birmingham Repertory Theatre.

Fish4Dogs are sponsoring this production at The REP and were keen to provide hands-on support for the facility which allowed owners to leave their dogs in the creche during the two-hour, 20-minute performance.

The creche was created in the theatre’s foyer – complete with cushions and animal print throws - where nine dogs were pampered with two-to-one care. The Fish4Dogs team were joined by expert handlers from Hearing Dogs for Deaf People to ensure that the dogs could receive all the play and attention they desired.

Fish4Dogs also provided the dogs with fleece blankets and ‘doggy bags’ of goodies for their owners to take home afterwards.

Jo Little, Marketing Manager of Fish4Dogs, said: “These dogs make such a difference to their lives of their owners. They are dedicated companions and helpers who are highly trained to assist people through an isolating disability by being their ears in the home and in public places.

“We are delighted not only to have supported The REP during its successful run of ‘The Hundred And One Dalmatians’ but to have provided some practical help during this performance and spend time with these wonderful dogs and a charity that provides such an amazing service.”

Sarah Jessiman who attended the performance with her husband Eddie and cross breed mix poodle, Kai, said: ‘We had a lovely evening at The Birmingham Rep watching ‘The Hundred And One’ Dalmatians and loved the puppetry in it. Fish4Dogs provided a great Hearing Dog play area with soft beds, toys and loads of people to look after the dogs. It was great to watch the performance knowing Kai was being adored!”

Rachel Cranny, Head of Fundraising at The REP said: “As a registered charity, The REP is committed to making its performances and activities accessible to all and we are delighted to have been fundraising in partnership with Hearing Dogs for Deaf People alongside our production of ‘The Hundred And One Dalmatians’. The support from Fish4Dogs has been really fantastic and the crèche was a truly unique and very special activity.”

Sharples have re-listed 'Smart y ball’ dog toy from de-list status due to high demand for it from the independent pet specialist channel. 

The popular product, which has a recommended retail price of £5.99, is now available to order from Bestpets.

'Smart y ball’has the following features:

• 6.5cm diameter.
• Impact activated.
• Lights up RED for 5 minutes.
• Water resistant.
• Easy to find in the dark.
• Supplied ready to use with batteries.

Contact your local Bestpets’ depot or Best-pets.co.uk  Alternatively, enquire via Sharples office on 01704 550044 or info@sharplespet.com

Tetra has expanded its popular Starter Line range with an 80L aquarium which comes as a complete set, ideal for providing a simple and safe introduction into the fascinating world of fishkeeping, or giving experienced owners the opportunity to futher their passion.
 
The Tetra Starter Line 80L aquarium contains TetraMin fish food, Tetra AquaSafe water conditioner and premium Tetra equipment including a filter, heater and lighting.

Thanks to the simple filtration, the Tetra EasyCrystal Filter is easy to use and helps to maintain healthy water quality while the integrated, modern LED light effectively illuminates the aquarium and promotes healthy plant growth.

With a 75 watt heater fishkeepers are able to expand on their experience with a range of tropical fish, which they can feed more easily with the practical feeding flap in the front section of the aquarium.

 
The Tetra Starter Line 80L Aquarium

• A sturdy 6mm thick glass aquarium with 80 L volume
• Robust cover with practical feed flap and a 10W strong LED light
• Powerful Tetra EasyCrystal filter 600 with two replacement filter cartridges
• Reliable 75W heater - preset to 25°C
• TetraMin complete diet for tropical fish
• Tetra AquaSafe water conditioner included to ensure water is safe for fish

Ashleigh Foster, Aquatics Marketing Manager at Tetra, comments: “Our Starter Line aquariums have been hugely popular in inspiring consumers to keep fish by offering them a simple and safe introduction at a great price.

"We‘re continuinly looking for new ways to innovate in order to make fishkeeping even easier than before, which is why our Aquatics App, which helps to promote positive water quality through a water test feature, also now has a new filter change reminder service.

"By educating consumers on the ease of fishkeeping as well as providing them with the solutions they need to successfully start their journey, retailers can position themselves as experts leading to an increase in store sales as well as supporting the growth of the industry.”
 
The Tetra Starter Line range now includes 30L, 54L and 80L aquariums to suit all levels of fishkeepers. The 80L aquarium is available from the January with an RRP of £99.99.
 
For more information about Tetra, visit www.tetra-fish.co.uk

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A high street pet shop in North-East London may be forced to close down because of plans to turn the building into a restaurant.

Family-run Parker’s Pets has been trading in Stoke Newington High Street for over 40 years but is set to close in March.

The pet shop is run by Mike and Jeff Parker, sons of the store’s founder Albert Parker. They sold the freehold to the building two years ago and have recently tried to find alternative premises.

Mike told the Hackney Gazette: “Our time has come to an end, because the leaseholder of the property feels he can get a higher rental income elsewhere.”

Mike and Jeff, who run a reptile and aquatic shop in Romford and a kennels in Harlow, have been looking unsuccessfully for another shop but they haven’t found anything they can afford.

Mike added: “We are disappointed. We have loyal customers and they are disappointed too.

“They want us to find somewhere else because there isn’t really another local pet shop in the locality, so we are still looking around to see if we can find something suitable.

“We want to carry on the business in the area if we can find something at the right price.”

CSJ says dog owners can turn New Year resolutions into reality whilst exercising their pet.

Now is the time of year when people turn over a new leaf and decide it’s time to take more care of their health and the answer could be with the help of the companion lying at their feet.

CSJ supports numerous canine events including sled dog racing, agility and flyball, but say the average pet owner can still get fit or lose weight by simply walking their dog.

Whilst most dog owners exercise their dogs to some extent not everyone does so every day or for long enough – so by extending the daily walk or making sure to get out every day can make a big difference.

Researchers recommend 150 minutes of weekly exercise to build stamina, burn excess calories and make your heart healthier so just a 20-30 minute walk each day easily accomplishes that target.

And it’s not just physical health that benefits as dogs are a great ice-breaker so owners tend to interact more with other people and can build a great social network thanks to meeting other walkers and by members of the public stopping to chat.

The dogs get fitter too!  CSJ have a large range of healthy and nutritious canine feed, treats and supplements – the ideal accompaniment for them and their owners is that daily exercise to help make those New Year resolutions count.

See more about the canine sports CSJ sponsor at www.csjk9.com

… and follow CSJ winners on

Facebook: https://facebook.com/specialistcaninefeeds/

Twitter:  @CSJDogFood

Instagram: @CSJDog_Food

YouTube:  CSJ Specialist Canine Feeds

easyJet has teamed up with TrustedHousesitters in a move that will make it easier for animal lovers to travel the world...

Pet owners will be able to choose a free, verified house sitter for their pet or find free accommodation as a house sitter when booking flights on easyJet.com.

“easyJet is committed to making travel as easy as possible for our customers," said Andrew Middleton, ancillary revenue director for easyJet. "This new partnership with TrustedHousesitters is the latest step we’ve taken to deliver on that promise.

“By helping holidaymakers find trusted people to look after their pets and homes or by helping them to find free accommodation in return for housesitting, we will make travel possible for even more people.”

TrustedHousesitters managing director, Tim Lyons, said: “There are millions of pet owners in desirable locations all over the world without adequate pet care, we can now enable them to travel more often with peace of mind, boosting tourism while giving people more authentic travel experiences.

“This helps make travel easier and more affordable all round.

“Our speciality is connecting people with authentic and amazing places to stay which include the company of an adorable pet, easyJet’s speciality is getting people there - I think we will make a great team.”

The unlimited house and pet sitting available through TrustedHousesitters comes with an annual membership fee of £89 a year.

Eukanuba has announced its 7^th year as lead sponsor at Crufts.

This year will see an exciting new addition to the agenda, with Eukanuba’s Puppy of the Year competition taking place at Crufts for the very first time. Held on Sunday 11^th March in the Best in Show arena, the final of the UK’s longest running stakes competition will see between 20 and 40 puppies compete to win the coveted title of Eukanuba Puppy of the Year.

During the show, Eukanuba will also host the UK final of the Eukanuba Champion Stakes competition on Thursday 8^th March, where over 20 show dogs will compete to be crowned this year’s winner. Not only does this offer a grand prize but the champion will go on to represent Britain in the Eukanuba World Challenge, which will once again be held at Crufts in 2019.

As lead Sponsor of Crufts, Eukanuba’s Head of Marketing, Giuliano Buccino, comments: “We are delighted to return to Crufts as Principle Sponsor for the 7^th year running and welcome our prestigious Eukanuba Puppy of the Year competition to the show for the first time. With so many great activities taking place, Crufts is a fantastic opportunity for us to celebrate the champions in our lives, whether they are working dogs, assistant dogs, or family pets. Crufts really is a platform for every dog to have their day.

“At Eukanuba, we encourage owners to learn more about the visible benefits and lifelong impact of premium nutrition, which is why we’re passionate about educating visitors on ways they can bring out the best in their dogs through 100% complete and balanced diets for happy, active pets.”

One of the unmissable attractions at this year’s show will be the pioneering new exhibition from Eukanuba. In a dedicated experiential zone, visitors will find themselves immersed in a range of interactive games and learning activities, where they will find out more about the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle and the premium nutrition needed for visible benefits with a lifelong impact.

As a leader in trusted, tailored nutrition since 1969, four recent Crufts’ champions, including last year’s Best in Show winner, American Cocker Spaniel ‘Afterglow Miami Ink’, and Eukanuba World Challenge winner Cinecitta ‘Ian Somerhadler’ have been fed on Eukanuba. Developed together with vets and recommended by breeders, Eukanuba’s premium nutrition uses chicken and turkey as its primary ingredient together with a tailored blend of vitamins and nutrients for visible benefits that last a lifetime.

Crufts will take place at Birmingham’s NEC from the 8^th to 11^th March 2018. For more information on Eukanuba please visit www.eukanuba.co.uk and to buy tickets visit www.crufts.org.uk.

FURminator has announced it will be returning to Crufts in 2018 as the show’s official grooming partner where it will educate pet owners on the importance of regular grooming and de-shedding sessions.
 
As well as showcasing its new FURflex tool, which allows pet owners to groom multiple pets with ease thanks to its interchangeable heads, FURminator will also be welcoming Stuart Simons, Director and Founder of The Groomers Spotlight and Professional Groomer to the stand as its grooming expert.

Together with a team of certified groomers, recognised for their skills through The Groomer’s Spotlight, Stuart will be offering live demonstrations, insight on popular trends, and interactive Q&A’s to educate owners of the visible health benefits of regular grooming sessions.
 
Stuart Simons comments: “I’m absolutely delighted to be working with FURminator and can’t wait to attend Crufts as their grooming expert. I’m hugely passionate about educating owners on the importance of regular grooming sessions, whether it’s in the home or through a certified professional, to support pet health and ensure the best for their four-legged friend.”
 
Gemma Serdet, Brand Manager at FURminator adds: “We’re very excited to be returning to Crufts as the official grooming partner. At FURminator, we understand the importance of maintaining a healthy skin and coat for pets which is why our grooming solutions are tailored to help all kinds of dogs to look Best in Show every day.”
 
Crufts takes place at Birmingham’s NEC from the 9th to 12th March 2017. FURminator will be based in Hall 3, stand 48.

Royal Canin has started the year by making two new appointments in the marketing team, enabling the company to focus ever more clearly on growing business in the specialist pet trade and with dog and cat breeders.

Ben Hurley joins as Royal Canin marketing manager for the retail channel. His 15 year career in retail, including in the grocery sector with Wm Morrison and Wilko, has given him extensive expertise in all areas of customer communications, on and offline and with consumers and retailers. 

Ben says: “Customer communications has been a major part of my career, and something I am passionate about.  With Royal Canin there are so many very strong messages to communicate that the challenge will be deciding which to share. I look forward to working with our retail partners to develop marketing plans and drive category growth.”

Cerri Davies joins as Royal Canin marketing manager for the Breeder & Professional channel following 10 years with C&J Clark International, the British based global shoe manufacturer and retailer.  Her expertise includes trade, consumer and international marketing. 

Cerri is looking forward to working closely with breeders, service and rescue to support their endeavours and build closer partnerships with Royal Canin. 

She says: “Although coming from the world of shoes to the world of dogs and cats may seem like a big change there are similarities in the business, and as a committed pet lover I’m very keen to nurture our relationships with the breeders, services, charities and rescue centres who feed Royal Canin so that we can continue to work together effectively, and build relationships with those looking to feed Royal Canin so that we can bring a higher level of health nutrition to more dogs and cats.”

Pauline Devlin, Royal Canin Corporate Affairs Director, comments: “Dog and cat breeders are a vital source of new customers for the specialist pet trade.  Every time a puppy or kitten goes to a new home with a Royal Canin welcome pack represents an opportunity for the local pet specialist, and we support this by providing details of the local stores and vouchers to redeem against free packs or money off future purchases.  Combined with our loyalty card scheme we offer owners a real alternative to the grocery channel – not least because of the nutritional benefits that ROYAL CANIN® offers the puppies, kittens, cats and dogs at every stage of their life.

“We welcome Ben and Cerri to the team, and I am sure they will very soon be out and about meeting the people who breed the pets and who provide the information, expertise and product to the cats and dogs Royal Canin feed.”

For more information about the Royal Canin retail ranges for dogs and cats and the PRO ranges for breeders, contact your Royal Canin business advisor, call 0845 6069980 (retail), 0845 300 5965 (PRO), or visit www.royalcanin.co.uk.

Squire’s Garden Centres in Badshot Lea and Stanmore are holding a special Pets & Aquatics event on Saturday 27^th and Sunday 28^th January.

There’ll be 20% off all pet food and accessories all weekend, as well as loads of free activities, including dietary and nutritional advice, a family quiz, children’s face painting, meet and cuddle furry animals, learn about exotic reptiles, and even free micro-chipping for your pet at Squire’s in Badshot Lea!

See www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk for full details.

Vet’s Kitchen Little Stars Sensitive+ treats are not only fun, but they’re healthy too.

These natural, hypoallergenic pork dog treats are free from any artificial nasties, and benefit from natural, active ingredients such as Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM for healthy joints, and Omega 3 and 6 to maintain a healthy heart, skin and coat.

Little Stars have been carefully formulated with the added vet know-how from Vet’s Kitchen’s own in-house veterinary practice, Vet’s Klinic.

They make ideal training treats because they’re small, soft, breakable, and very tasty.

Plus, they’re easy to incorporate into a balanced, calorie controlled diet as they’re the first treat in the UK market to be calorie rated.

A pet shop in Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, has ceased trading, with lack of business in the local area being blamed for the closure.

According to the Lancashire Telegraph, five people lost their jobs after the Pet Warehouse shut its doors to the public on Christmas Eve.

The newspaper reported that owners Mark and Julie Bleasdale, whose family has been in the pet trade for over 100 years, have been forced to close the Oswaldtwistle store because of a lack of business in the area.

Manager Michelle Turner, 38, who worked at the store for more than 13 years, told the Lancashire Telegraph: “I feel so sad. My time here has been amazing. We have so many wonderful customers who have brought all their pets in and I will miss them all.

“Sadly I think we are closing down because of a lack of business. I think people are shopping elsewhere and going online because they find it easier to do.”

Local councillor Glen Harrison said: “It’s another body blow for Oswaldtwistle. It’s a crying shame because we want our town to flourish but unfortunately if people do not do their shopping locally it damages the local economy. If you do not support local traders this is the horrible reality.”

And customer June Smith wrote on Facebook: Such a shame this is closing down, the staff were great always friendly and helpful and if what you wanted was not in the shop they would always order it in for you. Hope you all find jobs and enjoy them as much as you have at pet warehouse...good luck to all staff.”

Click here to read the full Lancashire Telegraph story.

It has been an amazing and eventful year for the UK pet industry with companies being bought and sold, as well as scores of exciting and innovative new products being launched. What better way to look back on 2017 than through the best-read stories of the year?

1. ‘Dragons’ Den’ firm to launch premium dog food range - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 48 2017
2. Vital Pet Products sold by the Steuart family for £12.8m - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 9 2017
3. Britain’s most dog-friendly pub revealed - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 46 2017
4. Pets at Home opens up store inside Tesco Extra - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 46 2017
5. Wynnstay to appoint administrators for Just for Pets - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 37 2017
6. Frozzys takes fresh approach to consumer shows - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 40 2017
7. Just for Pets back in business following acquisition by Pedigree Wholesale  - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 42 2017
8. PATS Sandown 2017 New Product Awards revealed - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 12 2017
9. PetQuip Awards 2017 finalists revealed - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 31 2017
10. Dog toy set to take the market by storm in 2018 - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 40 2017
11. Award-winning pet store stages successful charity event - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 15 2017
12. New pet store offers unique shopping experience - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 23 2017
13. Underperforming' Just for Pets set for change - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 21 2017
14. How pet shop owner overcame disability to win Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 46 2017
15. Pets at Home store to close at the end of the week - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 35 2017
16. Natures Menu celebrates successful launch of True Instinct  - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 41 2017
17. UK firm launches £150,000 luxury dog house - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 23 2017
18. Benyfit Natural set to launch new Mini recipes - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 11 2017
19. Forthglade backer invests £5m in Barking Heads - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 10 2017
20. Mars Petcare UK plans to axe scores of jobs - Pet Trade Xtra - Issue 20 2017

A grieving pet owner has warned dog walkers to be vigilant after his golden retriever died within minutes of eating a dead fish washed up on a beach.

Mike Hamilton said his dog Hattie became unwell after a trip to Cley next the Sea, Norfolk, on 31 December.

Hattie along with Mr Hamilton's spaniel Bramble, who is now seriously ill, had been scavenging along the tide line.

The RNLI warned owners to be vigilant, while the Environment Agency said it hoped to take samples from the fish.

An Environment Agency spokeswoman said many fish had been washed up along the north Norfolk beach in recent storms.

Mr Hamilton, of Quidenham, Norfolk, said Hattie would have a post-mortem examination on Wednesday.

"What we found so distressing was the speed we lost Hattie - that was really shocking," he said.

The Environment Agency said a number of fish, starfish and marine life had been washed up at the beach following a spate of storms

Cocker spaniel Bramble has received antibiotics and rehydration treatment after she also became ill hours after Hattie's death.

Hattie and Bramble had been picking up and eating bits of washed-up fish and starfish, while his other three dogs played in the sea.

On the walk back to the car, the four-year-old retriever started vomiting, which Mr Hamilton and his partner Julie Thomas initially blamed on her swallowing seawater.

But just an hour later, he found Hattie dead in the back of the car after driving home.

"We are not trying to spread panic, we are just saying be mindful, be vigilant," said Mr Hamilton.

Norfolk Wildlife Trust advised dog walkers to keep pets under "close supervision".

It warned dogs should not "eat anything washed up on the shore, as some dead animals can be toxic".