A Royal Horticultural Society trial to allow dogs into its prestigious gardens at Wisley, near Woking in Surrey, has caused a social media row among its members.

The RHS plans to hold a special ‘Walkies at Wisley’ trial evening on 23 August from 6-8pm. 

The organisation said on its RHS Wisley Facebook page: “We know that many of our visitors are dog lovers, so have decided to introduce a trial opening for your four legged-friends.

“If you and the pooch would like to come along to this exclusive evening, we have a couple of points to note. Firstly, dogs must be kept on leads at all times, and secondly, please clear up after your dog.

“The evening is free to RHS Members. Non-members can gain discounted entry at £7 per adult, £5 per child. Dogs go free!”

But the special event brought more than 250 comments on the Facebook page with many posters threatening to cancel their RHS membership if more events like this one were introduced to the organisation's gardens throughout the country.

To give a balance to the argument we’ve picked out three posters who hate the idea and three who love it.

AGAINST

Helen Mabbott: We are very disappointed to hear this and will also give up my membership if dogs are allowed to visit. Even if poo is picked up it still leaves a trace, dog wee cannot be cleaned up. Small children enjoy rolling in the grass and crawling in relative safety which will cease if dogs are allowed. I don’t want to trip over leads or have dogs coming up to me or shaking off water from puddles near me, or listen to barking. I expect it at other locations where dogs are welcome but I purposely go to Wisley for the safety and security including no dogs. There are a million places to take dogs, not Wisley.

Pauline Bronger: Very disappointing news. Will not renew my membership if it becomes a permanent fixture. There are ranges, woods and parks a plenty. Don't spoil the tranquillity, and natural habitat with the smell of dog urine! 
You can sit down anywhere at Wisley in the knowledge that you are not going to sit on anything you shouldn't, or sit and lean on a tree without it smelling like a dog toilet. Definitely a bad a idea. It will be kiddies scooters next!!

Clauds Amiga: Are you kidding???? This is a terrible idea I’m really disappointed. There are lots of places to walk dogs not somewhere like Wisley! I was just saying the other day it’s one of places I know I can visit with the kids and not worry about dog poo and the lazy owners that do not pick it up!!! Ridiculous...

FOR

Kayla Moth: To all those moaning about allowing dogs inside - I bet many of the dogs will be better behaved than some of your screaming children that I've witnessed in the gardens, trampling all over the flowers and the parents not caring. At least dogs will be on a lead!

Pauline Warner: Some of these comments from people threatening not to renew their membership are hilarious...how far up ones own behind do you need to be to think that that will make any difference......opening the gardens once or twice a month on a regular basis will probably bring in more subscriptions from dog owners than the ones that leave.

Denise Geoghegan: Unbelievable comments against dogs on here. Have you seen what humans have done to their environment filth and waste ??? Dogs will be on a lead. Why shouldn't dogs and their owners have a chance to enjoy this lovely place ?? If people want to cancel membership.. go ahead....there will be far more joining because people can take their dogs who are an integral part of a family and the British way of life.

You can read all the comments by clicking here

Pets at Home has benefited from a lift in sales after it brought down prices to compete with online rivals.

On a like-for-like basis, retail sales were up 6.1% while vet sales grew by 13.6%.

Pets at Home has been lowering prices to drive higher sales and has been expanding its vet services business, which chief executive Peter Pritchard has described as one of the “biggest opportunities” for the firm.

Stock had been heavily shorted this year, and its share price almost halved between October 2017 and August.

However, following the results update, the chain’s shares jumped by more than 12%.

“The product price gap between Pets at Home and online rivals has halved in the last 18 months, helping improve brand loyalty and deterring consumers from switching to discounters or supermarkets,” said Fiona Paton, retail analyst at Global Data.

“The ‘easy repeat delivery’ subscription service, allowing customers repeat delivery of perishable pet goods across approximately 350 products, is an added way to defend against online competition.”

Mr Pritchard said: “I am really pleased with our start to the year, particularly as trading across both retail and the vet business has been consistently strong.

“But I believe we need a sharpening of focus to become a business that will continue to win over the long term, where it is essential that we maximise our assets and data as an integrated pet care business and reinvigorating the customer experience in-store becomes key.”

• British cat owners are unknowingly feeding their pets poor quality food as well as handing out scraps like chicken nuggets and cheese, according to research.
• A study of 2,000 cat owners revealed many are oblivious about what foods could be harmful to their moggy’s health – with some even sharing takeaways and leftovers.
• One in 20 simply buy the cheapest cat food on offer, and a further 15 per cent swap from brand to brand dependant on what’s on offer.
• And leading veterinarian Rodney Zasman explains that serving up some of the cheaper cat foods available, could be no better than feeding your cat a daily dose of McDonald’s.

The research, commissioned by Lily’s Kitchen, to coincide with the launch of its new Suppurrs Stew cat food range, also found nearly four in 10 cat owners NEVER check the label when buying cat food, with 64 per cent baffled about what they should look for.
 
A fifth of owners don’t even know their cats are carnivores – which would explain why one in 10 would feed raw vegetables, and another one in 20 salad leaves, to their cat.
 
Rodney Zasman, leading London veterinarian, said: “It’s alarming that many of the nation’s cat owners are oblivious to what constitutes a healthy diet for their pets. Particularly when healthy eating plays such a big part in modern day living for the owners themselves.
 
“One of the biggest dangers to our cats’ health is actually poor quality, mass produced pet food.
 
“In some instances these foods contain as little as 4% meat and, as a result, cats aren’t getting the nutrition they need to keep them healthy.  But many cat owners are largely unaware of this fact and only find out when they take their poorly or overweight moggy to the vet.” 
 
Despite not being clued up on feline food needs, two thirds of British cat owners believe the food they buy covers all of their pet’s nutritional requirements.
 
Interestingly the study shows 67 per cent of owners would NOT be prepared to feed their cat carcasses of other animals, hides and skins, pigs’ bristles, heads of poultry and feathers – and yet experts warn that’s exactly what can be found in some cat foods in supermarkets today.

Vet Rodney Zasman adds: “Feline obesity is a huge issue in the UK, as well as a host of other health complaints, many of which are caused by eating the wrong type of food which is low in real meat and high in a range of other, less nutritious ingredients, cleverly disguised on the label as ‘meat and animal derivatives’.
 
“In many cases it isn’t the owner’s fault however. Cats are independent creatures and often very fussy eaters so it’s not always easy to tell when a cat is becoming unwell due to its diet.  As owners we just want to see our pets happy and feeding them something they like is usually top of owners’ priorities.”
 
This fact is reflected in the survey results. For a third of respondents, the choice of food to provide isn’t theirs – as their cat simply won’t eat a brand other than its favourite. However, by patiently transitioning cats onto new foods, owners can have a much better success rate when introducing a new recipe.

• Four in 10 Brits give foodstuffs to their cat when they aren’t sure it’s healthy for them – and almost a quarter will still feed their cat treats even if they know it won’t do them good.
• A further 40 per cent are happy to share their own meals with their cats, with some handing out scraps from their own plates.
• And one even reported their cat loves nothing more than to nibble on a piece of leftover fruitcake when given the chance, which could be harmful to the cat.
• A third of pet owners have given their cat cheese without realising large amounts can be dangerous, and one in 20 have offered it a piece of chocolate.
• And almost a fifth are happy to let their cat lick from a bowl of cream, which can be unhealthy for pets.
• More than a third of Brits worry their cat isn’t eating as healthily as they could be, and time spent preparing pet food is a fraction of that spent cooking for the human members of the family.
• Sadly, on occasion a cat’s diet can lead to professional intervention; as a fifth of cat owners have had to take their pet to the vet after eating something that disagreed with it.
• A further 28 per cent admit their cat has been diagnosed with either being overweight, or suffering another medical condition such as skin problems and diabetes due to its diet.

Henrietta Morrison, founder and CEO of Lily’s Kitchen, said: “We want to help educate cat owners about what constitutes a healthy diet – including proper meat and natural ingredients – which will keep the nation’s cats purring happily and healthily.
 
“What concerns us most is the amount of ‘nasties’ that are contained in some of the mass-produced cat food available in UK supermarkets, including cheap bulking ingredients such as cereals, which cats can find difficult to digest.
 
“Cat owners don’t stand a chance when the labelling is so misleading and doesn’t state clearly what the packet or tin contains. In some cases, meat and animal derivatives with only 4% of the specified ‘meat’ are included in the total ingredients, which could be anything from feathers and skin to heads of poultry.”
 
Lily’s Kitchen’s new Suppurrs Stew range of food for cats is made using only proper meat and offal, with 33% delicious shredded chicken fillets and absolutely no meat-meal, fish-meal, bone-meal or rendered meat.  Available in Pets at Home, Waitrose, Ocado and independent pet shops nationwide.

• Cat ownership reaches five year high, with a fifth of Brits having a feline family member
• Wales, the South West and the South East are the most moggy mad regions in the UK
• Scale of pampered pets revealed: almost half (46%) of UK cat owners buy their pets gifts, while a fifth treat their cat to a present monthly

Cat crazy Brits spend a whopping £7.9bn each year on their feline friends, according to new research from IAMS UK.

The survey, released to mark International Cat Day, reveals the true scale of the UK’s pampered pets, as half (46%) of cat owners admit to treating their pets to a gift on special occasions and a fifth (20%) to purchasing a present for their furry friend monthly.

In addition, a quarter of cat lovers in the West Midlands even confess to buying their beloved pet a gift on a weekly basis!
 
With cat ownership at its highest level in five years1, the UK’s love for the four-legged feline should perhaps come as no surprise. There are over 8 million pet cats across the nation2, with one in five (18%) Brits owning a pet cat.

However, when it comes to identifying the most moggy mad regions, it seems there is a North / South divide, as Wales, the South West and the South East take the top spot3. In fact, an astounding 5% of cat owners in the South East live with a family of 5 or more cats.

10 Most Popular Cat Breeds

1. British Shorthair
2. Bengal
3. Siamese
4. Maine Coon
5. Persian
6. Ragdoll
7. Russian Blue
8. Scottish Fold
9. Savannah Cat
10. Sphynx Cat

While the humble moggy remains the most popular choice of cat for over half of cat owners in the UK (55%), the research from IAMS also reveals the top 10 cat breeds in Britain. In top spot is the British Shorthair (50%), followed by the Bengal (9%) and Siamese (8%), while at the bottom of the table is the Scottish Fold (3%), Sphynx Cat (3%) and Savannah Cat (1%).
 
Dispelling any misconceptions that cats are aloof or distant, when asked what they loved most about their furry friend, the top reasons cited by owners include the fact that cats make great company (52%) and love to cuddle (33%), combined with their playful nature (30%), intelligence (22%) and independence (28%). What’s more, when describing their beloved pets, the top adjectives used are happy (57%), loving (33%) and mischievous (24%).
 
To showcase that just like humans, each cat has a unique personality, IAMS has revealed further insight into the individual traits of cats across the nation, with some surprising results:

• The happiest cats in the UK are from East Anglia (81%) and the friendliest from Scotland (44%)
• The most mischievous felines are from Yorkshire (33%) and the sleepiest from Wales (25%)
• The North West is home to the most pampered (35%) cats, while the North East is home to the most loving (63%)
• A fifth (20%) of Londoners describe their cat as a ‘foodie’ while fussy felines in the South East are more often considered ‘nibblers’ (20%)
• Cats from the South West are energetic (25%) and athletic (20%), while in Northern Ireland, two fifths (40%) of cat owners consider their pets to be adventurous (40%), followed closely by nosy (20%) and greedy (20%) 

No matter what our pet’s personality, with recent reports showing that 76% of pet owners see their pet as their own child4, it’s clear we Brits are moggy mad.
 
To help pet owners find out more about how to keep their beloved cat as happy and healthy as possible, IAMS Nutrition Expert and Veterinary Training Manager Kellie Ceccarelli has some advice:
 
“The secret to perfect pet parenting is understanding what your cat needs to be happy and healthy. As well as plenty of activity, play and of course, cuddle time, providing them with a 100% complete and balanced diet, rich in high quality animal protein is key. That’s why IAMS contains high quality chicken and turkey as the number one ingredient to support strong muscles and a healthy skin and coat, while offering a great taste that cats naturally love.”

For more information go to www.iams.co.uk or visit IAMS UK on Facebook.

Mackenzie & George has added a new Dog Collar Collection to its range of high quality British-made leather accessories.

The company officially launched the collection at The Game Fair at Ragley Hall with a competition, and now the collars are available online to order.

“We’ve been asked for a long time for dog collars, and as so many of our customers own dogs, it’s a natural step. But they had to be right,” said Melanie Clarihew from Mackenzie & George.

“We developed the range to allow flexibility for customers, so they could choose leather colour, whether or not they wanted cartridge detail, and whether or not they wanted personalisation.

"We also needed it to be in alignment with our other products, with our quality and craftsmanship being at the forefront.”

The Dog Collar Collection is currently available in chestnut and black, in four medium widths (25mm) and three large widths (30mm). That said, as all collars are made in Mackenzie & George’s Shropshire workshop, special orders can be taken.

“We’ve designed the Collection so the collars looks lovely as they are, with or without our own brass cartridges, but it can also be personalised,” said Melanie. “As per the belts, we offer three personalisation styles (debossed, gold foil and silver foil) and can personalise how you like too. We’ve seen people personalise with their phone numbers, surnames, initials and more… the choice is yours.”

The Dog Collar Collection is made using vegetable tanned leather and benefits from solid brass fittings, as per the belt collection. The collar prices start at £39.99 with personalisation and cartridges costing extra.

For more information, see www.mackenzieandgeorge.com

The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association says it is deeply concerned by the new Animal Activities Licensing (AAL) regime which comes into force in England only on 1 October, 2018, and is warning businesses to get ready for its implementation in good time.

The new licensing regime for England expands the types of businesses which need to be inspected and issued a licence by their local authority. For the ornamental fish industry this means that aquatics shops and commercial fish sellers continue to need a licence and, for the first time, other businesses which deal in live fish will also need to be inspected.

The AAL regime also introduces a starred system for the first time by which all businesses will be rated. This will then be used to determine the length of their licence from one to three years.

“We have serious concerns about this star rating system which OATA has not been consulted on. We believe it will be very difficult for any business, especially smaller ones, to achieve the 5 star rating,” commented OATA’s Chief Executive Dominic Whitmee.

“Overall, we think this new regime will create many problems for businesses, especially smaller retailers and the newly captured businesses because of its complexity and the significant new burdens it introduces. Despite having raised our concerns with Defra on many occasions a number of our fundamental concerns remain.

“Defra has to review the new system so we will carefully monitor its implementation and gather evidence to support future changes. We are therefore very keen to hear from our English members about how they find getting their renewed – or new – licence from October. There are more details on our website about how they can let us know.”

OATA is now urging those new businesses which will need a licence to apply to their local authority to find out what will be expected of them. For example, some aquaculture production businesses (APBs) which are inspected by the Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI) will not need a local authority inspection. But if APBs are not inspected by FHI then they will need to be licensed by their local authority.

OATA has pulled together information on its website and will be issuing advice and templates to help its English members meet the new requirements in the near future. Find out more here https://ornamentalfish.org/what-we-do/set-standards/animal-activities-licensing-england/.

With almost one in ten UK households estimated to own a fish tank and a further 1.3 million outdoor ponds in the UK, the aquatic leaders at Tetra are passionate about driving new users to learn more about fishkeeping by raising awareness of this fantastic hobby. That’s why Tetra is investing in digital media to target new and existing fishkeepers via a social, search and display campaign.

The launch of the campaign is the latest in Tetra’s ongoing commitment to the aquatics industry and involves investment in brand development to drive growth for the fishkeeping category. 

Running through to September, the campaign will support Tetra’s aquariums, food and care products as well as outdoor pond products, including a hero competition running from now until 24^th August 2018 giving consumers the opportunity to win a garden furniture and BBQ set with the purchase of any Tetra Pond product.

Ashleigh Foster, Senior Brand Manager for Tetra commented: “The new media campaign is a really exciting piece of activity and we’re thrilled that we can support the future of the hobby with digital advertising spend to attract new people into fishkeeping.

“Not only can we be very specific with our targeting, but digital also gives us a huge opportunity to inspire new people to join the hobby.

"This campaign is the latest in our ongoing digital activity, which includes the launch of our social channels in 2016, the introduction of our aquatics app and earlier this year, our podcast series in collaboration with Practical Fishkeeping – all designed to make fishkeeping as easy and as accessible as possible.”

The RSPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare charity in the country, will be showcasing its wide range of products at PATS Telford on September 23-24.

The charity will have an exciting range of products for sale, including flea treatments, pet shampoos, pet food, toys, and gifts. 

All treatments sold, where applicable, have been approved by the welfare experts, RSPCA science teams and vets at the charity.

The RSPCA brand is a powerful endorsement with a 93% recognition rate.

RSPCA FLEAaway kills fleas, ticks and lice with an easy to use, award winning pipette. RSPCA pet shampoos are gentle on skin, free from enzymes, silicones, parabens, alcohol and DEA. All shampoos carry the Leaping Bunny certification and are produced in the UK.

The RSPCA pet food is a super premium, complete food for all ages and those who need a lighter diet. It is formulated by RSPCA experts and used in RSPCA animal centres. Keep an eye out for RSPCA grain free, higher welfare dog food. Dogs in RSPCA rehoming centres have responded brilliantly to this new recipe.

RSPCA Retail Manager Ellie Clarke said: “Everything that the RSPCA sell, you can buy with confidence that your pet’s welfare is in mind.

“Even better all the money the RSPCA makes goes back into the vital work the RSPCA does to improve animal welfare.

“With the RSPCA not only are you buying quality products that your customers will love, your customers will love you for supporting the RSPCA too.”

Looking for something a little more fun? The RSPCA has a range of accessories including beds, bowls, toys and gifts for your furry friends and your human friends too.

The RSPCA stand will be at D34.

This month sees Cotswold RAW extend its rural offer with the launch of its second Wild countryside flavour, Duck & Venison that will sit proudly alongside its best-selling Rabbit & Venison.

Whilst it’s well-known that Cotswold RAW is a vocal advocate of rural sustainability, the local farming community and the wider countryside economy, it’s worth noting that Cotswold RAW is a proud supporter of the nation’s dwindling gamekeeper fraternity..

Gamekeepers are the cornerstone of the countryside community, and originated from the medieval era to thwart deer poachers, before evolving over the centuries into custodians of countryside conservation, land management and the wider preservation of woods, hedgerows, fields and rivers.

When one considers that BARF thinking is about reconnecting our pets with a time when dogs lived off the land, (pre bland kibble of heat bombarded ready meals) it makes perfect sense that Cotswold RAW champions a couple of lines that provide an occasional break from more everyday farmyard flavours.

According to Co-founder Chris Brierley: :Our premium pet food’s trajectory is inextricably linked with the very latest trends in the artisan human food movement. Our business founded to ably assist the local farming operations and the wider rural community, celebrating a rural perspective that celebrates our nation’s finest countryside traditions."

Duck & Venison Mince is available in (500g & 1 Kg packs).

Pet owners are being warned to check their homes for fleas as the heatwave and predicted downpours create a 'perfect storm' for infestations.

Warmer weather means that owners may already be checking their animals and making sure they are up to date with preventative treatment.

But veterinary product specialist Dechra is warning homeowners to check their home too if they want to eliminate the pests completely.

Carol Morgan, Brand Manager at Dechra, says all too often pet owners treat their animals but forget that fleas can still live in carpets, crevices in hard floors and furnishings in the home.

"This hot weather combined with the humidity we've seen in recent days, is exactly the type of weather which will see the flea population increase.

"The issue is that our homes are also hot and humid and just because owners have treated their pet, doesn't mean that there aren't fleas in the carpets and hiding under the sofas of their homes. 

"Only around 5% of a flea infestation is made up of adult fleas on your pet, whereas 95% is in your home as eggs, larvae and pupae. This means that to prevent and control flea infestations, both ‘on animal’ and environmental protection must be used."

The warning came as some environmental flea sprays are being removed from the market following new EU regulations on active substances they contain.

Carol added: "Our advice would always be to speak to your veterinary practice about both the solution for your pet and for your home. There are some products, such as the R.I.P Fleas Extra spray, which are fully compliant with EU regulations and these are available from veterinary practices across the country.

R.I.P. Fleas Extra, which is sold through veterinary practices, includes Tetramethrin, Permethrin and S-methoprene to actively treat flea infestations and dust mites in domestic settings.

For more information on R.I.P. Fleas Extra, visit www.ripfleas.co.uk.

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The WildWash Shampoo range has been shortlisted in the Best Grooming Category for the Your Dog Product Awards 2018.

These awards are voted for by the public and were launched on August 7^th and the voting will close on October 1^st.  The winner is announced on December 7^th 2018.

"It is an honour to reach the shortlist and it would be a fantastic Christmas present for us to win so we are asking our lovely customers to cast a vote for us<" said Jane Cooper, of WildWash.

The prestigious Your Dog Awards are now in their 12^th year. The aim  of the awards to celebrate the outstanding products on the market that enhance our lives and those of our pets.

To vote for WildWash, please go to: www.yourdogmagazine/productawards Press on: VOTE and then scroll down to find Best Grooming Category.

Following the successful merging of product lines under the umbrella brand of Podium Pet Products in early 2018, August brings the launch of its new website.

And already the new site is proving to be a big hit with over 13,000 new visitors, a decrease in bounce rate and an increase of online sales by 30%.

Carina Evans, CEO, Podium Pet Products, said: “It’s an exciting time for us, with the launch of the new website and ambitious new product development plans this year.

"As a company we take pride in our high-quality customer service for both resellers and consumers.

"We wanted to ensure we were servicing all our territories and our customers within these which is why it was important to provide a new website for all our customers to use with ease and enjoy."

The new website now features:

• Easy to browse e commerce shop
• News, Blogs and customer testimonials
• Product searches country specific currency
• Convenient auto-currency selection

Dog Rocks remains the flagship brand for Podium Pet Products whose growing portfolio includes:

Dog Rocks – 100% natural prevention & cure to pet urine burn marks on grass, shrubs & hedging. Sold through Podium Pet Products in Europe & North America.

Torus Water Bowl - A travel friendly watering system that auto refills and filters water without the need for batteries or power. Comes in 1L or 2L variants. Sold through Podium Pet Products in Europe

PetproBio – A natural prebiotic supplement for your pet’s overall health and wellbeing. Sold through Podium Pet Products in Europe.

Pet Angel - Stylish antibacterial grooming tools for all pets designed & produced by Royal and Celebrity hairdresser Richard Ward. Sold through Podium Pet Products in Europe.

Non-Tip Feeder – Safe, durable and stackable feeding solution for your horse. Sold through Podium Pet Products in Europe.

Podium Pet Products have received numerous awards including the Queen’s Award, an Editors’ Choice Award from Pet Product News, an Industry Recognition Award from Pet Business and a Family Choice Award, among others. With innovative, unique and where possible natural products, Podium Pet Products are looking forward to a bright and successful future with some exciting new product launches this year.

For more details about their products, please visit www.podiumpetproducts.com

A survey commissioned by natural and raw cat food experts Natures Menu in celebration of World Cat Day yesterday (August 8),  found that Tigger is the most popular name for a male cat, whilst Daisy is the top choice for our female furry friends. 

It seems that cat owners could be inspired by A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh when it comes to choosing a name for their male cat. For the ladies, Daisy comes out top, just one of many human sounding names that is proving to be a hit! 

Celebrity cat names feature on the list with both Olivia and Meredith, Taylor Swift’s cats’ names, making it into the top 10. Elsa and Belle also appeared in the list showing that Disney film favourites continues to be as popular as ever with families.

Harry and Meghan both feature in the top 10 - could it be that the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan, now the Duchess of Sussex, has sparked a new kitten-naming trend. 

Classic cat names including Garfield and Simba are also a common choice, with Tiddles still clinging on with its claws!

Melanie Sainsbury, Veterinary Education Manager at Natures Menu, said: “It’s a lot of fun to see which names come out on top and how we are inspired by celebrities, the royals and ourselves! We love to humanise our family cats with names like Meredith, Harry and Olivia, but it’s important to remember that cats have different needs from us…although we all love a nap!

“On World Cat Day it’s the perfect time to ensure our cats have a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet, which is low in sugar and packed with natural ingredients. Diet really can make such a big difference, helping to keep cats in tip top condition with bright eyes, clear ears, fresh breath, shiny coat, plenty of vitality and an appropriate weight; all indicators of one healthy, well looked after feline.”

Natures Menu’s range of natural cat food is packed with real, human grade meat and fish, and is perfectly balanced to meet your cat’s nutritional needs. Its vet approved, complete meals are free of added sugars and flavour enhancers and contain absolutely no fillers, meat meals or meat derivatives.

For further information about feeding your cat a nutritionally balanced raw diet visit www.naturesmenu.co.uk

RSW International Limited, whose Pet Cooling Ranges have been a great success during this summer's heatwave, has announced a new appointment to its growing business.

Bobby Fisher recently joined the Garden & Leisure team as Business Development Manager for the UK mainland.

Bobby, with 10 years’ experience from within the Garden & Leisure industry working with businesses such as Petface, Elho, Smart Garden Products, Woodlodge, and Kelkay, has been recruited as part of the company's exciting future growth plans.

Bobby said "I am overjoyed to join such a well-established and respected company in RSW International Limited. I am excited to work with such a great range of Pet products, and the future growth plans which RSW have are very much in line with my own goals and ambitions going forward."

Lee Kennerley (Head of Garden & leisure) said “With the businesses further commitment to strengthening the Garden & Leisure Team these are exciting times for RSW and our customers. Since joining the business in 2016 we have seen large growth across various categories especially Pet, Christmas, and our Spring Summer Dining. It’s great to welcome Bobby to the team, and I wish him good luck in a rewarding role within a business which is willing to work with its ever-growing client base to supply some of the best value products within the industry. The continuing growth plans we have for the business are ambitious, and it’s great to have him on board for this journey”.

As additional commitment to their current and evolving customer base RSW will also be exhibiting their ever-growing Pet collections at Glee from 10th to 12thSeptember 2018 in Hall 6 (Stand S70-T71). On display will be their Pet Cooling products that have taken the Pet industry by storm, alongside their brands of Smart Choice (Play & Pamper), Delicious (Treats & Essentials), and Sweet Dreams (Beds & Bedding)

Donald Trump dog and cat toys are set to be a massive hit for Sharples Pet, which has secured exclusive distribution of the US-produced products in the UK. There are also Vladimir Putin toys in the range.

The 8-inch Trump cat toy is supercharged with top quality organic catnip and retails at £5.99.

The Trump dog toys, styled with golden tan, quaffed plush hair, feature top-stitched floppy elbows and knees for active play. They’re available in a 12-inch version, retailing at £9.99, or a giant sized 17-inch version, retailing at £18.99.

Trump is part of a range of brilliantly designed dog and cat toys for which Sharples Pet has secured exclusivity for distribution in the UK, all of which will be on display at PATS Telford next month.

Husband and wife team Jack Walker  and Aneisha Soobroyen were so shocked with the lack of high quality, ethical pet food at an affordable price available in the UK that they decided to form their own company called Scrumbles.

For the past two years they have been developing Scrumbles to create a values driven company with a nutritious and delicious product and a unique playful tone of voice.

Based from their home office in Croydon they live with their dog and cat, Smudge and Boo.

"As doting pet parents we’ve always wanted what’s best for our Smudge and Boo. But having seen the pet food market from the inside out we were unhappy with the choices available. Unable to find yummy, good food that didn’t cost the Earth, we set out to create our own," said Aneisha and Jack.

"We’ve taken care to ensure our food is both nutritious and delicious.

"Each of our recipes are carefully tailored for species, breed size and life stage and crammed with up to 75% chicken.

"Using a blend of freshly prepared and dried chicken, ensures high levels of animal protein (the best kind!) and delivers an irresistible taste.

"We avoid nonsense like artificial preservatives, colours or flavours and unnecessary nasties like salt, sugar and pea protein.

"Catering to sensitive tummies, our food is gluten free, has added probiotics and is naturally hypoallergenic.

"We’re serious about nutrition but determined to have fun along the way. We also believe in the power of business to drive positive change in the world and are committed to supporting the communities and environment around us, guaranteeing adventures for future families."

Scrumbles, which launched May, will be exhibiting at PATS Telford next month. For more details visit: https://scrumbles.co.uk

Raw dog food company Poppy’s Picnic has teamed up with TV soap actress Gemma Oaten to call on dog owners to try the fresher way to feed their pets during August.

Poppy’s Picnic has announced it is launching its new RAWgust ‘change-for-life’ themed month for dogs this August. 

The company is calling on all pet owners to pledge to try its fresh food throughout the month. It hopes to make noise and educate those that are unfamiliar with the benefits of feeding raw, while also encouraging those who have always wanted to try it, to see how easy it is to do.

With the help of first-time-fresh-feeder, soap star Gemma Oaten, it hopes to run a successful campaign this year, that will inspire other fresh food companies to join in as a collective in 2019.

Poppy’s Picnic handmakes locally sourced, 100% natural food and describes the benefits of feeding its fresh, mince, meatballs and treats as follows:

• Improved digestion: pups will digest the majority of the food they eat, causing smaller, healthier, firmer, and less odorous and frequent poos meaning they’re smaller and easier to pick up
• Healthier skin and coat: the full complement of nutrients and their added natural oils mean full, glossy and strong coats.
• No added sugar: leading to better weight management and better teeth and gums
• Reduced allergy symptoms: the food is free from wheats, grains, chemicals and preservatives which can contribute to allergies and behavioral problems, leading to calmer, tail wagging dogs

Founder, Dylan Watkins says: “We are calling on people to join our Raw Revolution this month because few dog owners know that when they feed kibble-only diets, they’re giving their four-legged friend fillers and ‘meat derivatives’, that are sprayed with fat and other substances to make them more appealing to dogs.

"With over 50% of dogs being obese in the UK, and the percentage of dogs with diabetes having risen by 30 times in the last three decades, it’s time to take a stand and do right by our dogs.”

Former Emmerdale and Holby City actress, Gemma Oaten, is supporting Poppy’s Picnic in its campaign and feeding her Miniature Schnauzer, Ruby Tuesday fresh food for the first time.

She says: “I saw Poppy’s Picnic on Dragons’ Den and immediately wanted to support the brand. I’ve never tried raw before now as I've always been told that dry is best so was just led by that.

"Having read all of Poppy’s Picnic’s testimonials, I felt RAWgust was the opportunity to get involved and it looks very promising for Ruby.”

Feeding Poppy’s Picnic is easier than some dog owners might think, providing control, convenience and cleanliness. Its complete mince and perfectly portioned meatballs are easy to feed and handle, and look like those you would eat from the supermarket.

Once defrosted the food is quick and easy to serve for those and transferring from pack to plate is a much easier, cleaner experience, compared to conventional trays, tubs and chubs.

Dylan adds: “We’re aware that feeding fresh frozen food isn’t convenient or cheap enough for everyone’s lifestyles but believe that any fresh nutritional intake is better for dogs than nothing but dried brown pellets.

"If owners can just feed our balanced meals then great, but if mixing it with kibble makes it more accessible, we’d encourage owners to try it out. We are all about making it easier for more people to feed their dog the best – as much or as little as is possible.

"Our Very Important Paws team are always on the end of a phone or email to help with the transition.”

Blogs and informational posts will be shared via social media and the website. Those pledging are asked to use #RAWgust in their updates on social media.

www.poppyspicnic.co.uk

The National Centre for Reptile Welfare (NCRW) officially opened its doors yesterday after a year in development. The centre is a joint venture between The Pet Charity and Hadlow College in association with the Reptile and Exotic Pet Trade (REPTA) and it aims to provide a centre of excellence for all aspects of reptile welfare.

This is the first facility in the world that combines the expertise of an educational establishment, a national charity, industry, government and enthusiasts. It will bring together these groups to harness their interest in reptiles and amphibians and allow them to work together to not only help animals in need today, but also educate keepers and decision makers of the future.

The centre consists of a range of facilities:

• Veterinary triage and reception room Initial quarantine facility Holding for up to 600 reptiles and amphibians Separate holding for animals that need to be segregated Venomous animal room with external viewing Virtual pet shop to facilitate training Classroom area Full food prep and hygiene area
• These state of the art facilities provide the centre and its associates with opportunities to provide unrivalled services:
• Rehoming of all reptile and amphibian species, including venomous animals, with a capacity of over 1000 animals a year.
• Holding animals related to legal cases.
• Non invasive research opportunities for degree students attending Hadlow college.
• Hands on experience for students relating to all aspects of reptile care.
• Training opportunities for local authorities, industry and enthusiasts.

Quarantine of some species where required. The centre also benefited from a donation of £98,000 from Pets At Home charity "Support Adoption For Pets" for which it is extremely grateful.

Chris Newman (REPTA) said: "There are many pet rehoming centres across the UK, some good and some not so good.

"This facility will be different as it not only draws from the expertise and opportunities provided by its partnership with Hadlow, but also works with the pet industry to help solve the inevitable outcome of pet ownership; animals that need a new home.

"Although reptiles and amphibians account for only a small percentage of the pets that need to be found a new home each year, compared to dogs and cats for example, there is a need that requires addressing"

Tim Wass MBE, The Pet Charity and former Chief Officer of the RSPCA said: "When the opportunity arose to develop this centre the board of the Pet Charity were unanimous in its support for the project.

"There has never been a project like this, that can make a real difference to animal welfare now and in the future by drawing on the experience of so many people.

"Although ultimately its future will rely on the generosity of the public for its ongoing success, we felt that it deserved the initial funding we provided."

Pets At Home donated many of the vivariums as they were being removed from stores. In a statement Pets At Home stated that they "were delighted that the vivariums and associated equipment could be recycled for such a worthy cause."

The NCRW will have an official opening in the Autumn.

For more information regarding the NCRW please email dave.perry@thepetcharity.org.uk or call 07897 692060.

Some facts and figures:

• It is estimated that there are currently more pet reptiles and amphibians than pet dogs in the UK.
• Reptiles and amphibians generally have a lower need for rehoming than other animals and form only a small percentage (less than 5%) of the animals re-homed in the UK each year.
• The centre cost over £500,000 to develop with funding and assistance received from The Pet Charity, Hadlow College, REPTA, Support Adoption For Pets, Peregrine Livefoods, Vetark, Microclimate, Hagen UK, Monkfield Nutrition, the FBH and many other industry and hobby supporters.
• The centre will cost over £100,000 a year to run which will need to be met with public donations and industry support.
• The UK reptile and amphibian industry is worth over £300 million per annum.