Manchester-based Betty & Butch is recruiting extra employees to cope with increased demand for its own-brand range of products worldwide.

The bulk of the orders are coming from the US but the store has also seen demand for its products rise in South Africa and Australia.

Betty & Butch, the current PetQuip UK Pet Retailer of the Year, already has a large following in Europe but the recent increase in orders from the States has been a New Year welcome for the team.

Creative director Angel Moore says: “Americans love our products and their feedback is driving more sales. 

"They love the fact that the products are British made, all the ingredients are 100% natural and we show all the ingredients on our labelling."

Betty & Butch ‘Wash The Dog’ range and ‘Smell The Dog’ are all made in the UK to the highest standards using only organic ingredients where possible. The range now includes over 30 items with more lines to be added in March.

Angel will be at Wags & Whiskers pet boutique, Stockton-on-Tees, on Saturday, March 7, as part of their ‘Wash The Dog Event’. Angel will be available throughout the day to speak with customers who have concerns on coat and skin conditions. 

An Essex pet shop devastated by fire has reopened after the community rallied round and raised more than £3,000.

Hart Pet Supplies, in Hart Road, Thundersley, was destroyed when a fire broke out on January 14.

Stock worth £7,000 was ruined and the shop was left with no ceiling, blackened walls and thousands of pounds of smoke damage.

Four weeks later, the shop has reopened thanks to the support of the community.

Andie Freeston, owner, said: “It’s been incredible. It is absolutely unreal how much everyone has helped.

“After the fire, I was ready to throw in the towel, but the people in the village just stepped in.

Estate agent Robert Michael got the ball rolling and cash donations and prizes for a charity night rolled in, raising £3,000.

Customers and residents helped Mrs Freeston pack up after the fire and then weeks later were there with paintbrushes to help restore the shop.

Mrs Freeston said: “It’s been really difficult, but people have been absolutely fantastic.

We had no ceiling, but somebody donated tiles and fitted them for us and another customer donated lights from a school and fitted them too.

“Just days before we reopened, I had people handing me money at Morrisons to go towards buying stock.

I’m overwhelmed by it all.”

Thundersley charity champion Joyce Long declared the shop open again, eight years after she first cut the ribbon.

The store has added “The Community Pet Shop” to its delivery van to acknowledge all the support.

Mrs Freeston said: “The community sort of owns us now. It’s been great, we’ve had customers through the door eating cake and drinking bucks fizz and even staff from Robert Michael have been helping behind the till.

“We would like to thank the entire community for everything it has done for us and all of the donations and people who have kindly supported us.”

The shop celebrates eight years of business this year.

TopLife Formula, the UK’s leading pet milks brand, has announced double digit growth of 29% in 2014 compared with 2013 following increased distribution and a successful packaging re-launch.

The full range of natural pet milks for Dogs, Puppies, Cats and Kittens are currently distributed in selected ASDA, Morrisons, Tesco and Waitrose stores as well as retailers in the Middle East.  

The pet brand, owned by speciality dairy Delamere Dairy, overhauled the design and format of its 200ml cartons in 2013 and this has helped to move the brand towards a more fun and vibrant look. It also introduced a convenient screw cap carton, appealing to a wider audience.

TopLife’s Milk for Kittens line, has enjoyed the biggest growth with an increase of 44% in like for like sales in 2014 compared to 2013.

Simon Mayne, brand manager of TopLife, comments: "The re-launch of our packaging along with securing new listings in supermarkets and independent retailers has translated into significant growth across our range of milk.

"We hope to build this growth further in 2015 and increase distribution across new and existing channels, including export into Europe and the Middle East."

TopLife Milk for Dogs, Puppies, Cats and Kittens, are all made from highly digestible goats milk and offer owners a healthy, daily treat that’s gentle on the digestive system and nutritionally beneficial. 

Animology, the multi-award winning British pet care brand from Group55, has been launched throughout Finland and Sweden by Scandinavia’s largest pet specialist retailer, Musti Ja Mirri.

Since the brand was launched in 2010, Animology has enjoyed quite extraordinary success, both at home and abroad, and the products are now exported to over 40 countries, an achievement that was recognised with the award of the PetQuip Exporter Of The Year for 2014.

Musti Ja Mirri was established in 1988, and now operates 107 stores throughout Finland, with a further 22 stores in Sweden, under the company’s Grizzly Zoo brand.

Speaking about the agreement between the two companies, Group55’s Export Manager Martin Breen commented: “We are extremely pleased to be working with Musti Ja Mirri to bring Animology products to Finland and Sweden, and feel that their stores give Animology the perfect platform the replicate the success that it has already shown in so many other markets to date.

“There is certainly no shortage of competition out there, and I think it is testament to the strength of the Animology brand and the popularity of the product range that key retailers such as Musti Ja Mirri continue to see it as an essential brand to be able to offer to their customers.

"I look forward to working closely with the Musti Ja Mirri team to cement Animology as a key brand within the market place in Finland and Sweden."

Pictured: Ninna Malinen of Musti Ja Mirri with Animology products in store.

As Pampurred Pets opens its doors for the first time in Brighton, dog and cat owners will be delighted to discover that they are now stocking ORIJEN and ACANA pet foods. 

ORIJEN and ACANA are biologically appropriate dog and cat foods from the kitchens of Champion Petfoods in Canada. 

Their concept is to nourish dogs and cats the way nature intended with a rich and high variety of meat content. ORIJEN Adult, for instance boasts 80% meat, fish & eggs, 20% fruits, vegetables & botanicals and 0% Grain, potato or GMO. 

Their biggest point of difference is that the ingredients are sustainably raised and delivered fresh to their kitchens each day from local trusted suppliers. They never make food for any other pet company and never outsource their own production.

Colin Rodger, Managing Director of Bern Pet Foods, exclusive UK importers of ORIJEN and ACANA commented: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to offer both ORIJEN and ACANA dog and cat foods and treats in Pampurred Pets in Brighton. 

"The combination of the excellent service and product knowledge from the staff at Pampurred Pets together with the discerning population of Brighton who really care about the provenance of their pets’ food, is a very exciting prospect for us."

Pampurred Pets will be hosting a family fun day in their new store on Saturday, Februiary 28. The day will include face-painting, competitions, sample pack giveaways and balloons as well as product demonstrations on ORIJEN and ACANA by a member of Bern Pet Foods’ sales team.

The new Pampurred Pets store will be opening in 227-233, Preston Road, Brighton.  BN1 6SA.

Visitors to PATS Sandown next month will be greeted by over 30 new exhibitors as well as the industry’s big-name brands.

Manufacturers and suppliers have identified PATS as the best place to showcase their products to UK retailers and overseas buyers, and an increasing number of them are newcomers to the exhibition.

Companies like Lyvlee Ltd, who produce a non-toxic, 100% safe anti-bacterial, anti-fungal product called Leucillin, will be making their first appearance at PATS Sandown on March 17-18.

Company director Georgina Bashforth says: “We are looking forward to our first time exhibiting at PATS where we will have the opportunity to meet a wealth of trade individuals with a fellow passion for animal welfare and to have the chance to educate them about the benefits of Leucillin.

“Leucillin has a wide and varied range of uses and capabilities within all areas of animal healthcare and is suitable for all mammals, birds and reptiles, from cats to cayman, dogs to degus, and hamsters to horses.”

Other new exhibitors to PATS Sandown include Animaware, AT Industries, Bartholomews Agri Food, Bogar AG, Countryside Products, In Vogue Pets, Devoted Pet Foods, Diet'Dog, Gatleys, Glowcroft, Grove Pet Foods, K9 Dogwash, Paragon, Tatrapet.

Jonothan Goodman, of In Vogue Pets, says the company has just changed its name from Crate Ideas, so PATS Sandown is the ideal place to unveil a wealth of products not seen before.

“We are going to PATS for the first time to formally launch to the trade our range of products which up until now have not been marketed nationwide. As a premium end supplier of products we felt that the exhibition would be the ideal vehicle to achieve our goals.

“As we have only just launched In Vogue Pets we are quite unknown so PATS seemed the best forum to introduce ourselves and our great range of products.”

K9 Dog Wash last year unveiled a coin-operated, outdoor located dog washing machine (K9000) that offers a low cost and convenient alternative to grooming salons.

“The follow-up product to the K9000 – a version suitable for indoor use – makes its debut at PATS Sandown,” says the company’s Damien Boswell.

“The indoor version has a lower price tag than the deluxe outdoor model, as it plugs straight into the mains water supply, meaning it does not require an integrated water heater. We believe it will be a big hit with visitors to PATS.”

Meanwhile, Billy+Margot have changed the packaging on their biscuits to bring them in line with other products in the range, and PATS will be an opportunity to show off the new look.

Marie Sawle, the founder of Billy+Margot, adds: “We are also delighted to have joined forces with Vital Pet Products in 2015 which is testimony of our commitment to the independent pet trade. Our stands at PATS are close to one another so retailers can view all the products on our stand and then place an order with Vital if they have an account with them.”

The timing of PATS Sandown is perfect for Irish company Frozzys as the opening day of the show falls on St Patrick’s Day. “To celebrate this Irish occasion we are running a competition to win a weekend for two in Belfast...exclusive to the pet trade,” says Noel Conlon.

Frozzys are establishing themselves in the UK with their lactose free, lickable frozen yogurt for dogs and are keen to show visitors the latest flavours in the range – cranberry and strawberry.

“We hope that retailers and buyers will visit us on stand K2 to sign up for the fabulous competition and inquire as how to actually stock our wonderful range of products,” adds Noel.

As well as seeing new exhibitors at PATS Sandown, visitors can expect a warm welcome from a host of regular exhibitors.

PATS Sandown 2014 attracted 1,903 visitors, which was an 3% increase on the 2013 show, and with so many exciting plans for 2015 it could easily be another record-breaking year.

The Southern show will see the introduction of the Beco Buyers’ Lounge in the Surrey Hall where visitors can relax and enjoy free tea and coffee.

George Bramble, sales director of Beco Things, said: “We are really excited to be hosting the Beco Buyers’ Lounge. With the show bigger than ever, we hope the Lounge will give visitors the chance to take five minutes off, enjoy a free cup of tea or coffee and maybe a choccy biscuit or two. Visitors will also be able to sign up for 16 packs of free Beco Poop Bags and see all our new products.”

One of PATS Sandown’s most popular features is the New Product Showcase, which saw a record number of 208 entries in 2014. Early indications suggest this figure will increase in 2015, and to accommodate the growing number there will be a new home for the Showcase in the Esher Hall.

All entries in the Showcase will be judged by a panel of retailer judges for the New Product Awards on the first morning of the show. The results will be known and highlighted throughout the halls for the rest of the exhibition.

To help make the visitor experience even more enjoyable and rewarding, both the Surrey and Esher Halls have their own entrances and registration points, with visitors benefitting from free show entry, free parking, a free catalogue and many special offers. There will also be a full programme of free seminars.

To register for free entry to the show and to view the full list of exhibitors visit www.patshow.co.uk

A highlight of the Crown Pet Foods stand at PATS Sandown 2015 will be demonstrations of the company’s new web-shop, which offers retailers a quick, easy and convenient way to order James Wellbeloved and Royal Canin products at any time of the day or night. 

The exclusive Retail Web-Shop, launching at PATS on March 17 2015, provides all the usual benefits and services that Crown Pet Foods offers via telephone ordering, but online access means that the service extends out of normal business hours.

For many retailers, it will be their first chance to get a good look at James Wellbeloved’s two new Senior Foods, Grain Free Senior and Small Breed Senior. 

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

There will be exclusive show offers on both James Wellbeloved and Royal Canin, and every order placed at the show will be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win an iPad Mini.

Stand visitors will also be able to meet their dedicated business manager, explore merchandising opportunities and discuss the tailored services Crown Pet Foods can offer.

Loopholes in animal welfare legislation could be the cause of a rise in unwanted, neglected and sick animals, vets at the Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) annual Discussion Forum in June will claim.

The charity will host a discussion entitled “Bursting at the seams: population management issues” with vets suggesting that the government is failing to put in place measures to control and regulate on indiscriminate breeding as well as the sale and importation of animals.

Speakers will claim that this has resulted in an over-population crisis which has compromised the welfare of a great number of companion animals.

Extensive evidence shows that despite animal charities highlighting and attempting to tackle over-population, the situation is getting worse:

• The RSPCA took in 14% more abandoned, neglected or sick cats in 2014 than in the year before
• The number of horses that equine charities took into care in the first quarter of 2013 increased by 40% compared to the year before according to a report by equine welfare charities
• The number of declared puppies entering Great Britain between 2011 and 2013 has increased by over 780% from some European countries, according to the Dogs Trust

The afternoon session at the AWF Discussion Forum on 8 June will see speakers explore legislative loopholes which have allowed these population crises to develop. Veterinary surgeons Roly Owers from World Horse Welfare, Maggie Roberts from Cats Protection and David Martin will offer solutions to address the situation.

Other topics in the Discussion Forum’s programme are

• The science of slaughter – this session will discuss research to improve welfare at slaughter
• Antibiotic resistance, the real world view – with speakers from the Veterinary Medicines Directorate as well as food animal and companion animal vets
• Ethical dilemma – a treatment too far? – this session explores difficult treatment choices faced by vets in practice (interactive session)

AWF Chair of Trustees Tiffany Hemming said: "This year's AWF Discussion Forum looks very exciting and I am particularly looking forward to debating how we might tackle over-population issues in companion animals and exploring some potential solutions with the wide range of delegates we attract."

The AWF Discussion Forum brings together vets, vet nurses, animal welfare organisations, students, the media and parliamentarians to confront current welfare issues and inspire change.

The AWF Discussion Forum takes place on Monday 8 June from 10am to 5pm at One Great George Street in London. Places are £95 with lower rates available for veterinary nurses, recent graduates and students.

Delegates are also invited to attend the AWF/BVA House of Commons reception from 7pm to 9pm.

To see the full AWF Discussion Forum programme or book a place visit http://www.bva-awf.org.uk/events

A leading manufacturer of natural dog grooming products is preparing to launch a new range of ‘Cruelty Free’ certified shampoos and mists, under a new brand name.

HOWND, which has been created by Mark Hirschel and Jo Amit, is set to release a total of 10 products across two distinct ranges on Monday 16 March. Each product is beautifully scented and intended for use on either puppies, adults, or senior dogs.

The Borehamwood-based company is one of the few pet product brands to have received the ‘Leaping Bunny’ stamp of approval from Cruelty Free International, which can be seen on all HOWND product labels.

“This is an exceptionally exciting time for everyone associated with HOWND, as we’ve worked incredibly hard to create a memorable, commercial  brand with equally imaginative products,” explains Jo Amit, co-founder of HOWND.

“Our mission is simple. We want to make high-quality pet care products and accessories, all in the name of our pets’ well-being and happiness. That’s why we’re proud to be certified by Cruelty Free International, and of the innovation behind our products.

“HOWND is the first company that has created grooming products for our older canine companions. Golden Oldies Conditioning Shampoo and Golden Oldies Body Mist use added vitamin E and provitamin B5 to help relieve dry and flaking skin. This is especially useful for ageing dogs, as shedding and scratching can cause problems in their later years.”

HOWND’s new range of 250ml conditioning shampoos consists of five products, all of which retail at £9: Playful Pup Conditioning Shampoo, Keep Calm Conditioning Shampoo, Got An Itch? Conditioning Shampoo, Yup You Stink! Conditioning Shampoo, and Golden Oldies Conditioning Shampoo.

In addition, the company’s range of 250ml body mists consists of five products, each retailing at £9: Playful Pup Body Mist, Keep Calm Body Mist, Got An Itch? Body Mist, Yup You Stink! Body Mist, and Golden Oldies Body Mist. 

While these products will not be ready for showcase at this year’s PATS Sandown, HOWND are offering a 10% discount on all retail orders before Tuesday 31 March. Customers can order by emailing trade@dogslovehownd.com - quoting the voucher code PATS10.

Recently named as one of the best emerging product businesses in the country by Startups, HOWND is also developing a breakthrough dog grooming product, which will be released within the next couple of months.

“We have plans to bring new breakthrough grooming products to market in the future, one of which we intend to launch in a matter of months. It’s all adding the excitement of the HOWND brand, which we’re sure both the trade and consumers will come to love.”

For further information about HOWND’s new range of products visit www.dogslovehownd.com or call a member of the team on 020 3004 5255.

OATA and REPTA will be pressing to meet the Scottish Government to challenge its plans to review the exotic pet trade which, if successful, could stop people keeping ornamental fish and reptiles across the border. 

The announcement came on Sunday from Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead who wants to review the trade and importation of exotic animals for the pet trade in Scotland, after meeting animal campaign group OneKind.

“It seems our concerns behind the Hands Off My Hobby campaign – relaunched just four weeks ago – is coming true already,” said OATA Chief Executive Keith Davenport.

“We warned that animal campaign groups had this hobby in their sights and it looks as if they have persuaded the Scottish Government to take the lead on limiting the species that people can keep as pets, including ornamental fish and reptiles. 

“Of course we agree with concerns about animal welfare, unregulated internet trading and protecting native flora and fauna. But irresponsible pet-ownership is not limited to fish and reptile keepers and it’s disappointing that the Scotland Parliament wants to lead the way in preventing significant numbers of its electorate from keeping the fish and reptiles they love.

“If this news doesn’t make hobbyists and the industry – particularly in Scotland but everywhere in the UK – get behind the Hands Off My Hobby campaign and lobby their MPs and MSPs then nothing will. It might start in Scotland but we think similar reviews of exotic pets could follow in England, Wales and Northern Ireland after the election – when SNPs could hold the balance of power in Westminster. 

“It seems there is no intention to talk to the trade or hobbyists during this review. According to his press release Mr Lochhead is just going to talk to ‘animal welfare groups, veterinary organisations and biologists’. So if we’re not going to be asked then it’s down to us to make our voice heard. 

“If you live in Scotland not only do you need to lobby your MP but you need to tell your local MSP and Richard Lochhead what you think of his plans. And the rest of the UK needs to sit up and take note that what happens in Scotland could happen where they are. Sign our petition and get writing to your MP – please don’t be complacent.”

Chris Newman, of Reptile and Exotic Pet Trade Association (REPTA) said: “Today we increasingly keep animals for companionship and enjoyment and fewer households require pets to control pests, provide food (rabbits, pigeons etc) or hunt for us (dogs, ferrets). It is imperative that prospective owners should be able to choose from a wide range of species in order to obtain the pet which best fits their lifestyle, budget and circumstances and white or positive lists can only be detrimental by restricting that choice.   

“The only positive thing about a ‘positive list’ is that it is positively detrimental to the welfare of pets. Rendering animals effectively extinct in captivity when they have been successfully kept for decades (or even centuries) by private keepers cannot possibly benefit welfare or conservation and is only being considered to placate the minority but vocal animal rights industry.”

OATA estimates that 250,000 homes in Scotland keep pet fish in aquariums and ponds. On fish alone, curtailing the hobby could mean 1,000 jobs gone and £40 million a year out of the economy in Scotland. And there would be knock-on effect in some of the poorest parts of the world where people rely on income from catching live fish for the aquarium trade. 

Find more information on how to join the Hands Off My Hobby campaign go to  http://www.handsoffmyhobby.org/  

You can find the Scottish Government press release here http://news.scotland.gov.uk/News/Review-of-exotic-pet-trade-15ea.aspx 

The British Veterinary Association,  together with its Scottish Branch and the British Veterinary Zoological Society, has welcomed the Scottish Government’s review of the exotic pet trade, announced by Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment.

Following discussions with the animal welfare charity OneKind, Mr Lochhead is keen to review the current legislation and explore the effect of tighter controls on the ownership of exotic pets, including the breeding and sale of exotic pets. Over 1,000 species of mammals, birds, invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians are traded every year, including via the internet.

BVA President John Blackwell (left) commented: “This is a welcome move by the Scottish Government. In BVA’s and BVZS’s joint statement on exotic pets we urge the European Union to ban the import of wild caught reptiles and amphibians and we would still like to see this implemented.

"Any review at a national level that helps us better understand the welfare issues involved with the breeding, sale and ownership of exotic species can only be a good thing, emphasising the need for robust enforcement of current legislation and encouraging the UK pet industry to provide effective and consistent welfare and husbandry advice at the point of sale.”

Ronnie Soutar, President of BVA Scottish Branch, said: “BVA and its members in Scotland are very pleased that the Scottish Government is leading the way with the proposed review of the exotic pet trade. We welcome the review’s emphasis on the proper and responsible trade of these animals, particularly when animals are traded via the internet.

"As the popularity of exotic pets increases across Scotland, we want owners and potential owners to fully understand the welfare needs of these animals and their responsibilities as owners. We must also ensure that we take full account of the potential impact of these animals on Scotland’s own native species and the environment.”

About 30 firefighters were called to the blaze at Nestle Purina Petcare on the Chilton Industrial Estate, Sudbury, which began at about 10.15am on Sunday.

The fire involves six large tanks of animal fat which are close to a neighbouring factory.

The fire was brought under control by about 11:50am, but firefighters are remaining at the scene to monitor any hot spots.

Crews worked to protect a 30,000 litre tank of phosphoric acid near the blaze, using three hose reel jets to cool the tank.

Nestle Purina Petcare produces Felix cat food, and Bonio and Winalot dog foods.

Nearby roads were closed while fire crews tackle the blaze.

A man who illegally sold dogs and sparked a council inquiry into one of its own environmental health officers has been banned from selling pets.

David Parsons, 55, sold two West Highland Terriers – amassing £745 from the two sales.

The dogs, Rosie and Lily, were advertised on the internet and brought over from kennels in Wales to Waterlooville, Hampshire, where Parsons had a home.

But, by law, Parsons was required to have a pet shop licence for his address in Hazleton Way.

Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court heard when environmental health officers from Havant Borough Council approached him to warn him of the breaches, serious allegations were made.

Parsons claimed he was bribing Laurent Lemagnen, a senior environmental health officer, so payment would not have to be made for a licence.

The cost of a permit is £120.

Prosecutor Richard Tutt said Parsons claimed he had paid Mr Lemagnen on three occasions – £200 in 2011, £100 in 2012 and £200 in cash in 2013.

Mr Tutt added: "He said he had provided two friends of Mr Lemagnen with two puppies in lieu of payment."

Mr Parsons, an aerial engineer, also claimed he was working undercover for the RSPCA.

Mr Tutt said: "He said he had been working in an undercover team to prevent puppy farming in Wales.

"He accepted he did not have a pet shop licence."

The offences of selling dogs without a licence happened in January and March last year.

The allegations sparked a council investigation.

Mr Tutt said: "Mr Lemagnen provided his bank documents, mobile phone records. A number of employees at the council were interviewed."

The allegations were found to be totally unfounded.

The RSPCA also had no knowledge of Parsons’ claims.

Parsons, who has now moved to Haverfordwest in Wales and was working for kennels there, pleaded guilty to trading as a pet shop without a licence.

Chairman of the bench, Malcolm Hogg, said Parsons had a ‘pretty healthy disregard’ for licensing requirements.

He was disqualified from keeping a pet shop for 10 years and ordered to pay a fine of £450 and costs of £900.

After the hearing, Mr Lemagnen, 42, who has been working for Havant Borough Council for about eight years, said: "He got a big handful of mud and tried to sling it about.

"It’s caused a lot of distress.

"Having allegations like that – it’s potentially your whole career out of the window.

"It’s a serious allegation that he made."

Animals had to be led to safety from a Pontypridd pet shop after an electrical fire. Fire crews were called to PetWise Aquatics on the Treforest Industrial Estate just after 8am last Friday.

The blaze was quickly brought under control, but the animals were taken out to the back of the shop because of the smoke caused by the fire.

Manager Ken Thomas said: “The lamps are on a timer and were set to come on at 8am. One of the lamps in the reptile section blew and started a small fire, but it set the alarms off and the fire crews were here within minutes. We managed to keep it to one small area of the shop.

“Luckily, none of the animals were injured but we took them out of the building to the fresh air because of the smoke.”

The pet shop has birds, reptiles, fish and small animals and also caters for childrens’ parties.

Vet charity PDSA came to the rescue when Yorkshire Terrier Gizmo became stuck in a metal clip.

The tiny Yorkshire Terrier was rushed to PDSA’s Edinburgh Pet Hospital after his leg became so trapped by the clip it could only be freed with bolt cutters.

Poor Gizmo was just home from a walk when his front left leg became wedged in a ‘caribiner clip’, a clip used in safety devices, which linked the collar to the lead.

Owner Martin Beer, 34, and his wife Liz, from Haymarket, Edinburgh, tried in vain to free their pet’s leg from the clip but were unable to. They then decided to take him straight to the city’s PDSA Pet Hospital. Vets were also unable to dislodge Gizmo’s leg without causing him more distress so sedated him so they could remove the device safely using bolt cutters.

Laura Martin, PDSA Vet, said: “Gizmo was brought in to our Pet Hospital in Gorgie and his leg appeared to be quite sore and he was getting very upset.

“We decided that the safest way to remove the clip would be to sedate Gizmo.  We shaved the area around the clip and then used the bolt cutters to remove it.”

Martin said his seven-year-old dog had suffered with skin irritation with the original nickel clip on his lead, so they had improvised by using a slightly larger, aluminium clip they had in the house.

He said: “We had been using the new clip for a while with no problems. But this one day Gizmo was sitting in his basket and having a scratch and somehow managed to get his leg stuck in it.

“He was making a lot of noise and he started to panic so we took him straight to PDSA.

“Thankfully he didn’t have any injuries to his leg and was just slightly bruised but we’re really grateful for the treatment he received.”

Martin said they had since bought a new clip which was smaller but made of brass, which didn’t irritate Gizmo’s skin.

PDSA Vet Laura added: “As we always say at PDSA, no two days are ever the same. Gizmo’s spot of bother was just one of those freak events but we’re glad to confirm he has come through it with no lasting damage.”

Treat manufacturer Hollings Ltd has improved its productivity with the introduction of a semi-automatic packing machine, which enables the company to pack 15,000 packets in one shift with just four operators...

 The 14 head multi-head weigher has a twin bagging unit, heat sealer and metal detector, and the machine is packing items such as Tripe, Jerky, Beef Curls, Paddywacks, Sausages in packs from 50g to 2kg.

Output has increased from 50,000 packets per day to 65,000 per day (250,000  per week to 325,000 packets per week).

Hollings has plans for another similar line to be installed before the end of the year increasing the packing capacity to 500,000 packets per week – that's a total of 25 million a year.

Dog Rocks, the only 100% natural convenient and proven product to rid grass, shrubs and box hedging of pet urine burns, is now working with both Stax Ltd and Decco Ltd. 

“We sell mainly through wholesalers in the vet, pet and gardening markets.  Wholesalers have the reach that we rely upon to get our product lines out to retailers so are delighted to be selling through these two well established wholesalers from 2015 onwards,” said Carina Evans, Dog Rocks CEO. 

Dog Rocks UK Ltd offer a comprehensive range of marketing support in the form of posters, videos and visual merchandising tips and ideas.  For retailer enquiries contact marketing@dogrocks.co.uk or telephone +44 (0)1628 822243.

Visit their website www.dogrocks.co.uk to find out more information.

As the Chinese New Year today ushers in the Year of the Goat, leading veterinary experts have issued some surprising facts and must-know advice to goat lovers and keepers in the UK.

The British Veterinary Association and Goat Veterinary Society have issued six facts that will surprise many but are critical to ensure that goats are happy and healthy:

• Think dogs are man’s best friends? Think again – goats are friendly, inquisitive and gregarious animals, and genuinely love the company of humans.
• Goats need friends – never keep a single goat on its own. Goats are herd animals and will be miserable if kept by themselves.  Two goats together is the absolute minimum.
• Toys are a must!  Goats should never be kept in a barren environment. Enrichment is key as goats love to climb onto and over obstacles – a straw bale is a plaything for goats!
• The Great Escape (or The Goat Escape!) – goats are great escapologists. Any building or paddock must be “goat proof.”
• Stretching (as well as climbing and bouncing) – goats stand on their hind limbs and can reach up to 2 metres above the ground.
• Choosy but chewy – contrary to popular belief, goats won’t just eat anything as part of their staple diet but they do love to nibble and chew on anything new. Keep electric cables covered!

BVA President John Blackwell said: “As goats come into the spotlight as the Chinese New year celebrations start, we would advise anyone thinking of keeping these lovely animals to fully understand their needs and what it takes to keep them happy and healthy. 

"Our colleagues at the Goat Veterinary Society are dedicated to improving the health and welfare of all goats in the UK and have a wealth of information to offer.

"The Animal Welfare Foundation’s leaflet on keeping goats is a good place to start and your local vet will be able to advise on the health and welfare needs of your animals.”

GVS Chairman David Harwood said: “Goats are delightful animals to keep – inquisitive, intelligent and keen to be in the company of both other goats and their human keepers, they are a joy to care for.

"But as with any animal, they have specific welfare needs and these should never be forgotten. For example, however well-meaning the owner, keeping a single goat in a paddock with no enriching features to satisfy the goat’s curiosity and energy and with no playmates will result in a lonely, stressed animal.

"Talk to us and to the British Goat Society about whether or not a goat is the best choice of animal for you and if you are going to keep goats, what sort of goats would be best suited to you and your lifestyle.”

Animal rights protesters turned out to see a court try a woman accused of running an illegal pet shop, only for the hearing to be postponed.

The second part of Julie Hutching’s trial was scheduled to conclude at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

The 51-year-old, of Beeches, Road, Chelmsford, is charged with running a non-licensed breeding centre and non-licensed pet shop in 2013.

But the trial was immediately adjourned until a date, yet to be confirmed, because one of the three magistrates was unwell.

Police investigating an armed robbery at a pet shop in Mirfield have released an e-fit image of the suspect.

The offence happened at the store in Lee Green, Mirfield, at around 2.30pm on Tuesday, 10 February. A man, who was armed with what is described as a handgun, stole a small amount of cash from the till.

The suspect is described as a white man, aged in his late teens to early 20s, wearing a dark hooded top and dark grey scarf over his face.

Detective Constable Kris Roberts, of Kirklees CID, said: "We believe the man involved in this armed robbery may have been loitering around the shop shortly beforehand.

"We would urge anyone who believes they saw this man or who has information about his identity to call Kirklees CID on 101."