Cambridgeshire pet shop owner Piers Smart decided to take drastic action after becoming increasing annoyed with dog owners failing to clean up their animals' mess...

Piers (pictured right), who owns award-winning Scampers in Soham, has started to clean it up himself.

"I find it so infuriating. We walk our dogs around a local park most days and the amount of people not cleaning up after their dogs is horrendous," said Piers.

"People seem to think it's okay to simply leave their dog's poo on the path or on the grass verge – it's not.

"One thing that also astonishes me is people who go to the effort of picking up the poo but then throw the non-biodegradable bag with the mess inside it into the nearest bit of undergrowth. Again, it's simply not on."

Piers and wife Michelle have recently started to collect some of the bags of mess they find lying in the undergrowth to then put in the bins provided at the park by the district council.

Piers said: "We collected around 40 bags in an hour, which I find just unbelievable. Dog owners who don't clean up after their pets or who throw the poo bags into bushes are giving all us dog owners a bad name.

"It's also why more and more councils are banning dogs from open spaces in the UK, which isn't right. Dogs should be part of the community and it is down to us, as their owners, to be responsible.

"To me, it is just common sense. If they poo, pick it up and carry your poo bag with pride to the nearest bin."



Meanwhile, a Hemel Hempstead pet owner who was fed up with dog mess being left on pavements has been offering free poo bags to tackle the problem.

Lesley Marshall (above), from Butts End, Hemel Hempstead, said she used to find dog mess outside her house near Spring Fields on a daily basis.

She also put up posters addressed to dogs, asking them to remind owners to clear up after their animals.

Mrs Marshall said the problem "seemed to have disappeared" since she took the action at the end of last year.

"Hopefully people are getting the message," she said. "You do see people reading [the sign] and having a little chuckle as they go by."

Mrs Marshall, a dog owner herself, said she was "topping up" the supply of free bags by "about four" a week.

Lesley Marshall was fed up with the amount of dog mess near Spring Fields

"It's not too many, but they are being used, and that's good," she told BBC Three Counties Radio.

She won praise for her actions from Facebook users, who posted messages saying "Good on her."

Another user wrote: "Why do people think it's ok to leave their dogs poop on the pavement and grass! It's part of the responsibility of having a dog."

Crown Pet Foods has announced the appointment of a new Royal Canin retail sales and marketing director, May Philpott, and Crown Pet Foods e-business director, Talia Findlay.

The appointments come as Royal Canin GM Andy Reed moves on take over as regional sales and marketing director for Europe.  His replacement will be announced shortly.

May Philpott (above left) joins Royal Canin as sales and marketing director – retail, after almost 20 years in the housewares, tabletop and gardening sectors. She was sales director of Solus Garden & Leisure before the company was bought by Scotts.

Her UK and international experience has involved supplying multi-channel retail markets with premium brands, including department stores, independents, chains and online outlets, and the development, launch and establishment of market leading brands.  When not working, May enjoys spending time with her family and moggy Harvey, gardening and the great outdoors.

Commenting on her new role, May says: “Retail has changed dramatically over the last decade, and will continue to do so.  Royal Canin has always responded, and will continue to respond, to the way the market changes with flexible, up to date and innovative solutions which support the specialist pet trade, pet owners and of course pets.  I am delighted to be part of a team which is so clear about what lies at the heart of its business, continually looking for market leading solutions while staying so strong to its ‘animal first’ ethos.”

Talia Findlay (above right) takes up a newly created role as e-business director, with the task of driving the growth of e-commerce and shaping the digital agenda across Crown Pet Foods, working in collaboration with global teams to share and maximise expertise for both Royal Canin and James Wellbeloved. 

With 18 years’ experience in digital and e-commerce from both agency and in-house backgrounds, Talia says: “The e-business team at Crown Pet Foods has already established solid foundations with some effective partnerships in place; I am really excited to be part of a company which has embraced the e-business concept with such enthusiasm.  A key area for me will be ensure that we work closely with smaller independent retailers to provide them with support – online is not a barrier, but an opportunity.” 

Talia has lived in Somerset, home of Crown Pet Foods, since childhood, and now shares her home with her husband, two children, Brewster the cockerpoo, Fudge the cat and a small flock of chickens.

Outgoing GM Andy Reed says: “We are delighted to have May and Talia on board and look forward to their contributions as Crown Pet Foods, Royal Canin and James Wellbeloved continue to provide as much support as we can for the specialist pet trade.”

Pooch & Mutt has won Microsoft Small Business’s Techover Competition with £10,000 worth of new technology being added to their London office next month, including hardware, software and consultancy.

The award-winning dog nutrition company created a six second video to explain why they would benefit from a technology makeover. The video featured Pepper the Cockerpoo, Pooch & Mutt’s official product tester, and examples of the technology she is in need of. This included new tablets, desktops and keyboards.

After lots of deliberation, interviews and a brilliant Twitter Q & A where the shortlisted businesses asked great questions about tech and business issues, the final decision was made.

Pooch & Mutt was one of two winners to receive £10,000 worth of new technology alongside UK Fostering, an independent provider of child fostering services. The two growing, British companies were chosen by a panel of business experts as the winners out of numerous entries that were submitted.

Pooch & Mutt will receive an independent technology assessment to measure what new technology would be beneficial to continue to fuel the company’s strong growth they have experienced.

Dan Stremel, Pooch & Mutt’s online marketing executive, states: “We are so pleased to have won the technology makeover and we are very proud to be representing the UK pet industry with this win.

"We wanted to create a short video that captured the youthfulness and fun loving nature of Pooch & Mutt. Our company motto is to help dogs lead happy, healthy lives and by winning this makeover, we are one step closer to achieving our goal."

Pooch & Mutt offer natural, ethical and British dog nutrition products, including hand baked treats, supplements and grain free foods.

For more information email samantha@poochandmutt.com or call 0203 0111 567.

UK-based AmPet Products will be showcasing new and innovative products from top-selling American and Australian brands when it exhibits for the first time at PATS Sandown on March 17-18.

AmPet has exclusive distribution rights in UK for brands such as Dexas, Spiffy Dog, Katie’s Bumpers and Tail We Can Wag (recently featured in Tatler) from the US, and DOOG from Australia.

Australian company DOOG is the latest firm to allow AmPet to distribute its range of outdoor pet products in Britain, and retailers will be able to see the products for themselves at PATS Sandown (stand A3a in the Surrey Hall).

“The whole range is geared towards outdoor activities, and we believe the products are ideally suited to the UK pet market,” says Alex Wilson, AmPet’s Sales & Marketing Director.

The range includes dog leads made from sporty and stretchy neoprene and finished with beautiful, bright and playful patterns, including chevron, candy stripes and geometric patterns. The neoprene material is quick drying and hard wearing for active water dogs and makes the leads very comfortable and soft for owners to hold on a long walk.

A set of collars comes in three sizes and all have a silver dog pendant attached to the clasp to engrave a dog’s contact details onto. Other products include a sporty range of running belts in an array of bright, neon colours as well as a whole family of fetching sticks for dogs called 'The Stick Family'.

AmPet is also excited about showing the award-winning Dexas range from Dallas, Texas. Dexas, best known for its products in the cookware market, has designed and produced a range of silicone pop-out pet bowls and travel cups in vibrant colours. This range was one of the talking points of PATS Harrogate in September, and Dexas has added four new stunning colour schemes, all of which will be exhibited at Sandown.

Every year the AmPet team visit North America’s largest pet trade fair, Superzoo in Las Vegas, and sniff out some of the best dog products being sold Stateside.

Spiffy Dog is another multi award-winning brand available in the UK through AmPet. Its collars are made from a unique material called Aerospacer, more commonly used in the manufacture of trainer shoes with the qualities of being quick-drying, lightweight and breathable. They are offered in a range of stunning designs created by in-house designer Kyle Nelson.

Other collars include New England designs from Up Country, and Mayan collars from Tail We Can Wag. These hand woven collars by artists in a small Guatemala mountain village were given the seal of approval by fashion and society magazine Tatler in December.

More dog owners are turning to harnesses for walking their pets, and AmPet distributes the Xtra Dog fleece and foam padded dog harnesses. They are made in the USA and UK in multiple sizes and stunning colour combinations, and have become the first choice for many trainers on both sides of the Atlantic.

Looking forward to Summer, AmPet has some of the best products to keep dogs cool in hot weather. These include cooling coats from Techniche that, once wetted down, keep dogs cool for nearly 10 hours.

   

AmPet also supply popular toys from the Katie's Bumpers range. These toys, made from fire-hose recycled from the Denver fire service, are some of the coolest on the market. Offered in different colours and shapes, they fly through the air and float on water. Katie's Bumpers are sponsoring K9 Aqua Sports in 2015.

Check out the full range on the AmPet stand at PATS Sandown (stand A3a, Surrey Hall) or visit www.ampetproducts.com. Alex Wilson can be contacted on 0330 088 1673 or by email alexw@ampetproducts.com

Six important buyers of pet, garden and leisure products will be at the next ‘Meet the Buyers’ event being staged by the PetQuip and Gardenex export associations on Thursday, March 26, at Lea Marston Hotel, Sutton Coldfield.  

The event is the latest in a series of highly successful ‘Meet the Buyers’ initiatives and will run alongside a number of free workshops, designed to help exporters by providing practical advice, market information and sources of help.

This latest initiative from PetQuip and Gardenex is supported and part-funded by UK Trade & Investment, making it a very cost-effective way for suppliers to meet with key buyers from leading European markets.  

‘Meet the Buyers’ events held by the two associations over many years have all resulted in export business for attending delegates.

This latest initiative will involve buyers from Denmark, Finland, Switzerland, Hungary, The Netherlands and Sweden. 

All of the buyers have expressed interest in sourcing British products and will be taking part in one-to-one meetings with suppliers whose products are compatible with their requirements. 

The overseas pet product buyers travelling to the UK to meet with British suppliers will be:

• Eye4Pets – an importer / distributor of innovative, high quality products for dogs and cats, based in The Netherlands but supplying stores in Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.

•  Häromi Hundtillbehör AB – a Swedish on-line store focusing on all types of supplies for pet dogs, show dogs and working dogs. 

The overseas garden product buyers will be:

• Oázis Kertészeti Kft – a leading garden centre chain in 20 stores in Hungary and 2 in Slovakia. The buyer wishes to meet with both garden and pet suppliers. 

• Fausol A/S – a leading Danish importer and wholesaler of practical gardening accessories for hobby gardeners and producer of soil, mulch and fertiliser. 

• Hortex Oy – a Finnish wholesaler handling quality horticultural products, mainly for home gardeners but also for professionals. Hortex Oy can also help suppliers looking to sell into Estonia.

• Samen Mauser AG –one of the longest established garden-related businesses in Switzerland, wholesaling and distributing seeds, bulbs and garden accessories. 

The event is open to members of PetQuip or Gardenex and to non-members. The deadline for registration for the ‘Meet the Buyers’ meetings and workshop is Monday 2 March 2015.  Details of the workshops, more information on the buyers and how to register for the buyers’ meetings are available from Theresa Swann on e-mail: theresa@petquip.com

Bucktons is launching its new Superior Plus pigeon range to trade at PATS Sandown.

The range features Quorum™ Sensing Technology, a scientifically recognised pellet unique to Bucktons which supports immune systems, using refined botanical ingredients to boost immunity and digestion, stimulate natural enzymes and prevent bacteria.

The brand represents over 80 years of commitment to the production of high quality pigeon, indoor bird, aviary and wild bird foods, providing optimum nutrition to meet the exacting needs of birds and those who care for them.

New for 2015 is the new Bucktons Superior Plus range, the latest scientific advance in pigeon food which was enthusiastically received by pigeon fanciers at the British Homing World Show of the Year in Blackpool last month. It features Quorum™ Sensing Technology, a scientifically recognised pellet unique to Bucktons which supports immune systems, using refined botanical ingredients to boost immunity and digestion, stimulate natural enzymes and prevent bacteria.

Rachael Dickinson, Senior Brand Manager for Bucktons, said: “We are excited to be showcasing this new range to trade at PATS Sandown. This is an event which is firmly marked in our calendar and which we plan for throughout the year.

“We’re looking forward to speaking to everyone at PATS about our new Superior Plus range, a next-generation pigeon feed that uses scientific developments to drive real innovation in this category.”

Bucktons will be at stand M5 in the Surrey Hall.  For further information, contact Richard Greenwood, Pet Sales Manager on 07976 490 341, or email rgreenwood@westlandhorticulture.com

Keep up to date with Bucktons via its website www.bucktons.co.uk and Facebook page www.facebook.com/Bucktons.Pet.Care

Lily’s Kitchen is adding a Senior Recipe range to provide older dogs with the best diet to support good health throughout their golden years.

The Senior Recipe products complement the brand’s existing ranges for puppies and older dogs.

To showcase the new product and its benefits for older dogs, Lily’s Kitchen will be attending PATS Sandown on March 17-18. 

The Senior Recipe range comprises two unique meals. The dry edition is made from freshly prepared sustainable salmon and trout and butcher-quality turkey, and the wet variety is produced with 60% freshly prepared turkey. Both delicious and nutritious recipes have been created by vets and animal nutritionists and customised to meet the unique needs of senior dogs.

Like the rest of the Lily’s Kitchen recipes, this new senior dry food only uses freshly prepared meat with no ‘dried meat’, carcass or bone meals.  This new recipe is extra special as it is fortified with glucosamine, chondroitin and green lipped mussel, providing the highest level of joint care supplements of any dry food available, making it the perfect meal for senior canines.

These gluten free tailored recipes are also filled with DHA and EPA, prebiotics, Omega-3 and Omega-6, chelated minerals, vitamins and a special blend of 14 botanical herbs. Together these support healthy, supple joints and an alert mind. They also work to promote a healthy liver, bladder and kidneys as well as looking after the digestive system and immune system.

Good nutrition is essential for animals at all times, but especially important as they enter their golden years. Like all Lily’s Kitchen products, the Senior Recipe range is made with the finest, human-grade produce and absolutely no meat-meal, providing a real alternative to the mass produced, highly processed ingredients that fill the tins of normal pet food brands.

Founder Henrietta Morrison comments: “We’re looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and welcoming new ones at PATS in March at Sandown (stand A5), so we can show you our fantastic new Senior Recipe range. Hand-crafted with tailored ingredients, the recipe offers a range of health and well-being benefits for our wise and wonderful friends, such as helping to support healthy, supple joints and looking after a dog’s immune systems to help them ward off illnesses. We are also proud to have created a senior product that has the highest levels of joint care supplements available.

“We know as dogs grow older, their needs change, and we believe it’s important that their diet changes to reflect this. That’s why we’ve introduced the Senior Recipe, whichincludeseverything a more mature dog needs to keep fit and healthy.”

This new Senior Recipe was inspired by the brand’s namesake, Lily, the border terrier that belongs to Henrietta Morrison. Now at nearly 12 years old, Lily is a picture of health and the perfect example of a wise and wonderful dog that has benefited from a nourishing diet.  As she matures, she needs a little bit of extra help to maintain her shiny coat, fresh breath, strong teeth and active and happy lifestyle. These new meals offer everything she needs to stay in great condition and help keep her joints supple and mind alert in her twilight years.

Designed for dogs from seven years old onwards[1] the vet recommended recipes have multiple benefits:

• Joint support, through glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and green lipped mussels
• Gluten free dry recipe made with low GI millet and ginger, perfect for sensitive tummies.
• Grain free wet recipes with added natural prebiotics to look after the digestive system
• Keeps muscles strong, through high quality protein: salmon, trout and turkey
• Turmeric is included for healthy blood cell production and liver function
• Help to maintain an alert mind with added DHA and EPA from natural seaweed
• Helps to keep hearts healthy with salmon rich in Omega-3
• Healthy liver, kidneys and bladder from the added botanical herbs (milk thistle, cleavers, golden rod and dandelion root)

If you’d like to stock the Senior Recipe in your pet shop, or would like further information on the range of food and treats from Lily’s Kitchen, get in touch with the trade team on 0207 433 6979 or trade@lilyskitchen.co.uk.  Bespoke posters, leaflets and samples are available to support the launch of the new Senior Recipe.

Visitors to AQUA 2015 in October can expect a busy and exciting show as most of the exhibitor stands at the two-day event have now been sold.

Having already attracted a record number of 80 exhibitors, the two halls at Telford International Centre will be packed with companies showcasing new products. And with only a handful of stands left to sell, it promises to be the biggest and best AQUA show ever.

Show organiser Annie Foord said: “I’m happy to report that the UK’s major exhibitors are again heading for Telford and we will be welcoming more overseas companies than ever before. They obviously regard AQUA as their major platform to showcase products to UK buyers.”

Visitors can expect a warm welcome from companies like Aquadip, Aqua One, Alf Ltd, Bermuda, Cloverleaf, D Pac, Eheim, Evolution Aqua, Hertford Shelving, Interpet, J&K, JMC Aquatics, Lotus-Atlantis, Mars Fishcare, OASE, Peter Golding, Star Fisheries, Tetra, TMC, and Velda. A full list is on the AQUA website www.aquatelford.co.uk.

And as well as meeting up with a long list of AQUA regulars, visitors will be greeted by a host of new faces when the show takes place on October 14-15.

A growing number of companies are choosing to exhibit for the first time as they see AQUA as the perfect opportunity to showcase their products to retailers and overseas distributors.

Norwood Aquarium Ltd is a newcomer to AQUA, and general manager Rob Street said: “We have been supporting the bricks-and-mortar aquatic trade for 50 years, and we have recently made significant investments in our infrastructure. We believe AQUA 2015 is an ideal opportunity to demonstrate these changes and show retailers why we believe we can offer them the best service in the trade.”

Philip Nicholl, sales director of Hamac Trading Company, commented: “Several of our customers have recommended the AQUA show and we are excited about exhibiting this year, especially our new brand of water feature accessories called ‘Aqua Flo’.”

Heritage Distribution Ltd exhibited for the first time at AQUA 2013 and had a tremendous response to their products. “We have decided to exhibit again to show all the new products that have come on line since the last show, both in the Brightwell and Continuum ranges,” said sales manager Andrew Werendel.

“AQUA 2013 opened up many new accounts for us and we’re hoping to achieve even greater exposure and gain more customers this year.”

Gordon Low Products are a regular exhibitor to AQUA, as director Ruth Low explained: “We love this show. Everything from the planning to the build-up and through to the exhibition itself, it’s just fantastic. 

“Launching new products at AQUA is great because we can reach such a wide audience, and to have our retailers on site for two whole days gives us a really good chance to talk about our pond liners, new products and pre-season deals.

“We are a small manufacturing company with no sales reps so to get the chance to see so many of our customers in two days is really invaluable. We also love the gala dinner. The atmosphere is great and the meal is always delicious, and to have so many people from the industry together offers great opportunities for networking.”

As well as getting to see all the new products to be launched on to the market, visitors will be well looked-after during their stay, including a free deli bag lunch and more catering facilities. And retailers and buyers will also be invited to join exhibitors at an AQUA dinner on the first evening of the exhibition. The dinner, which will also be free, has been moved to a larger room to accommodate nearly 700 people.

Visitors can also benefit from free parking next to the exhibition hall, and will be able to take full advantage of a new events village called Southwater Square, recently opened close to the centre with a new hotel, restaurants, and one of the UK’s largest town-centre parks.

The AQUA 2015 website can be found at www.aquatelford.co.uk and the AQUA hotline is 01892 862848. 

This spring, the leaders in natural intestinal hygiene control, Verm-X, reveal their exciting new product packaging.

The rebranding reflects the strong credibility the company has developed over the past decade and enables Verm-X to better emphasise the fact that it provides a powerful and effective solution in an area which is still dominated by chemical products.

The new multi-lingual packaging, which incorporates 10 languages, also reflects the company’s growing global presence, Philip Ghazala, Managing Director, explains:

“We believe our rebranding will yield growth opportunities as we continue to expand globally. Verm-X is now at the forefront of natural intestinal hygiene control and with pharmaceutical resistance problems increasing, the importance of natural solutions is greater than ever.” 

In conjunction with the packaging rebrand, Verm-X also announced the launch of New Allergy-X Capsules for Dogs and New Verm-X Pellets for Dogs.

For further information on Verm-X contact 0870 850 2313 or visit www.verm-x.com.

Geneva-based private jet management and charter company Albinati Aeronautics has been given the go-ahead to allow customers to bring their pets on board flights into the UK.

The approvals mean that pets can travel with their owners at any one of five UK airports, including Biggin Hill, Farnborough, Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester Airports.

Albinati says its Maltese operating division has also received approvals to transport dogs, cats and ferrets on flights to Biggin Hill Airport, with the company expecting to receive approvals for other UK airports soon.

As well as being able to travel in the aircraft’s cabin, pets flying with their owner on Albinati will also be able to avoid the compulsory quarantine period. To speed up the process, the company will supply all related documentation to clients flying with their pets well in advance of the flight taking place.

Johnston & Jeff is revamping the packaging for its entire range of bird foods.

“This is a considerable project,” says managing director Richard Johnston. “We have over 127 different foods, and we are phasing the work across quite a period, but starting with our main and best sellers. Some of the wild bird products are already on the shelves.

“Ours is a premium brand with a genuine history and genuine values. Those values are derived from our manufacturing processes, and the quality and cleanliness of our foods. As a result sales increase steadily year on year. But it is critical to make sure that consumers understand the offer and the benefits of the different foods.

“The wild bird range covers four different categories at the moment: Blends, Special Blends – such as our Robin & Songbird – and Individual Seeds & Feeds, plus our Suet Foods & Specials. Now people can see at a glance which is which, AND see the key benefits of each food.

“Our Aviary and Parrot products are being developed at the same time.

“People are very serious about their interest in birds and they will choose good products which are genuinely beneficial and have genuine nutritional values and increasingly they are choosing on quality not price. We know that the information on our packs is valuable to them and this higher profile packaging will have a significant appeal.”

KEY POINTS:

• clear, easily read product points
• instant information via tick boxes 
• strong brand appeal and distinctive presentation
• all foods manufactured and produced by Johnston & Jeff

For more information visit www.johnstonandjeff.co.uk

A hunt has been launched for a knifeman who held up terrified staff at a pet store as he demanded cash.

The masked robber struck at 6.20am on Wednesday as employees at Pets At Home, on the Capitol Centre retail park at Walton-le-Dale, near Preston, prepared to open the store.

He rang the buzzer at the back of the store, and staff, believing it to be some of their other colleagues arriving for their shift, opened the door.

He burst in armed with a 12 inch tapered kitchen knife and threw a bag at a 24-year-old worker and his colleague, an 18-year-old woman.

Police said he shouted at them to “fill it with money.”

The frightened employees gave him an undisclosed amount, thought to be thousands of pounds, from the safe.

The thug then fled through the back of the premises, which leads into a yard behind the shops.

It is not clear how he got away.

The store declined to comment, but today Det Insp Jane Webb, investigating the incident for Preston Police, said: “This must have been a terrifying experience for the staff members involved although thankfully no-one was hurt.

“I would appeal for anyone who may have seen anything suspicious to get in touch with us.”

She added: “It may be that people were on their way to work or out walking the dog and saw something that could help us catch this man.”

The robber is described as white, of average height and build.

He was wearing dark clothing, and had a balaclava covering his face. It appeared to have holes which had been roughly cut out for his eyes and mouth.

The victims told officers he was carrying a bag, which was black with a grey trim, and was similar in style to a laptop or courier bag.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious, or who has any information should call Preston Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Police are looking for a man in relation to a theft from a Pets at Home store in Nottinghamshire.

Officers have released this picture captured by CCTV at Pets at Home in Sutton-in-Ashfield.

A dog lead was stolen from the store in Station Road on Tuesday, January 27.

The man was wearing dark clothes and a white baseball cap.

If you recognise him or think you can help, call Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting incident 455 of January 27.

Envirosmart Products, makers of the SmartBedz and Smartkitz ranges of environmentally friendly litter and pet toys, has appointed Tony Dutton as non-executive director to the business.

Tony has held country and regional CEO positions in veterinary pharmaceuticals, consumer healthcare and medical nutrition businesses with his specific expertise in international brand marketing.

He has extensive experience of leading, mentoring and coaching teams of senior commercial and technical executives and regularly works with leading animal health companies on projects ranging from brand repositioning to key account management strategies.

 “We have been working with Tony for some time and have found his insight and extensive management expertise in many different markets invaluable during our early development phase” said Nigel Bateson co-founder and director of Envirosmart.

“it was an obvious extension of that working relationship to invite Tony to join our board and we are delighted that he has accepted. He will continue to be a highly valued member of the team and integral to our continued growth as we develop new products and markets.”

Meanwhile, Tony Scott (left) has joined Envirosmart Products to actively increase the distribution of SmartBedz and SmartKitz brands through the specialist pet channel. 

Tony has extensive experience working with retailers and wholesalers from his time at Mr Johnsons. 

His role is to promote the consumer and retailer benefits of SmartBedz litter and SmartKitz accessories and increase their availability to pet owners. 

“It’s great to be working with Tony again, he is a respected and highly regarded member of the specialist pet trade community and I am delighted he has chosen to work with us,” sales director Nigel Bateson said.

Sean Brady, 34, was arrested for the burglary after his blood was found at the scene, Swords District Court has heard.

Brady of Clonliffe Road in Drumcondra had pleaded guilty to the burglary at Kinsealy Pet Store on 24 October 2013.

Garda Killian Layden gave evidence that around 10.30pm the owner of the store, Aidan O'Connor became aware there was an intruder in the pet store.

Mr O'Connor saw a male fleeing from the aviary area and running towards a red BMW. Mr O'Connor struck the vehicle with a hatchet and he had to jump out of the way of the car.

Garda Layden agreed with defence counsel Patrick Jackson that Brady had met gardaí by appointment and pleaded guilty to the offence.

Mr Jackson said Brady, who has ten previous convictions, has a drug habit and tries to make money through illegal means. 

Brady recently had a one year sentence of a three year suspended sentence re-activated at Trim Circuit Court for unlawful possession of drugs for sale or supply.

Judge Denis McLoughlin said there are consequences attached to committing an offence under a suspended sentence and sentenced him to three months in prison to run consecutively to the sentence Brady is currently serving.

He fixed recognisance in the event of an appeal.

The Pet Charity, which promotes the joy and benefits that pets have on society, is requesting the Scottish Government allow the organisation a role in the review of the international pet trade.

Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, Richard Lochhead, announced on 15^th February 2015 a review into the trade and importation of exotic animals for the pet trade in Scotland. Further to this, the announcement also makes reference to the consideration of ‘positive lists’, which in short have the ability to ban the keeping of certain reptiles and ornamental fish.

The Pet Charity aims to represent the pet owner and believes pet ownership should be encouraged for those that can demonstrate they are able provide the appropriate level of care. Additionally, the Charity believes the suitability of a pet is dependent on each individual and their lifestyle, not the animal-type. In many situations, reptiles or ornamental fish are much more suitable pets than a cat, dog or rabbits. Limiting pet options could potentially encourage the public to choose pets that are unsuitable for their lifestyle, which in turn results in more abandoned animals.

The vast array of reptiles and fish and their sometimes very specific needs is what attracts many pet owners to exotic animals. Instead of a ‘positive list’, which punishes the knowledgeable, hobbyist keeper, the issue lies with the need for the industry to be in agreement on the best way to source these animals and provide for its needs. A ‘positive list’ will not limit the quest for exotic animals, instead it will simply drive these sales further underground, where they are uncontrolled and unregulated with detrimental effects to animal welfare. Purchasing exotic animals from fully licenced and inspected outlets allows exotic pet sales to be traced and sold only to those who can demonstrate the ability to care for them. As such, The Pet Charity does welcome the review into the trade of exotic pets via the internet, where welfare can be compromised.

Paul Miley, Chairman for The Pet Charity, commented: “The keeping of exotic pets is becoming increasingly popular with the busy family, who are sometimes unable to provide the time or space required by many larger pets but are able to provide for the needs of reptiles and fish.

“Pets bring such joy and companionship to the lives of the public and there are huge health benefits as a result of pet ownership seen across all generations, such as reduced blood pressure for those caring for fish*. Researchers have also found that displaying tanks of brightly coloured fish can reduce disruptive behaviours and improve eating habits of people with Alzheimer's disease**.”

For more information about The Pet Charity call 01234 224506, email info@thepetcharity.org.uk or visit www.thepetcharity.org.uk

*A. Beck, A. H. Katcher and E. Friedmann, The Centre for the Interaction of Animals and Society, University of Pennsylvania, USA.  http://disabilityuk.com/health/stress/str5.htm

**N.Edwards. Purdue University, Indiana, USA 1999. http://www.purdue.edu/uns/html4ever/1999/990628.Edwards.fish.html

Phipps, 36, of Elm Road, March, was charged in relation to 34 dogs kept inside The Pet Shop Discount Warehouse in Commercial Road, March.

Deputy district judge Boswell took about an hour to reach his verdict, which was delivered shortly after 5.30pm.

Phipps was found guilty of:

• Failing to provide a suitable environment for 34 dogs
• Failing to provide the dogs with an appropriate supply of drinking water
• Causing unnecessary suffering to a dog by housing them in cages next to each other, allowing them to fight through the bars and cause injuries to each other.

He was found not guilty of:

• Failing to maintain an appropriate body condition for three dogs
• Failing to administer medication to a dog.

Summing up, deputy district judge Boswell said: “This man had the very best of intentions but simply took on more than he could handle.

“However, this is a serious case. As an experienced dog handler he should have known that keeping dogs in those conditions was wholly unacceptable.”

Phipps was disqualified from keeping dogs for three years and was sentenced to a 12-month community order and 180 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £1,000 costs and a £60 surcharge.

A deprivation order was also made, so the dogs remain in the care of the RSPCA.

Following tonight’s verdict, RSPCA chief inspector Kat Parfitt said: “We are satisfied that this case was heard and that a fair judgement was made.

“The reason we go to court is to set acceptable standards in the care of animals.”

After the guilty verdicts and the sentence were served, defence solicitor Sara Lise-Howe told the court that an appeal will be lodged.

The court heard that dogs were kept in crates overnight without access to water. Some cages had two dogs inside.

One dog suffered facial injuries where their cages were pushed closely together and they were fighting.

One dog later lost an eye because the vets could not save it following infection for a fight injury.

There was blood where dogs had been fighting and some dogs had excrement in their cage.

Phipps said he was willing for the dogs to be re-homed but could not get a commitment from the RSPCA that dogs would not be put to sleep.

He said he would rather have dogs in crates than in kennels, where they are “not happy” and “spinning”.

He said the dogs would normally be in crates overnight from 10pm to 8am. In the morning, they would be let out for water and fed.

Dogs would be walked two to three times a day and the crates would be cleaned every day, Phipps said.

He estimated he had spent thousands of pounds on vet bills to ensure dogs got the appropriate care.

Phipps said the dogs were getting an appropriate amount of food and exercise, and were well hydrated.

If there were two dogs in the same cage, it was because they were brother and sister and “could not be separated” due to their level of attachment.

1. Bearded Dragons originally come from Australia and are scientifically known as Pogona.
2. They are called Bearded Dragons because of the beard like pouch under the mouth that they can inflate, and the dark colours that it will turn.
3. They live in hot arid climates, such as semi-desert areas and dry woodland, and love to climb and jump, as well as burrow.
4. While there is little water in their habitat they do actually enjoy swimming.
5. Bearded Dragons have very strong legs and can move at an astonishing rate if they need to, generally though they can only sustain short bursts.
6. They have excellent eyesight and can see prey over a fair distance.
7. Most adult dragons are docile and friendly with a good temperament. They can be quite outgoing and adventurous at times.
8. In groups, more dominant dragons will often climb and lie on top of another dragon in order to claim a basking spot.
9. They can go for weeks without eating although generally are very greedy eaters.

For more information visit www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk

The 2015 BETA Business Awards lived up their reputation as the high point of the equestrian trade calendar as members gathered to recognise and celebrate those who had made outstanding contributions to the industry. These highly prized trophies were presented to companies and individuals during BETA’s glittering annual Gala Dinner, at the National Motorcycle Museum, near Birmingham, on Sunday 22 February.

Guests arrived dressed to the nines and enjoyed a drinks reception before taking their seats for dinner. After the meal and awards presentations, guests got down on the dance floor or enjoyed some interactive fun in a Gold Cup Challenge racing game.

The event’s raffle raised a record £1,918 for Riding for the Disabled. Prizes included a leisure spa break voucher worth £240 from Whittlebury Hall, a set of glasses from Burridge Trophies, a hamper of goodies from Blacks Solicitors and champagne from BETA.

“Our congratulations go to all the winners and everyone who was nominated for an award,” said BETA executive director Claire Williams. “We were overwhelmed by the sheer number of nominations we received and the judges, as usual, had a tough task in selecting the final winners. The BETA Business Awards continue to grow year on year and have evolved to reflect today’s business environment with the inclusion of a social media award for the first time.”

The winners of the 2015 BETA Business Awards are... 

HAYGAIN NUTRITIONAL HELPLINE AWARD

Winner: TopSpec Equine, Thirsk, North Yorkshire

Runner-up: Allen & Page,Thetford, Norfolk

With an increasing number of feeds and supplements on the market, giving the trade and consumers more choice than ever, BETA wished to highlight the importance of reliable and accessible nutritional advice.

Nominations were invited from retailers and consumers, and the final judging was based on these and mystery callers posing questions designed to challenge each helpline.

This is the eighth time that TopSpec has won the award and the judges described the service offered by the company as “outstanding once again!”

EQUINE CAREERS SALES REPRESENTATIVE OF THE YEAR

Winner: Shane Broughal, of Horslyx, Casco, Tredstep, Zilco, Schockemöhle Sports and Prestige Italia

This award, presented by Equine Careers, recognises excellence in product knowledge and service to retail customers. Nominations received from retailers were followed by interviews with the finalists.

Nominators for this agent frequently used the words helpful, patient, efficient, hard-working and professional. A judge was particularly impressed when Shane told him that the most important part of his job was to serve his customers well, be honest and have products that he really believes in – key elements in the agent’s role, which is all about building and maintaining relationships.

HARRY HALL RETAIL EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Winner: Rachel Ealey, Tower Farm Saddlers, Rugby

Runner-up: Samantha Francis, Countrywide Farmers, Ashbourne, Derbyshire

This award is given to the retail employee showing initiative, excellence in customer service, good product knowledge and a commitment to retailing.

Rachel has worked for Tower Farm Saddlers for 13 years and, according to her employer, is the sort of assistant we would all like to be served by but rarely get.

A judge concluded: “She was a delight to talk to and balanced sound product knowledge with real enthusiasm for the ranges she sold.”


CALDENE COMPETITION EQUESTRIAN EVENT OF THE YEAR

Winner: The Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby meeting

Runner-up: Horse of the Year Show

This award acknowledges the event (at which tradestands are present) that best works with its exhibitors and takes their requirements and views fully into consideration.

Judges, visitors and stand holders agreed that the Hickstead Derby, which has been running for 53 years and attracts 40,000 visitors each time, is iconic and held at a spectacular venue. “The organising team are spot on – nothing is ever too much trouble,” they concluded.


BLACKS SOLICITORS TRADE SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR

Winner: Battle, Hayward & Bower, Lincoln

Judged by the retail trade, this award goes to a manufacturer, distributor or wholesaler that offers the best delivery, customer service, product knowledge and awareness of retailer requirements.

Nominators applauded the company’s efficient ordering and delivery services, along with consistently good customer service.

The judges added: “Battles impressed us with its attention to detail and astute use of customer research.”

SEIB RETAILER OF THE YEAR

This award is divided into four categories – large, medium, small and mail order/Internet retailers. It is presented to those retailers that offer outstanding customer service. Final judging took suppliers’ votes into account, as well as including visits by mystery shoppers.

Large Retailer

Winner: Wadswick Country Store, Corsham, Wiltshire

Runner-up: Aivly Country Store, Ringwood, Hampshire

A nominator for Wadswick Country Store said: “They have such friendly and helpful staff.”

A judge added: “Once again, they out-performed the rest in all areas. They have a great grasp of product knowledge, staff are fantastically friendly and professional, and there is a beautiful store environment.”

Medium Retailer

Winner: Redpost Equestrian, Totnes, Devon

Runner-up: Colne Saddlery,Cheltenham, Gloucestershire 

Nominators for Redpost Equestrian said that customer service is impeccable.

Judges added: “Staff were always helpful, whether on the phone or in the store. They offered excellent service, with comprehensive product knowledge”.

Small Retailer

Winner: Tower Farm Saddlers,Earls Barton, Northamptonshire

Runner-up: Equicraft of Backwell, Bristol

A Tower Farm Saddlers nominator said: “The store is like an Aladdin’s Cave and the staff are always friendly and reliable.”

Judges added: “This year, the shop really did excel.”

Mail Order/Internet Retailer

Winner: Supplement Solutions

Runner-up: VioVet

A nominator for Supplement Solutions said: “They are amazing – nothing is too much trouble.”

Judges added: “The person answering my telephone enquiry had a great knack of gauging my knowledge level and responding accordingly. I was left feeling inspired to buy. Yet again, a high standard was shown across the business.”

TSM RIDER AWARD

This award acknowledges sponsored riders who make the greatest contribution to the trade and work hard for their sponsors. This year, for the first time, the award has been divided into two sections – amateur and professional. An independent panel of judges selected this year’s winners.

Winner – Amateur Rider: Mike Hodgson

Nominator Abbey England said: “We started sponsoring this young carriage driver in 2011. Two years later, he became reserve champion with his team of Shetland ponies. In 2014, he took bronze at the FEI Youth Championships and was named Young Driver of the Year by British Carriage Driving. He provides us with countless training features, participates in photo shoots and his next project is a series of ‘how to’ videos.”

Winner – Professional Rider: Roberta Sheffield

Nominated by: Bliss of London, Showerking, Cyclo-ssage, Safemix Equestrian Bedding and Mark Westaway & Son. Judges were impressed with the wide support from all her sponsors and the professional and enthusiastic way in which she approached each sponsorship, displaying in-depth knowledge of their products and a willingness to promote them at every opportunity.

UKTI EXPORT AWARD

Winner: Bliss of London

This award recognises a company that has generated a substantial and sustained increase in export activity over a period of at least three years.

The judges felt that Bliss of London showed clear structure to its strategy and impressive results.

 
BETA SOCIAL MEDIA AWARD

Winner: Weatherbeeta

Judges said that the company displayed strong creative content, a good understanding of its customers and a good mixture of technical product and fun interactive posts. “Weatherbeeta also supports the trade well with easy-to-share content and information,” they added.


BETA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Winner: Ken Lyndon-Dykes

Ken received the Lifetime Achievement Award for the great contribution he has made to the equestrian industry for many years, promoting the importance of saddle fitting and playing an influential role in both BETA and the SMS.

Horses have been a huge part of Ken’s life – he even gave up a place at Oxford to run a trekking centre in Wales. He became a fully fledged member of the equestrian trade some years later quite by accident after the plane he was flying in the 1972 British Air Race crashed following a bird strike and he woke up in hospital and was told that he would probably be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his days.

Up to this point, Ken had been working in the publishing industry as a high-earning executive. He now found himself unemployed and seemingly unemployable. But, rather than be defeated, he rallied and came up with the idea of selling saddles by mail order.

In 1973, Ken opened his first equestrian retail outlet, which he built into a chain of 56 shops and “shops within shops”. This business was eventually sold in 1999 to the board of directors.

He began producing saddles in Walsall in 1974 and had such illustrious clients as King Hussein and Queen Noor of Jordan, Richard Meade, Lucinda Green and many other Olympic and world-class riders.

Ken’s resolute spirit was illustrated perfectly by his passion for the saddlery industry and the determination he had to walk again after his accident. He developed his own rehabilitation programme and, before long, he was eventing at national and international level.

Throughout his early work in the industry, Ken became aware of the deficiencies in saddle fitting, where consideration was given to the comfort of the rider – but little or none to the welfare of the horse.

This concern sparked a lifetime’s interest in this vital service and he has lectured and trained on the subject all over the world. He has played an influential role in the SMS and helped to develop its saddle-fitting qualifications and courses. He has also written many books and magazine features on the subject.

A successful businessman who has continued to give back to the industry throughout his career, Ken was a BETA Council member from the early days and it is thanks to his support in the 1980s that BETA continued as an independent organisation representing the whole equestrian trade. He is still an active member of the trade association today and still sits on BETA’s Trade Fair Committee.