Retailers and buyers are being urged to register now for PATS Telford with the UK’s National Pet Industry Event just over six weeks away.

PATS takes place at Telford International Centre, where three exhibition halls will host over 250 exhibiting companies and brands on Sunday and Monday, 1-2 October 2023. 

PATS is the only event in the UK where buyers from grooming salons, specialist pet stores and garden centres can view all the latest product launches under one roof.

And as well as meeting up with a long list of PATS regulars, visitors will be greeted by a host of new faces and new products. A growing number of companies, including many supplying grooming products, are choosing to exhibit for the first time as they see PATS as the perfect place to announce their future plans. 

As excitement starts to build, three exhibitors reveal why PATS Telford has become a must-visit event for retailers and buyers.

Charlie Williams, Commercial Director, Canagan

Why have you chosen to exhibit at PATS Telford? 

Exhibiting at PATS is an excellent opportunity as it presents a unique platform to showcase new products, network with industry professionals and gain insights into the latest market trends, thereby enhancing brand visibility and growth potential.

What makes the exhibition so special? 

PATS is highly regarded and valued due to its ability to connect the industry, showcase new products, facilitate business opportunities, and provide valuable industry insights. Symply and Canagan have a deep appreciation for exhibiting at the PATS exhibition due to the invaluable opportunity it provides to connect with our independent customers. Symply and Canagan have consistently returned to the show because it allows us to engage directly with our loyal retailers, strengthen relationships, and receive first-hand feedback on our products. The face-to-face interactions at PATS enable us to understand our customers’ needs and showcase our latest innovations, ensuring that we continue to meet and exceed the expectations of our independent partners.

How important is it for suppliers and manufacturers to have a show like PATS? 

For suppliers and manufacturers in the pet trade, having a show like PATS is crucial as it offers a dedicated platform to showcase their products, establish business relationships, and stay at the forefront of industry trends, ultimately driving growth and success in the market.

What are you hoping to achieve at the show? 

At PATS this year, we will be aiming to increase our brand visibility, forge strategic partnerships and showcase our innovative pet products to retailers and ultimately expand our market presence and drive sales growth.

Why should a retailer take time away from their store to visit the show? 

It provides a unique opportunity to discover new products, connect with suppliers and manufacturers, stay updated on industry trends and network within the industry, ultimately enabling them to enhance their product offerings, make informed business decisions and gain a competitive edge in the market.  

James Hancock, Director, Petlife International

Why have you chosen to exhibit at PATS Telford? 

We consider PATS Telford to be the number one pet trade event in the UK – it offers us the opportunity to meet with high quality retailers, wholesalers, distributors and other pet related businesses all under one roof.

What makes the exhibition so special? 

The feel-good factor driven by quality exhibitors and quality visitors.

How important is it for suppliers and manufacturers to have a show like PATS? 

A show like PATS is vital to the industry – without it, we as a manufacturer/supplier would struggle to reach the breadth of potential customers whom we meet face to face at the event.

What are you hoping to achieve at the show? 

We hope to take orders for both existing lines and new lines over the course of the two days, and to meet with new clients from across the UK and further afield.

Will you be unveiling new products there? 

Yes, PATS Telford is the perfect launch platform for new products in our experience – the event offers a high quality, engaged audience, specifically looking for new lines in many cases.

Why should a retailer take time away from their store to visit the show? 

High quality exhibitors, new lines, unique to show offers, and innovation – all things that retailers may potentially miss in not visiting the show.  

Amy Richards, Head of Sales, Marketing and Product Design, Gallop Equestrian

Why have you chosen to exhibit at PATS Telford? 

We are pleased that Gallop Equestrian will be the first equine wholesaler to request a stand at PATS. We are hoping that by doing so we can give small animal retailers the chance to diversify their business, making it more sustainable and profitable during these more challenging economical times.

How important is it for suppliers and manufacturers to have a show like PATS? 

Being able to present and meet people face to face at these venues is essentially one of the most important reasons for exhibitions such as PATS. The exhibition is extremely valuable to both wholesalers and retailers alike, not only as it is time and cost effective but is also provides a great networking opportunity. Seeing current and new products, which potentially generate present and future orders for all in the commercial chain, is a benefit to everyone attending the show.

What are you hoping to achieve at the show? 

A lot of equine owners may also have smaller four-legged friends. Purchasing what they need for all their animals from one retailer will be more convenient, encourage them to return more often, and subsequently help to boost sales. We are providing retailers with another avenue to generate more income. They will also benefit from our extensive profit margins that are seen across the board on all our equine and human products.

Are you looking forward to the show? 

We are excited to have the opportunity to meet small-animal retailers via PATS and establish strong business relationships for the future.

Registration for free entry to the show is open for retailers and buyers at www.patshow.co.uk

Complaints that a billboard ad caused widespread offence and distress because it contained the image of a dead cat have been dismissed by an advertising watchdog.

The billboard for PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) was spotted in Cleethorpes in late April 2023.

It featured an image of a fishmonger holding a fish alongside text that stated, “SEA THINGS” when viewed from the front. When viewed from the side, the image shifted to reveal a dead cat in place of the fish, while the text transitioned to “SEA THINGS IN A DIFFERENT LIGHT”. Underneath, further text stated, “RESPECT ALL LIFE. GO VEGAN” above the PETA logo.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) received 10 complaints challenging whether the ad’s depiction of a dead cat was excessively distressing, and likely to cause serious or widespread offence.

Three of the complainants also challenged whether the ad had been responsibly targeted because it appeared in a public place where children could see it.

PETA stated that the intent behind the ad was to promote veganism by challenging the societal tendency to treat animals merely as a means of fulfilling human desires, and to question the widespread assumption that certain species were more deserving of compassion than others. They felt that those preconceptions were evident from the complaints themselves, given the ad had featured two dead animals, while only the cat’s depiction had been seen as having the potential to cause distress. They emphasised their view that there was no rational or ethical difference between eating fish or cats, since both were species of sentient beings capable of suffering. They referred to research supporting that fish exhibited a substantial degree of cognitive complexity, particularly in relation to their emotional range, memory and communicative capacities.

They said that the cat’s portrayal was not graphic and had been carefully designed to minimise any risk of distress. It was not depicted with any external wounds, or other outward indicators of injury or suffering. If not for the ad’s wider context, viewers might even have received the impression that the cat was sleeping peacefully. In line with that, they believed that the image itself was unlikely to cause distress, and that those who had taken issue with the ad were most likely to have done so due to broader disagreement with its message.

They said that the ad’s portrayal of dead animals was justified by the urgency with which society ought to address the moral and environmental harms linked to commercial fishing. To support that, they cited a range of figures suggesting that those harms were severe.

As for the ad’s targeting, they stated that the choice of image meant that the ad was suitable for display in an untargeted medium. They added that children frequently encountered dead animals in everyday contexts, such as the supermarket, and deserved to be exposed to viewpoints that challenged their assumptions about the morality of meat consumption. They added that the ad’s content was far more likely to prompt healthy discussion between children and adults than to cause distress or offence.

Global, the owner of the billboard site, said that, prior to the ad’s publication, they had sought a view from CAP’s Copy Advice team, who advised them that the ad was unlikely to breach the Code. They said the ad did not breach their own internal guidelines, that they had not received any direct complaints about the ad, and that the billboard ad was no longer up for display.

The ASA acknowledged that some viewers would find the ad unsettling or distasteful. However, it considered that viewers would understand that the ad was for an animal justice charity, promoting the vegan diet, and that it aimed to challenge societal norms regarding the moral significance of meat consumption.

The authority considered that the cat’s depiction was neither gruesome, nor shocking, and was unlikely to be considered particularly realistic by most viewers. On that basis, it considered that viewers, including children, were likely to regard the image as relatively mild. For that reason, the ASA concluded that the ad was not excessively distressing, or likely to cause serious or widespread offence, and had not been irresponsibly targeted.

The ASA stated that no further action necessary.

PETA said on its website that it was now planning to roll the ad out nationwide as part of its "efforts to challenge speciesist thinking."

Picture of poster (Gary Stafford Photography)taken from PETA's website.

Petplan has launched a first-of-its-kind interactive ‘Weather Furcast’ for dogs. The digital tool, hosted on Petplan.co.uk, updates in real time to show when is and isn’t safe to walk dogs, helping owners make safe choices this summer.

The launch comes as over six in 10 (64%) dog owners were unaware that cloudy but humid weather could be hazardous to their pups, and over eight in 10 said that on a sunny day, they’d wait until it was cloudier to walk their dog. 

Although almost two thirds of dog owners (62%) were confident they knew exactly when it was safe to walk their dogs in summer, only one quarter (25%) correctly identified 23 degrees as being the turning point at which owners should be exercising caution.

With temperatures just shy of 30 early this week, shockingly, almost one in 10 dog owners said they’d happily walk their dog in 28 degree heat – a hazardous temperature for all dogs, and potentially life-threatening for large and high-risk dogs, such as those with flat faces.

For avoidance of doubt, dog owners can head to the Weather Furcast for advice  - users should simply select their dog type from small, medium, large and high-risk breeds (with a key for guidance), as well as their local region. The current temperature in their area will display on the map, alongside a red, amber or green paw print symbol and furmometer, letting them know whether it’s safe to go out, whether they need to exercise caution, or whether the current temperature is dangerous, and they should stay indoors for the time being.

The research also highlighted that the biggest concerns when it comes to summer petcare were dehydration (67%), heatstroke (61%) and difficulty breathing/excessive panting (45%). Over one third of British pet owners said although they had a vague idea of when it’s safe to take their dog for walks, they weren’t certain at which temperature it becomes dangerous. 

Whilst the tool aims to help avoid any heat-related illnesses in dogs this summer, pet owners should still familiarise themselves with heat stroke first aid, as the recent survey revealed that over three quarters of pet owners (78%) incorrectly believe it’s safe to place a wet towel over their pet in the case of heatstroke.

Although well-meaning, the reality is that placing a wet towel over your pet’s body - including cats too - can trap in the heat, causing them to overheat further. Instead, the pet should be moved into the shade, and onto a cool surface where possible, and a cool, damp towel should be placed underneath their body.

Other heat stroke symptoms pet owners weren’t confident in recognising included heavy panting (30%) and an upset stomach (49%). 

Brian Faulkner, RCVS-registered Veterinary Surgeon and Petplan spokesperson, said, “Pet owners across the country have the best intentions when it comes to summer petcare, but in the UK, we’re not yet accustomed to the higher summer temperatures we often now see. Despite a summer of intermittent sunshine, owners still need to exercise caution, as even overcast, cloudy weather can be hazardous for dogs. We need to adapt our dog walking routines and general pet care behaviours to meet increasing temperatures, and Petplan’s new Furcast tool aims to help take uncertainty out of the equation.”

With 15% of dog owners having had to visit the vets due to heat-related illness and summer-related injuries like stings and bites, and 1 in 2 dog owners (50%) planning to spend this Bank Holiday weekend outdoors with their pooch, Petplan has compiled a guide on how best to care for dogs, cats and rabbits this summer. Visit https://www.petplan.co.uk/pet-information/blog/summer-tips-for-pets/ to find out more and try the Weather Furcast tool.

Research based on GenPop survey of 1564 UK dog owners conducted June-August 2023

Full data set:

•  70% of UK dog owners are concerned about the effect rising temperatures will have on their furry friends.
• 36% said they had a vague idea of when it was safe to take their dog out but weren’t certain

• Nearly 10% would walk their dog in 28 degree heat
• Top concerns when it comes to pet care this summer are:

• Dehydration 67%
• Heatstroke 61%
• Difficulty breathing and excessive panting 45%
• Struggling to cope in a heatwave 44%
• Leaving them alone when you go out 29%

• Only 25% knew that 23 degrees was the approx temp at which you must exercise caution with any dog breed
• 1 in 10 dogs had suffered from heat exhaustion / 13% stung or bitten by insects
• 30% wouldn’t recognise heavy panting as a sign of heatstroke
• 51% incorrectly believe swelling was a sign of heatstroke, and 56% incorrectly believed muscle spasms were
• 49% didn’t know an upset stomach could be a sign of heatstroke
• 78% thought you should put a wet towel over your pet when it has heatstroke incorrect
• 55% didn’t know pouring cool water over your dog’s body was part of heastroke first aid
• 64% didn’t know that cloudy, humid weather could be hazardous for dogs
• 86% said on a hot day, they’d wait until it was cloudier/less sunny to walk their dog
• 50% will be spending the Bank Holiday weekend outdoors with their dog

The Hug Pet Food Company is launching a campaign to encourage restaurants and hotels to offer meals for their canine guests every bit as tasty, nutritious and premium as the food on their menus.

HugMyDog produces a range of ready meals for dogs, which can be cooked straight from the freezer in its own 100% sustainable packaging. 

The meals are made from only the best cuts of human grade British meat (no bones or offal) with organic vegetables and fruit (no grains, legumes or fillers) plus a sprinkling of essential vitamins, minerals and herbs. 

The range includes Beef with Sweet Potato, Lamb with Mint, Chicken with Carrots and Venison with Blackberries. 

Sara Pearson, co-founder of Hug, said: “We applaud the hospitality industry who in recent times have opened its doors to dogs. 

“During the pandemic 3 million more dogs and cats came into our homes. These pets have become intrinsic in the lives of their owners and it is not surprising they don’t want to exclude them from outings for meals or overnight stays.   

“But simply providing a bowl of water and maybe a treat is not enough. HugMyDog is the ideal solution for the hospitality trade as the meals are safe to be store alongside human food and can be readily available for serving in a matter of minutes direct from the freezer via the microwave.”

“We want to encourage the hospitality industry to add a section on their menus offering pet meals.  Afterall you would not invite or encourage someone into your home and not offer them food and drink.”

Pet owners increasingly represent a powerful and valuable consumer sector as recognised by the number of shops that now welcome dogs into their retail space. The hospitality industry will be missing out if it does not see dogs and their owners as a source of goodwill and profit. 

The trade price for HugMyDog ready meals 300g is £2.15. The Hug Pet Food Company can also supply liveried freezers.

For more information please visit www.thehugpetfoodcompany.com or contact hello@hugpetfood.com

Tickets to the Pet Industry Federation (PIF) Awards, are now on sale. This isn’t just any awards night – it's a special celebration marking the grand 75th Anniversary of the Pet Industry Federation.

“In the last 75 years, the Pet Industry Federation has witnessed phenomenal growth, resilience and innovation. The PIF Awards not only recognise the achievements of the present but also honour our rich past,” remarked Nigel Baker, CEO of the Pet Industry Federation. 

“This year is particularly close to my heart, marking our 75th anniversary. It's more than just an awards night; it’s a testament to our industry's spirit and camaraderie. I cannot emphasise enough how important it is for every member of our community to join us in this grand celebration. Together, let's mark this momentous milestone.”

This night is an embodiment of our journey and the milestones we've accomplished over the past 75 years. Beyond the award presentations, attendees have the opportunity to celebrate the essence of the pet industry, connect, rekindle old bonds and build new affiliations. Moreover, it's an experience that promises to remain etched in memories and discussed for years. Whether you've applied for an award or not, every individual from the pet industry community is invited to attend this historical celebration.

Mark your calendars for Thursday, 9 November, as the PIF Awards light up the Chesford Grange Hotel in Kenilworth. Given the history of sold-out events, early booking is advised. Special discounts are available for PIF members, finalists, and group bookings of ten.

All booking details and further information can be found on the PIF website www.petfederation.co.uk

Vital Pet Group returns to PATS Telford this year with a focus on some new and exclusive brand partnerships. New suppliers now stocked at Vital include Blue Pet Co., Nature’s Greatest Secret, Soap Story, Petto Smart Nutrition, Canine Choice and Feline Choice, and The Buffalo Co. who are all expanding their distribution base within UK pet trade.

Macahl Animal Health is another new brand, exclusive to Vital, offering oral rehydration brand for pets, Oralade, and Vets Menu Gravy Toppers. 

In addition, many of the brands including Blue Pet Co, Macahl Animal Health, The Soap Story, The Buffalo Co and Petto Smart Nutrition have all been listed as finalists at the PetQuip and PATS awards.

Francesca La Rosa, Product Marketing Manager at Vital says she is delighted to be working with such great brands, “It’s such an exciting time to be working with Vital and these are wonderful suppliers that have so much to offer. We’ve undertaken a gap analysis and really focused on those who bring something fresh and on-trend to the market. They all bring the innovation that shoppers are looking for and are excellent choices for any outlet seeking to drive footfall.”

Nature’s Greatest Secret and Soap Story have already built their brands in the human health and hygiene category and so the brands come with a great heritage and recognition, as well as a strong focus on quality and consumer insight. 

Soap Story offers an opportunity to reduce waste with its shampoo bars which are light to transport and help to reduce waste resulting from the use of plastic bottles. With six variants, the soaps are presented in attractive packaging which aims to deliver stand out on shelf. Sustainable credentials are carried through with the use of local suppliers and carbon offsetting. Popular natural ingredients like essential oils, aloe vera, and marula oil have been used in the production of the soaps.

Nature’s Greatest Secret is a range based on colloidal silver, long associated with beneficial antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. As a leading player in this market, the company has an emphasis on quality products developed in conjunction with a leading holistic vet. The range includes ear drops, eye drops, toothpaste, multipurpose sprays and tick and flea repellents and shampoos. As pet owners seek to economise on minor ailments, this healthcare category is anticipated to grow in line with fears around the cost of living.

Blue Pet Co offers a supplements range that also relies heavily on local sourcing and manufacture, using seaweed bioactives harvested off the coast of Ireland and clean bioprocessing technologies. The company has supplements for mobility (GoActive), energy (GoFuel), coat/ skin quality (GoShine) and dental health (GoSmile).

Retailers can check out the new lines at www.vitalpetproducts.co.uk or can call 01837 883000 for more information. 

As autumn approaches, many people are thinking about what bulbs they will plant in time for spring, but Qualified Veterinary Nurse Rachel Bean is urging dog owners to think of their pets and be aware of potential hazards.

Tulip, crocus and daffodil bulbs can all be toxic to dogs and cause sickness, an upset stomach or even death, so Rachel, who wrote the iPET Network's qualification in Canine First Aid, and travels the country giving live saving demonstrations, is urging people to watch out.

She said: "Seeing the first shoots of spring is always a wonderful thing, but many people do not realise that popular bulbs can cause serious harm to our dogs.

"The toxins in bulbs are more concentrated than in the final plant and flower, so it's important to watch out if your dog is showing an interest in the bulbs you are planting out.

"If your dog loves to dig, consider bulbs other than daffodil, crocus and tulip, and for any dog make sure to store bulbs out of harm's way in the home.

"If you think that your dog may have eaten a bulb, try and work out what kind of bulb, and get them to the vets as quickly as you can."

Though an essential part of a spring garden display, daffodil poisoning can result in serious heart problems and issues with breathing and swallowing.

Symptoms also include inflammation and burn-like marks on your dog's body.

Rachel added: "If you have any concerns at all it is always the best thing to get your dog to a vet immediately."
To find out more about Rachel Bean go to www.rachelbean.co.uk 

Nutriment Raw, a leader and innovator in the field of raw pet food, has launched its own range of highly nutritious bone broths to add to their comprehensive, high quality pet food portfolio. Three varieties – chicken, beef and lamb – will be available in 500ml packs from the start of September 2023.

Bone broth has become a popular food product in recent years although it has been produced and consumed by humans for thousands of years. Its current status of superfood is owed to its abundance of collagen, protein and minerals which health-conscious consumers of today demand for skin, muscle and other general health qualities. As humanisation trends continue to drive the pet food industry, a pet-focussed bone broth product range was an innovative step in portfolio expansion for the team at Nutriment.

“Our bone broth is a very versatile product. It can be fed alone as a snack or added to existing meals. It is a liquid at room temperature, a jelly once refrigerated, can be frozen for easy portioning and gentle heated to suit your pet’s preferences – making it a fuss-free, nutritious, and great-tasting way to boost your dog’s or cat’s nutrient intake,” commented Ryan Winwright, Head of Commercial at Nutriment Raw. 

“Bone broth promotes healthy digestive and immune systems, supports joint health and liver health, and promotes health skin and coats, all whilst being gentle on the stomach and great for hydration. It’s the perfect, soothing food supplement to support recovery from illness and exercise, as well as to boost our pets’ general nutrient levels.”

In addition to its nutrient powerhouse profile, the bone broth portfolio is another demonstration of Nutriment’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing. The human-grade quality bones used in the bone broth products – destined for disposal in normal circumstances – are repurposed to produce the broth. The bone broth’s carton packaging is also made from fully recyclable, low carbon renewable materials enabling responsible disposal in the household recycling bin.

From a retailer’s point of view, Nutriment bone broth has a long shelf life and is an ambient product, so doesn’t demand freezer space. It also provides a perfect upsell opportunity as a nutrient booster alongside all feeding styles. Its versatility allows for up to an additional 6-month storage (frozen) making it long lasting and value-for-money.

To find out about stocking Nutriment bone broth, or to become a Nutriment stockist, email trade@nutriment.co

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Southern Aquatics & Pets has announced the opening of a new shop in Southampton, reports the Southern Daily Echo.

A spokesperson for Southern Aquatics & Pets told the Southern Daily Echo: "We are thrilled to be bringing our brand to the pet lovers of Southampton and the surrounding areas.

"All our stores are stocked with the highest quality products and staffed with teams that have the knowledge to help and assist.”

Southern Aquatics & Pets also has stores in Poole and Yeovil.

Meanwhile, according to blogpreston.co.uk, a pet-mad couple have opened their first pet store in the Lancashire village of Bamber Bridge.

Louise and Becky Brindle-Rhodes first started selling their range of natural treats in November despite working full-time. 

But they were blown away by the response to selling their products online that they’ve taken on a physical store in the Old Mill Industrial Estate, Bamber Bridge.

IVC Evidensia has released its lecture schedule line-up for London Vet Show 2023, which delves into some of the most topical issues in the profession today, including flexible working and safety culture.

Whilst the IVC Evidensia Referrals lectures have been a popular mainstay at London Vet Show for many years, this time the leading veterinary group is mixing it up with lectures focused on subjects that are directly affecting the veterinary community.

The first day’s talks on 16 November will tackle important subjects such as ‘Vets vs Nurses: Are we Blurring the Lines?’ with Daniella Dos Santos (Director of Professional Culture) and Liz Cox (Group Veterinary Nursing Advisor), and ‘The Criminal Underworld and Animal Welfare’, which is one of two lectures from David Martin (Group Veterinary Welfare Advisor) and Richard Sinclair (UK Veterinary Welfare Advisor), who jointly spearheaded the Non-Accidental Injury (NAI) welfare initiative last year. 

The second day will pivot to referrals, covering topics such as the emergency approach to dyspnoea, differentiating cardiac and pulmonary diseases, as well as different aspects of diagnosis and treatment when dealing with respiratory disease.

Shining a light on key areas across the profession 

The day one programme is dedicated to highlighting topics that directly affect the veterinary community, with a focus on flexible working along with a diverse range of other areas that are integral to IVC Evidensia culture. 

A big topic is psychological safety and the adoption of a safety-critical culture in veterinary practice, headed up by Laura Playforth, IVC Evidensia’s Group Quality Improvement Director. She looks to another safety-critical industry, mountaineering, to outline what a learning and improvement culture can look like following the significant event review that took place after the Mount Everest tragedy in 1996. 

Sustainability in the veterinary industry will also be a key focus, highlighted by Sayaka Okushima from Pride Veterinary Referrals, who is a European Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia, and Sarah Heath, Director of Sustainability and the lead for IVC Evidensia’s Positive Pawprint strategy. They will be discussing the use of anaesthetic gases during procedures and ways to reduce them given that they are a significant contributor of carbon emissions in practice.

Sharing insights from referral colleagues 

The second day will showcase a number of referrals clinicians who will take us through various areas of specialty, from handling emergency situations to mastering diagnostic testing equipment in first opinion practice. 

David Owen, a Referral ECC Clinician at Vets Now in Manchester, will be talking about talking about emergency dyspnoea cases and how veterinary colleagues can cope with challenging situations efficiently, by removing stress from the equation and focusing on the needs of the patient. 

Frances Bird, a European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery at Pride Veterinary Referrals, will be closing out the day with a discussion on treating respiratory disease from a surgeon’s perspective, taking into account any complications that can arise while managing the patient post-operatively. 

Other speakers on day two include: 

• Julia Sargent (Referral Clinician in Cardiology)
• Jacques Ferreira (Head of Anaesthesia, Blaise Referrals)
• Harry Swales (Referral Clinician in Medicine, Moorview Referrals)

 You can find the full programme on the London Vet Show website here.

CSJ sent congratulations to the new English National Sheepdog Champions – Meg Hutchinson and her dog Katie.

At the 2023 English National Sheepdog Trials held 17^th to 20^th August at Flash House Farm, Sheffield, Meg and her dog Katie beat strong competition to come away with the title English National Champions.

Meg of Littledale Sheepdogs is no stranger to prestigious wins including the recent hotly contested 2023 Pennine Interclub Nursery Championships with her dog Preseli Jet.

In fact the Hutchinson whole household are winners with husband Ricky being a renowned top multi-award winning competitor too!

Ricky commented, “The title has now come to Littledale 6 times in the last 10 years!” and added, “What a woman!”

Meg and Ricky will both compete for England at the International Sheepdog Trial 2023 – in Wicklow, Ireland.

For more information about Meg and Ricky with their Shadwell prefix and Littledale Sheepdogs fuelled by CSJ visit https://www.facebook.com/littledalemafia

and for more on CSJ products visit www.csjk9.com or call 01745710470.

Sky has announced that pet food manufacturer Grub Club is one of five winners of its award-winning Sky Zero Footprint Fund. Now in its third consecutive year, the £2 million advertising fund uses the power of TV advertising to tackle climate change by supporting campaigns that drive behaviour change for a more sustainable world.

The five winning brands were selected because of their pitch’s display to inspire change, with each one demonstrating sustainable values that align to Sky’s own. Sky Zero‘s pledge is to go net zero carbon by 2030 and inspire others to join the journey.

Last Thursday (10 August) a panel of industry experts, with credentials in advertising, creativity and sustainability, met and assessed live pitches from the shortlisted brands at the Thinkbox HQ in Holborn. Each brand was judged on the merits of their creativity (ability to capture the attention of the nation); impact (the potential to drive real, tangible behavioural change); and sustainable credibility (their authentic commitment as a business to tackle climate change).

Each of the winning businesses has been awarded £250,000 in media value. They will now move into ad production, ahead of a final stage of judging in December, which will see the most compelling creative securing an additional £750,000 (totalling £1 million) in media value.

Grub Club is a supplier of hypoallergenic insect-based dog food. Alessandro Di Trapani, co-founder & CEO, said, “We are absolutely buzzing to have made this year’s Final 5. The Sky Zero Footprint Fund gives us an incredible opportunity to tell the Grub Club story to millions of people across the UK, which will be a game-changer for us in educating pet parents about the sustainable alternatives that exist in pet food. Time to turn man’s best friend into Earth’s best friend.” 

This year’s judging panel included a range of new additions with Chris Baker, Co-Founder of Serious Tissues who won the Grand Prix £1 million ad spend last year; Sky Sports News Presenter and Sustainability Lead, David Garrido; Pippa Glucklich, Chief Executive Office of Electric Glue; Marketing Consultant Michelle Carvil, author of Sustainable Marketing and Co-Founder of Can Marketing Save the Planet Podcast; Creative Consultant, Rosie Arnold; Richard Shotton, Behavioural Scientist and Author of The Illusion of Choice and The Choice Factory; and Dino Myers-Lamptey, founder of The Barber Shop & Co-Chair of The Conscious Advertising Network GSD Advisory Group. 

The panel also saw the return of Stephen Woodford (Chair of the Advertising Association), Fiona Ball (Group Director of Bigger Picture at Sky), Sarah Jones (Director of Planning at Sky Media) Jo Fenn (Global Director of AdGreen) and Gideon Spanier (UK Editor in chief of Campaign).

All five winning ads will be produced using insights, tools and learnings from AdGreen. Part of the Advertising Association, AdGreen supports the ad industry shift towards net zero, eliminating the negative environmental impacts of production. Established by Sky Media, the Footprint Fund is part of the Sky Zero campaign to be net zero carbon by 2030. 

The five winning businesses are (alphabetically):  

1. Grub Club (Hypoallergenic insect-based dog food) 
2. Milliways (Plastic free, plant powered and planet friendly gum)
3. Ocean Bottle (B Corp certified reusable bottles)
4. OceanSaver (Ocean safe eco cleaning products) 
5. UpCircle (Natural skincare with upcycled ingredients)

Pets Corner is set to open a new 'worldwide flagship store' in Ascot next month. It will be the first of 10 new outlets the company hopes to have up and running before the end of the year.

The store in London Road, Ascot, will open on Friday, September 8, followed by a grand opening weekend event on the Saturday and Sunday. As well as stocking an extended product range, the store will feature the Dogwood grooming salon and a Pet Practice veterinary service.

Ascot will be the 151st in the brand's portfolio and is being pitched as the retail group's first worldwide flagship store, showcasing natural products to visiting international trade buyers as well as UK customers.

Pet Corner’s parent company, Pet Family, recently secured an eight-figure funding package from HSBC UK to support its growth nationally and internationally, and to create up to 320 jobs nationwide.

Pet Family is using the multi-million pound funding to open 10 new stores throughout England by the end of the year. As well as Ascot, these include ones at Chelmsford, East Grinstead, Newbury and Colchester.

Nationwide pet retailer Jollyes unveiled its Merthyr Tydfil store.

The flagship store, at Triangle Business Park Rd, Pentrebach was opened by Dreygo - a dragon with a huge 15-feet wingspan, smoke-breathing nostrils, and his Welsh Wizard owner.

Joining Dreygo was Merthyr County Borough Council – new Mayor Councillor Malcolm Colbran and regeneration cabinet member Michelle Symonds and her dog Milo who declared the store open by biting through a string of sausages.

The store is Jollyes’ 93^rd in the UK and fourth in Wales and a flagship location for the pet retailer.

It has a new-look Community Pet Clinic and ‘Jolly Groomer’ - part of a £1 million investment over the next 18 months to supercharge Jollyes’ provision of vet clinics, grooming parlours, and other pet services in its UK stores.

Regional manager Sam Wells said: “We’ve had a warm Welsh welcome from everyone here in Merthyr.  We’d like to thank customers for coming to support the store from the moment we opened our doors and look forward to serving pet parents here in Merthyr for years to come.”

Gallery of pictures from the store opening below...

A pet and reptile shop has announced its closure, blaming rising costs for its demise.

East Midlands Pet and Reptile Supplies in Leicester told customers of its decision in an emotional social media post.

The statement on its Facebook page said: “Please note that due to the rising operating costs the costs of our rent, the electricity along with the rising costs of products we try to stock that East Midlands Pet and Reptile Supplies will cease trading no later than the 19th of August.

“No more stock will be purchased and we will spend this week selling off the remaining stock we hold. We have battled for the past 12 months to remain open to serve our local customers however we just can’t do so anymore.”

The pet shop opened 12 years ago and built up a strong customer base.