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Fold Hill Foods has brought out a new brand of natural complete dog food. The recipe includes Lincolnshire-grown oats and barley, with no added wheat, making it suitable for sensitive dogs. It does not use artificial colours or flavours
Ashenbank Premium Pet Foods is a nutritionally complete dry pet food range for cats and dogs.
China is poised to become the world's biggest manufacturer, ending the USA’s 110-year reign as the leading producer of goods.
CEVA Animal Health, manufacturer of veterinary behaviour products Feliway for cats and DAP for dogs, has launched a comprehensive guide on the practical applications of pheromones to showcase the reliability and efficacy of its pheromone products.
Vets and nurses at a Blue Cross animal hospital were stunned to discover an envelope with £800 cash from a mystery donor.
Six swimming dogs who took part in a sponsored swimathon have raised more than £7,500 for the Animal Health Trust.
Despite having the status of an authorised controlled drug, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate has issued a warning that the chemicals malachite green, formaldehyde and potassium permanganate are still being used by some fishkeepers in their raw states to treat tanks and fish. The VMD has warned that fishkeepers who do so are putting the health and safety of their animals at risk, as well as potentially damaging their own health.
Visitors to the inaugural AQUA 2010 are invited to a free After Show Party on the first day of the show, courtesy of organisers OATA Impact Exhibitions Ltd and the trade body for the sector, OATA.
Town & Country Petfoods has launched HiLife Potty about... – its first ‘pot’ for cats.
Nearly half a million UK cat and dog owners never go on holiday for fear of upsetting their pet’s routine.
BARF dog food specialists Natural Instinct officially launched its new Working Dog variety at the CLA Game Fair at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire in July.
The team at equestrian wholesaler Abbey put their best foot forward in aid of the Alzheimer’s Association and their local Scout group, completing a 35-mile sponsored walk along the Gritstone Trail.
PamPurredPets has opened its 45th store, within the Blooms Cardiff Garden Centre, at St Mellons, in Wales.
To celebrate the launch of its Meaty Feasts and Special Fayre chunks dog food, Butcher’s Pet Care has teamed up with pub chain Brakspear to offer a ‘doggy’ menu in pubs.
PATS, the UK’s dual-venue dedicated pet trade show, is set to grow further for 2011.
A new UK-produced pet stain and odour remover is now available, which makers say rapidly cleans stains and simultaneously neutralises and eliminates associated bad odours.
In the US, Procter & Gamble (P&G) has announced a voluntary recall of a list of Iams and Eukanuba dry pet foods as a precautionary measure because it ‘has the potential’ to be contaminated with salmonella
It was only 24 hours of his time, but what a challenge Matthew Bubear took on!
Shock new figures have revealed that more than £75,000 worth of animals have been ‘rustled’ in Scotland alone in the past year.
PJ Pet Products, a specialist supplier of dog chews and toys, is entering the pet market, with a ‘fresh and innovative offering that adds value to customers of all sizes’.
Pooch & Mutt supplements are to be distributed in Spain thanks to a deal struck at Interzoo. Pooch & Mutt is working with Spanish distributor Beimar Suppliers.
Cats and dogs can soon be seen ‘in the pink’ in support of Breast Cancer Campaign. Pet accessories supplier Ancol has created a range of exclusive products designed for the charity which will raise funds from sales proceeds.
Hampshire retailer Stan’s Pet Needs has won The National Pet Month 2010 Best Pet Event in the pet shop category.
With a month to go, bookings for places at the Pet Industry Awards black tie gala at the Marriott Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club on Sunday, September 19 have already exceeded last year’s total number of guests.
New legislation will help crack down on puppy farming in Wales by introducing a minimum supervision requirement of one supervisor to 20 dogs.
Sky Pet Products has moved into larger premises – in the same area of Northamptonshire – with nearly 17,000 square feet of warehousing, an increase of some 3,800 feet of storage.
As Petindex gears up to throw open its doors to the pet industry in September, organisers Emap are confident that a similar number of exhibitors will be displaying their products at the trade show this September.
Happy Pet is holding a Showcase event at The Belfry Hotel, Sutton Coldfield on Sunday and Monday, September 19-20 – the same dates as Glee Petindex and just down the road!
In a first for the Petindex trade show, exhibitor Xtra Dog will have three huskies on its stand within the Innovators Zone.
Petplan, “the UK’s favourite pet insurance provider”*, has launched a new website dedicated to pet businesses. If you’re interested in promoting pet insurance to your customers and earning rewards from Petplan sales as a result, then sign up today.
Time is running out for people training but not yet qualified for SQP (Suitably Qualified Person) status, the UK’s Animal Medicine Training Body AMTRA has warned.
Worcestershire-based natural pet food business Fish4Dogs has appointed a new CEO, Graham Smith, from August 10.
Pet food manufacturer Pets Choice has unveiled new packaging for its heritage brand, Davies Ranger.
Radio Systems Corporation, home of the PetSafe brand, has acquired Vet Ventures, the company that produces the Drinkwell Pet Fountain.
For the first time, the annual China International Pet Show (CIPS) will take place this autumn at the New China International Exhibition Center near Beijing airport.
A new reality TV program to be screened on Channel Four early next year is offering a three-bedroom cottage in an idyllic Yorkshire village as a prize, a chance for the winner to create a new life in this rural location.
Healthy Paws has launched Herbolistic, a nutritional herbal supplement for dogs.
OATA has asked its members not to sell Ludwigia grandiflora, sometimes called Jussiaea grandiflora or L. peploides, and which goes by the common name Water primrose.
Dobbies garden centres have started selling hens.
The Blue Cross is calling for nominations from veterinary practices across the country for its Veterinary Nurse of the Year Award 2010.
Liquid product specialist group55 has launched a new range of cleaning and hygiene products.
CRANSWICK Pet Products has extended its Nature’s Feast wild bird care range to include the all-new Finches Favourite food.
A free, on-line pet directory has launched promising to help independent pet shops and pet professionals promote their products and services.
Wild bird care products supplier Gardman has raised £1 million to fund the British Trust for Ornithology’s (BTO) research and conservation programme.
THE 69th Dibevo Trade Fair takes place this year from October 10-12 at the Evenementenhal, at Gorinchem in The Netherlands.
PATS organisers have set aside extra space at both the southern and northern shows next year in response to demand from the trade.
Global rice supplies are under threat amid fears over decimated crops in Thailand, the world’s largest rice exporter.
A VISIT to Hagen’s Catit and Dogit stand at PATS Harrogate proved profitable for one lucky retailer.
THE Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) has sent out a survey to its members, which aims to establish the factors that make a good wildlife garden pond.
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the British Dog Grooming Championships, Pet Care Trust members are being offered a special half price trade stand space at this year’s event – if they book by the end of August.
A Chinese manufacturer was caught showing counterfeit copies of Reef One’s BiOrb LIFE range at Interzoo, but the units were seized and destroyed by German bailiffs.
NORFOLK-based Natures Grub has been trading for less than two years but is already making its mark on the koi carp and wild bird markets. Company owners Brian and Debbie Mott with the help of their sales agent, Lester Warner, have this year launched their range of natural koi and pond products in koi and garden centres across the country.
AQUATIC livestock importer and distributer Aquallan is now offering same-day delivery throughout England and Wales.
Originally known under the Sherley’s brand, Beaphar Worming Granules for Dogs has been brought back due to feedback received from both retailers and dog owners.
Elk and reindeer are among the six flavours in Bozita Chunks in Jelly, a Swedish wet dog food available in the UK.
CEVA Animal Health has launched a new website – www.dapfordogs.com – to advise dog owners on
the veterinary behaviour product, D.A.P., which is proven to help comfort and reassure pets at times of stress.
the veterinary behaviour product, D.A.P., which is proven to help comfort and reassure pets at times of stress.
GJW Titmuss, one of the UK’s biggest on-line pet stores, is expanding its operations to meet growing demand.
Retailers across the UK and now into Europe are taking advantage of a freezer deal being offered by Natures Menu to support AMP’s entire Natures Menu complete pet food range.
Burgess Pet Care has been awarded an ‘A’ grade rating by The British Retail Consortium (BRC) for the second year running. This is the fourth time in six years the company has been awarded this top grad
CESAR, one of the UK’s bestselling dog food brands, has launched a new addition to the range in the form of new CESAR Puppy.
Exotic pets were high on the agenda at the British Veterinary Association Animal Welfare Foundation Discussion Forum.
Gardman unveiled a ‘fresh new look and approach’ to its sales agents last month (April).
Janet Nunn, chief executive of the Pet Care Trade Association, has been re-elected as vice president of the European Pet Organisation at its AGM.
Batleys has agreed terms with Bellevue Wholesale in Scotland to acquire its two cash and carry branches at Edinburgh and Stirling. In addition, Batleys’ parent company, Bestway (Holdings), has bought a site in Liverpool to build a new cash and carry depot.
Potty About…
…a first pot for cats! Town & Country Petfoods is this month launching ‘HiLife Potty About...’, a portion-controlled cat pet food delivered in pots.
…a first pot for cats! Town & Country Petfoods is this month launching ‘HiLife Potty About...’, a portion-controlled cat pet food delivered in pots.
Pets at Home has announced a 36 per cent increase in pre-tax profits to £54.2m for the year to March 25, 2010. Sales were up 15.7 per cent to £467.7m and the company opened 24 new stores, bringing the total number to 256. And chief executive Matthew Davies says the retailer is committed to continued expansion and aims to be ‘the best pet shop in the world’!
Pet product manufacturer The Nook Group now supplies its products to the whole of the UK.
Aroviit’s UK Larkshall facility in Norfolk says exports to the growing Russian petfood market are progressing apace.
Trixie has introduced of a new range of reptile accessories under the Reptiland brand. The range of more than 150 products includes specialist lighting, thermometers, humidifiers, substrate, furniture and decoration, feeding dishes, food and more.
The newly-created Pet Care Trade Association has replaced Pet Care Trust Trading Ltd as the membership body linked to the Pet Care Trust representing pet specialist businesses in the UK.
The first batch of shortlisted candidates for the Pet Industry Awards 2010 has been announced by organiser the Pet Care Trade Association.
A new reality TV program to be screened on Channel Four early next year is offering a three-bedroom cottage in an idyllic Yorkshire village as a prize, a chance for the winner to create a new life in this rural location.
Businesses have until July 1 to enter the 2010 Pet Industry Awards.
Pedigree Wholesale has appointed Tony Tweed to the position of account manager for the East of England.
TV Shopping channel Ideal Shopping Direct is launching Animal Bargains in July, and has hired Chris Palmer-Smith, a former senior buyer at Pets at Home.
Burgess Pet Care has invested a six- figure sum in its first television advertising campaign to promote its Supadog and Excel brands.
Wagg Foods is searching for relatives of Pickles the dog to potentially become the face of a new, World Cup shaped dog treat.
Mars Petcare has signed up as the main sponsor of a new consumer pet show to be held in November.
Despite the recession, new research suggests that the cat and dog market has remained resilient, increasing in value by four per cent to £1.8 billion last year.
The long-established HiCraft brand portfolio has been sold to a Manchester company
Premier Pet Nutrition – a division focusing completely on the nutrition of companion animals – has been created from its parent company, Premier Nutrition, in response to an increasing demand for dedicated pet expertise and premix production.
Rolf C Hagen (UK) Ltd has announced the acquisition of the distribution rights for Vivexotic, the UK’s leading melamine vivarium brand.
Wholesaler Bestpets has launched a Symbol group and its own ‘local retail club’.
More fun, less effort! KONG has launched two new products – KONG Rocket and the KONG Extreme Flyer – both of which will provide hours of interactive fun between owner and pet.
The makers of Yumega are celebrating with their customers after it emerged that 70 per cent of the highest-placed dogs at this year’s Crufts use the supplement, including Yogi, the winner of the prestigious Best in Show title.
At the end of yesterday’s successful and upbeat first day, visitor numbers were 21% up on the same time, same day last year.
PATS 2010 closed on a high note. Both PATS Sandown in March and PATS Harrogate in April featured Retailers’ Choice showcases, in which exhibitors entered their newest product innovations for scrutiny by the visiting retailers. The retailers voted for the products that most impressed them; votes from both shows were combined and the winners of this year’s eight PATS Product of the Year categories were decided and announced just before PATS Harrogate closed.
Trixie is running a special spring promotion where the retailer receives free stock with any hutch ordered.
National wholesaler Vital Pet Products has completed ‘all the finer details’ of its merger and rebranding and will be exhibiting at PATS Harrogate on April 27-28.
PETA has written to pet stores around the UK asking them to stop selling ‘exotic animals’.
Leading private label dry pet food manufacturer GA Pet Food Partners is set to start a 10-year expansion plan, investing more than £34 million
A new animal bedding product has been picked up for distribution by two major wholesalers in the first month of its launch.
The British Embassy in Paris is planning a showcase of pet care products from the UK.
Wagg Foods has launched two new flavours of oven-baked treats for dogs.
Chicken and Liver Tasty Bones and Puppy Treats not only provide an appetising snack, but have added health benefits, too, the North Yorkshire manufacturer says.
Chicken and Liver Tasty Bones and Puppy Treats not only provide an appetising snack, but have added health benefits, too, the North Yorkshire manufacturer says.
East Anglia-based Liberta has been appointed sole UK distributor of the Montana range of bird cages.
In what it believes to be an industry first, Mars Petcare has announced a commitment to using only sustainably sourced fish by 2020 – and the company says it hopes the rest of the trade will follow suit.
Innovative businesses across the pet trade have teamed up to take advantage of a hot new craze sweeping the country in the run-up to St George’s Day. Petfood manufacturer Betty Miller has today launched a flame-grilled dragon food – and a raft of complementary products have been rushed to market by firms eager to cash in on the growing demand for pet dragons. The fire-breathing, winged reptilian creatures were thought by many to have been extinct for several hundred years but they are currently enjoying a huge revival in popularity.
Six new flavours have been added to Russel Rabbit Original to create a different meal for every day of the week. Each box contains two weeks’ food in 14 conveniently-sized sachets, making it ideal for holiday boarding. The sachets are sealed to maintain freshness and help to control portion sizes.
Specialist pet and aquatic shop fitter, CASCO Europe, is now wholly owned by its CEO, Matthew Bubear, following a recent acquisition of all issued share capital from the US shareholders.
Two pet retailers have reached the final stages of a competition to find the best independent shops on Britain’s high streets.
Sandown Park, Esher, late afternoon on Tuesday, March 23. The buzz began in the morning and exhibitors were still busy as the afternoon drew to a close.
Natures Menu exports are soaring, with products now available in more than 20 countries worldwide.
ProPets is fighting the corner for pet-keeping and the trade in the run-up to the forthcoming general election.
A members-only dog care business has been launched in an upmarket area of Cheshire by dog-lovers Julian Cheetham and Kate Titterton.
John Allan Fish has expanded into marines and is now stocking a wide selection of marine fish and invertebrates plus the full range of TMC and Deltec dry goods.
Armitage Pet Care is giving retailers the chance to win £500 worth of free stock to celebrate the launch of its new spring and summer catalogue, Trade Store.
Tetra is promoting its goldfish food and care range via a new campaign aimed at children and parents.
The Nook Group has opened a new distribution centre at Gravesend, in Kent, which will stock and supply the company’s own branded products.
Cheshire-based pet care business ByoFresh has been acquired by Hygiene specialist Byotrol Technology. ByoFresh founder Paul Foden (pictured above right with Byotrol plc director Stephen Falder) continues under the new owners as CEO of the Pet & Vet Division.
Growing dog food brand Natural Instinct has moved into new 8,000 sq ft premises in Camberley, Surrey complete with refrigeration and freezer units. The company was founded by lawyer David Brock (left) and chef Michael McVay.
Doggy Things is launching Snack Attack, a range of premium natural treats, made from 100 per cent natural, human-grade ingredients.
Radio Systems Corporation, home of the PetSafe, SportDOG, Invisible Fence and Staywell brands, has acquired Premier Pet Products.
Six weeks before its opening date of April 27, the northern PATS is full.
Burgess Pet Care, the family-owned specialist pet care company, has launched a unique reward scheme to support the marketing and sales drive of its core Excel and Supa brands across key independent retailers.
COMPANY of Animals has partnered with US-based Nano Pet Products, LLC, to carry its Dog Gone Smart line of pet products.
DFS Crufts opened this morning, and over the next four days will play host to nearly 28,000 dogs and over 150,000 human visitors.
However, the producer of the controversial BBC documentary Pedigree Dogs Exposed, which looked at health issues in pedigree dogs, today accused the Kennel Club of failing to take sufficient action. The controversy prompted the Kennel Club, which runs Crufts, and the Dogs Trust to jointly fund an independent inquiry which made a number of recommendations to tackle inbreeding in pedigrees, puppy farming and other welfare issues.
However, the producer of the controversial BBC documentary Pedigree Dogs Exposed, which looked at health issues in pedigree dogs, today accused the Kennel Club of failing to take sufficient action. The controversy prompted the Kennel Club, which runs Crufts, and the Dogs Trust to jointly fund an independent inquiry which made a number of recommendations to tackle inbreeding in pedigrees, puppy farming and other welfare issues.
Discussion about the government’s consultation over dangerous dogs continues. Charities, like The Pet Care Trust, while welcoming the consultation, expressed concerns that the proposals for compulsory microchipping and insurance will create unnecessary burdens on the vast majority of pet owners who do behave responsibly.
Chris Grayling, shadow home affairs spokesman, said: “All we've really had for the past decade under this government is a series of speeches and headline-grabbing announcements about the things they were going to do to tackle problems like dangerous dog offences.
Labour proposals could make it compulsory for all dog owners in England and Wales to insure against their pet attacking someone, as well as for all dogs to be microchipped. Police and local authorities could also be given powers to force owners of dangerous dogs to muzzle them or even get them neutered.
Leading pet accessories supplier Ancol has launched a major marketing promotion through specialist retailers with the national mobile grooming service Dialadogwash.
Pedigree Wholesale, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of pet and aquatic products to the independent retail sector, has appointed Stuart Hendry as sales director, from March 1.
A leaked document has revealed government proposals to make dog owners take a competency test to prove they have the skills to handle their animals. Owners could also be forced to get their pets microchipped and take out third-party insurance in case the dog bites anyone.
Mars Petcare has brought out a new TV ad to support its latest collection for cats, Whiskas Simply pouches.
National Pet Month will be celebrating its 21st birthday from April 3-May 3, when thousands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country.
Celebrity water gardener Charlie Dimmock has thrown her high-profile support behind a new campaign to stop the damaging spread of invasive plants though British waterways. And retailers have been praised for helping to ensure that shoppers know what they are buying and for advising them on how to dispose of plants properly.
Following the success of last year’s TV advertising campaign, which saw retail sales of the leading veterinary behaviour product Feliway increase by nearly 200 per cent in selected ITV regions, CEVA Animal Health is rolling out a hard-hitting TV campaign on four national channels.
Sparsholt College, in Hampshire, is offering two short courses for retailers next month (March) covering two key topics, Fish Health and Disease and Water Quality and Life Support Systems.
The Animal Health Trust is appealing for volunteers to join champion jockey Richard Dunwoody on a 12-day fund-raising trek on the Great Wall of China in September.
Tropical Marine Centre has launched a new V2Skim Compact range of protein skimmers.
Plans by the Welsh Assembly to ban electronic training aids this year could place thousands of pets’ lives at risk from road accidents, the Electronic Collar Manufacturers’ Association warns.
SQPs (suitably qualified persons) can earn vital points by attending seminars led by worming specialists Virbac and Merial at BETA International 2010.
Vet Dr Vicki J Adams is leading a one-day course in Bedford on February 22 on animal first aid emergencies and wound management.
The JW Pet Company has launched a range of dog and cat grooming products under its Gripsoft brand, distributed by Pedigree Wholesale.
Pet stores nationwide are being invited to take part in a light-hearted, high-profile and potentially lucrative ‘Smell Factor’ promotion being launched by ByoFresh.
CASCO’s European sector has further expanded its team with the appointment of Ross Butterfill as European business development manager.
Hill’s Pet Nutrition has made a bold move to help the specialist channel, announcing an average price reduction of more than five per cent across almost 80 per cent of its product range from March 1.
PetQuip, the UK-based international trade association, has introduced a facility on its website to help retailers source new products.
Town & Country Petfoods has revamped its HiLife Complete and Crunchy dry cat food.
Johnson’s has maintained its place as the UK’s top supplier of pet healthcare products to the trade.
Wagg Foods, the UK’s largest independent supplier of value dry dog food, is to launch a national TV advertising campaign as part of a £1 million marketing package.
Town & Country Petfoods has introduced two new varieties to its HiLife Prestige dog food pouch range.
Luxury on-line pet accessories retailer The Pet Extraordinarium is inviting ‘expressions of interest’for the acquisition of its e-commerce website and intellectual property.
Animal rights organisation PETA is calling on Defra to ban the import and sale of ‘exotics’ in the UK in the wake of the seizure of more than 26,000 animals from a US supplier.
Denes Natural Pet Care has appointed Bramham Trade AS as a distributor in Estonia. The first consignment exported to Estonia comprised canned foods for dogs including Denes for puppies, adult and senior dogs and those prone to weight gain.
A new study claims that the UK domestic cat and dog population is larger than previously reported.
Pets at Home is being bought by an American private equity firm in a deal worth £955 million, including debt.
As the UK endures the coldest winter in 30 years, the sun continues to shine on the wild bird industry, which experienced record sales throughout January.
Horse owners have continued to spend money on their horses and themselves throughout the recession, according to new research from the British Equestrian Trade Association.
Sandra Pearce has joined pbwnews from Pet Product Marketing, where she was editor.
Pet trade show Petindex is to revert to Sunday opening after a rethink by the organisers, who had planned to change it to Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this year. The gardening and leisure show, GLEE, traditionally held at the same time, will run from Monday-Wednesday.
Mars Petcare has added a new product to its leading Whiskas brand with the introduction of new range – Whiskas Simply.
Hill’s Pet Nutrition has launched a new range of Science Plan Snacks to ‘help pet retailers claim their fair share of this growing market with a specialist-only product’.
GA Pet Food Partners, the leading super premium private label dry pet food manufacturer, has appointed a new sales director.
A plucky retailer sent an armed robber packing when she pressed a panic button in her Lancashire shop.
Steve Driver has taken over as managing director of The Company of Animals, taking over from Dr Roger Mugford, who founded the company in 1984.
Police are investigating the theft on a large quantity of dog food stolen from a pet shop in Scotland.
Three months before its opening date on March 23 and in only its second year, all available space at pet trade show PATS at Sandown Park, Surrey has been reserved.
A young retailer was taken to hospital after an arson attack on a Lancashire pet and aquatics store.
The Pet Care Trust is running a hands-on exotic animals workshop at the Pet Care Trust HQ in Bedford on Thursday, March 4.
Scruffs is hosting two open days at its showroom in Manchester. The event, on February 17-18, will give trade buyers the opportunity to see Scruffs’ extensive bedding collection and take advantage of promotional offers.
Supreme Petfoods is running a half-price offer on specially-marked 3kg bags of its science selective Rabbit food.
Animal control equipment supplier MDC Exports has been named Most Supportive Company in the 2009 National Dog warden Association awards.
Retailers visiting the equestrian trade show, BETA International, at the NEC, Birmingham from February 21-23, will see a range of new pet products alongside equestrian goods and country clothing.
New codes of practice for dogs, cats and horses have been published by Defra, providing owners and keepers with information on how to meet the needs of their animals as required by the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The aquatics and water gardening trade has already signed up for 60 per cent of the available stand space at the new AQUA 2010 show, which takes place at the Telford International Exhibition Centre in October.
A FORMER air stewardess who ploughed her life savings into a new business had her entire stock stolen just two weeks after opening.
A retailer in Hampshire has shut up shop after burglars took 13 valuable tortoises.
Retailers Paul and Lynne Powell thought an animal had run riot in their store when they arrived at work to disciver a chaotic scene.
