Government & Legislation

OATA training packages get City & Guilds’ stamp of approval

The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) is re-launching its industry training packages with new online courses after gaining City & Guilds accreditation. The trade body has revamped and updated the course contents of its Foundation and Advanced Training programmes which have now been assessed and accredited by the educational organisation.…

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OATA welcomes Scottish government plans to review pet shop licensing

The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) has welcomed news that the Scottish government is to look at introducing new legislation on pet shop licensing in Scotland following a campaign by Jeremy Balfour MSP. Balfour’s office confirmed it has received a letter from the cabinet secretary for the environment, climate change…

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A challenging retail environment

The last few months have been tough for UK retailers and with pressure on the high street unlikely to let up any time soon, factors such as Brexit, rising costs and online competition have left British merchants with little to celebrate. Although the macroeconomic picture seems to have improved more…

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New trading standard guides launched to help OATA members

OATA has joined forces with Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Trading Standards team to provide new support and advice guidance for its members. Three new guides have been produced for OATA members covering electrical goods, product safety and fair trading to help businesses show they are complying with the law and have…

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Association of Private Pet Cemeteries and Crematoria introduces ‘compulsory inspections’

The Association of Private Pet Cemeteries and Crematoria (APPCC) is to introduce “compulsory, independent inspections” for its members. Announced during the APPCC’s 25th anniversary celebrations at the historic Shrigley Hall Hotel near Macclesfield, it is said that the new regulation will cost the association £14,000. Prior to the new legislation…

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Bank of England puts hold on interest rates due to Brexit uncertainty

The Bank of England has placed interest rates on hold following growing uncertainty around Brexit. A vote to leave rates unchanged held by the bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) was in favour of leaving rates at 0.75% by 9-0. Financial markets are currently indicating that rates will not rise until…

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Select committee finds dangerous dogs legislation ‘fails to protect the public’

A new report by Defra has called for a full-scale review of current dog control legislation and policy after the commons select committee found it “fails to protect the public”. The inquiry was launched to investigate Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) and wider dog control, amid concerns that the current approach…

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Kennel Club welcomes Scottish government’s ban on shock training devices

The Kennel Club has welcomed the Scottish government’s ban on shock training devices following its event at the Scottish parliament last December where it called for a ban on the devices. Strict guidance has been published by the Scottish government which provides advice on training methods and training aids for…

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Defra updates guidance on Animal Activities Licensing regulations

Defra has re-issued the guidance documents for the new Animal Activities Licensing Regulations, which came into force on 1 October 2018. Following feedback provided by the Pet Industry Federation (PIF), in collaboration with the Corporation of London, the new guidance has been amended versions to address some of the points…

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PIF unveils package of licensing support for its members

The Pet Industry Federation (PIF) has announced a licensing support package for its members to help them comply with the requirements of the new Animal Activities Licensing (AAL) regulations, which come into force on 1 October 2018. The new regulations address the changes in pet owner attitudes and lifestyles and…

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