Industry News

Feb- 2013 -

15 February

OATA fighting for future of popular pond product

Popular algae control product barley straw will be removed from shelves this autumn if the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association’s (OATA) fight to exempt it from the Biocides Regulation is unsuccessful. Despite assurances from European Commission officials to OATA that the organic substance wouldn’t be included, pouches of barley straw and…

15 February

Radio Systems acquires Pup-Pee Solutions

Pet product manufacturer PetSafe’s parent company, Radio Systems Corporation, has announced its acquisition of indoor waste management experts Pup-Pee Solutions. Pup-Pee Solutions manufactures innovative waste management products designed for inside the home, such as the Pet Loo. International vice president of PetSafe Brad van der Veen said: “Pet Loo has…

14 February

Pet Theft Awareness Week launched

The proliferation of pet thefts has resulted in an internet-based pet retailer launching the first ever ‘Pet Theft Awareness Week’. From 14 to 20 March, the inaugural Pet Theft Awareness Week will aim to help owners increase their vigilance when it comes to the security of their animals. VioVet, the…

13 February

BVA reacts to the ASA’s Morrisons ad ruling

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has decided not to uphold complaints against Morrisons Christmas TV advertisement. Back in December, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) issued a statement requesting the supermarket withdraw its Christmas TV commercial, which featured a child feeding festive pudding to a dog. “This ruling is disappointing but…

12 February

Retail spend predicted to rise 26 per cent by 2022

Retail spend will rise to £377 billion over the next decade, a new report has suggested. With a rise in discretionary income and the emergence of the “considered consumer”, Hammerson’s The Reshaping of Retail report suggests that retail spend will increase 26 per cent over the next 10 years. Collaborating…

11 February

PCTA offers alternative route to microchipping legislation

The Pet Care Trade Association (PCTA) has welcomed the Government’s plans to introduce compulsory microchipping for all dogs and proffered an alternative route for organisations. “Whilst microchipping is a positive move in principle, the PCTA would like some reassurances, particularly over how enforceable and robust these measures will be,” remarked…

11 February

Free social media webinars for pet industry

PetNet has announced it will host free webinars for those working in the industry in need of a digital helping hand. Run by PetNet’s head of digital, Lisa Robb, the webinars will be hosted in March and June, with the aim of helping everyone in the pet industry improve their…

8 February

Vets responds positively to microchipping law

Emmview Veterinary Centre in Wokingham has welcomed the passing of legislation that makes it compulsory for all dogs in England to be microchipped by 2016. Head vet Rosie Skinner remarked: “An incredible amount of money – £57 million per year – is spent on caring for and rehoming stray dogs.…

8 February

AHT urges love be shared with pets this Valentine’s Day

Among the flowers, chocolates and romance of Valentine’s Day, the Animal Health Trust (AHT) has shared five tips on keeping pets happy this 14 February. Diet; exercise; preventative medicine; environment; and socialisation have been listed by the charity as the five steps to ensuring a pet’s happiness this Valentine’s or…

8 February

Owner of animal DNA testing labs to appear at Crufts

Experienced genetricist and owner of Animal DNA Diagnostics June Swinburne will attend this year’s Crufts to help owners, breeders and enthusiasts learn about how DNA testing can make an impact on the future health of some dog breeds. Crufts sees the world’s largest collection of pedigree dogs assemble once a…