Thursday, 15 January 2026, 9:48

Mar- 2020 -

10 March

Vet Help Direct launches new video platform amid Covid-19 outbreak

Vet Help Direct is launching its new video platform to help veterinary practices contingency planning for a Covid-19 outbreak. The video platform will be available free of charge at this time to allow veterinary practices to continue to maintain cash flow and a service to their clients, even those unable…

10 March

Business

Calls for ‘discretionary business rates relief’ amid Coronavirus outbreak

Colliers International has called on the UK Government to consider and to fund a system of “discretionary rate relief” for businesses impacted by the Coronavirus. The commercial real estate company said this is one of the measures that could “alleviate business pain” in this week’s Budget. It added that against…

9 March

Charities

Dogs Trust launches new ‘Big Scoop’ campaign

Recent research carried out by Dogs Trust, revealed that 69% of people surveyed claim they often witness dog walkers not cleaning up after their dog with 57% indicating that dog fouling is a big issue in their area. This has resulted in the charity launching a new annual dog fouling…

9 March

Events

Crufts crowns Best in Show champion

Crufts has announced that its Best in Show champion has been crowned as Maisie, a wire-haired Dachshund from Gloucestershire. Alongside owner Kim McCalmont, Maisie was chosen by top judge, Anne Macdonald, on the final day of the four-day event (8 March). She is the first ever Daschund to receive the…

9 March

Government & Legislation

BVA renews call for action on puppy smuggling

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has renewed its calls for tighter restrictions on pet travel following the government’s response to the Efra Select Committee report on illegal puppy smuggling. The Efra Committee praised the government’s ‘Petfished’ awareness campaign but raised concerns that some of the regulatory and delivery recommendations had…

9 March

Business

Bira issues five point plan to ‘Save Our Shops’

A five-point plan to ‘Save Our Shops’ (SOS) has been issued by Bira, the umbrella group of the Pet Product Retail Association. It’s the key feature of Bira’s forthcoming manifesto which focuses on what can be done to better support independent retail businesses and minimise the burden on them. Bira…

6 March

Pet Owners

Joii offers advice to dog owners after dog tests positive to coronavirus

A Pomeranian dog in Hong Kong has been the first to test positive for coronavirus, and is currently being held in quarantine. Experts say this is likely to have been a human-animal transmission and the dog is not showing any visible symptoms of the infection. Veterinary care app, Joii said…

6 March

Veterinary

Blue Cross reopens Merton hospital

Blue Cross announced it has reopened its animal hospital in Merton following a refurbishment. The animal charity said that work was needed to update the reception area, dispensary and other public spaces within the hospital on Merton High Street. The hospital now features a new operating theatre, as well as…

6 March

Veterinary

Eastcott Referrals unveils new ECC unit

Eastcott Referrals has said it is “delighted” to announce the opening of its new Emergency and Critical Care (ECC) service. Following a half a million pound investment, the centre can now provide “dedicated, around the clock treatment” for serious cases with a newly-assembled team of vets and nurses. Dr David…

6 March

Business Bites

Flybe’s pensions in doubt; Poorest 20% no better off than before, 1m Virgin customers on unsecured database

Flybe’s pension pot for 1,350 current and former workers is at risk, as the fallout from one of the first casualties of the coronavirus business threat manifests in full. Flybe of course was already embattled before the new Covid-19 virus came along, and was the subject of a controversial bailout…