DEFRA
This coverage examines news, policy updates, and regulatory developments from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) that affect the UK petcare industry. Pet Gazette provides analysis on legislation, compliance requirements, animal welfare standards, and trade regulations, helping retailers, wholesalers, importers, and distributors navigate the regulatory landscape. Coverage includes insights into government consultations, policy changes, and enforcement actions shaping the commercial and operational decisions of pet trade professionals.
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Dec- 2025 -22 DecemberGovernment & Legislation
Defra unveils animal welfare reforms billed as biggest in a generation
The government is to launch a new Animal Welfare Strategy on 22 December, setting out a package of reforms aimed at improving protections for pets, farm animals and wildlife. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said the strategy would introduce measures to end puppy farming, strengthen enforcement…
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Jun- 2025 -18 JuneManufacturers
Albion Pet Foods appoints new head of sales
Warwickshire-based raw food manufacturer Albion Pet Foods has announced the appointment of Wayne Moore as its new head of sales. Moore, who has decades of sales experience, joins Albion Pet Foods after having specialised in the raw pet food market for the past four years working for other major manufacturers…
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May- 2025 -21 MayRetailers
Albion Pet Foods to expand its retail arm with new rebrand
Midlands-based raw pet food manufacturer Albion Pet Foods has announced plans toย expand its retail arm following its acquisition by Gill Bower, business owner and entrepreneur.ย Since taking over Albion, Bower has moved the manufacturing side of the pet food to a new plant in Warwickshire so that the whole…
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14 MayManufacturers
Cotswold Raw gains UK Pet Food approval
Cotswold Raw has announced that it has officially achieved approval under UK Pet Foodโs Raw Standard Scheme. The scheme was developed by UK Pet Food and KIWA alongside the government regulatory bodies DEFRA and the FSA. The UK Pet Food Raw Standard encompasses all aspects of hygiene and feed safety.…
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Mar- 2025 -4 MarchBusiness
First For Pets seeks new owner
Lichfield-based pet care business, First For Pets, has announced that it is now available for acquisition. The business has been operating since 2019 and is now on the market for ยฃ84,995 or nearest offer. First For Pets generates an annual turnover of ยฃ176,675 and an annual gross profit of ยฃ80,474,…
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Feb- 2025 -13 FebruaryTrade Organisations
PIF urges government action on pet business licensing data gaps
The Pet Industry Federation (PIF) has formally raised concerns with Baroness Hayman of Ullock, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at DEFRA, regarding the lack of accurate and consistent animal licensing data across England. Following a detailed analysis of DEFRA licensing data, required by The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals)…
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Jan- 2025 -8 JanuaryRetailers
Mersey Raw launches new packaging
Raw pet food business, Mersey Raw that has seen an impressive 300% growth rate in its first two years of business hitting ยฃ1m worth of sales, has recently undergone a major re-brand and re-design of its packaging as part of its strategy to focus on the retail side of the…
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Sep- 2024 -9 SeptemberRetailers
Mersey Raw plans to expands retail operations
Liverpool-based pet food company specialising in the raw diet Mersey Raw has announced plans today to expand its operations in the retail sector.ย The news comes on the back of the companyโs founder, Ben McIntyre, being nominated for the Entrepreneur of the Year award at the Entrepreneurs Awards organised by…
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Apr- 2024 -3 AprilTrade Organisations
OATA hits out at โso calledโ consultation over SVS change status
The Ornamental Aquatic Trading Association (OATA) has used its submission to a consultation on Susceptible and Vector Species (SVS) to complain about the way Defra has handled proposed changes to the disease status of a number of popular aquarium fish. OATA claimed that Defra has failed to follow Government Consultation…
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Jan- 2024 -9 JanuaryRetailers
Retailers urged to discontinue sales of gunnera manicata
Retailers who sell pond plants have been advised to stop selling plants named as gunnera manicata because of the likelihood that many plants under that name are the result of crossing with G.tinctoria, which is banned from sale. Under the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019 G. tinctoria…
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