DEFRA

PIF clarifies pet grooming advice

The Pet Industry Federation (PIF) said it has had a busy start to 2021, working to clarify advice and resolve a number of issues relating to lockdown which have directly affected its pet grooming members. The group said that the most recent announcement of a third lockdown in England meant…

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PFMA to launch programme for raw pet food production

The Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) has reported it is in the final stages of “completing a brand-new, world-leading certification scheme for commercial raw producers.” The scheme coordinated by independent providers – KIWA, is designed to be an extra tool to support the safe production of raw pet food.  PFMA…

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BSAVA president comments on confirmed Covid-19 pet case

BSAVA President, Professor Ian Ramsey has commented on the Defra announcement of the first confirmed case of a pet cat infected with Covid-19 in the UK. Earlier this week, The UK’s chief veterinary officer has confirmed that the virus responsible for Covid-19 has been detected in a pet cat in…

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Animal lovers looking for pets in lockdown defrauded nearly £300,000, study reveals

Criminals have stolen nearly £300,000 from 669 animal lovers looking for pets during the Covid-19 pandemic. According to national fraud and cyber crime agency, Action Fraud, criminals have continued to “take advantage” of the coronavirus pandemic to commit fraud after animal lovers have put down deposits for pets they have…

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Oak Tree Animals Charity reopens rehoming programme

Oak Tree Animals Charity has announced it has reopened its rehoming programme amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The charity, which was unable to rehome animals or take in non-emergency animal relinquishments, has been authorised by DEFRA with “strict” guidelines put in place. Oak Tree announced it encourages its staff to work…

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PIF issues guidance to dog groomers

The Pet Industry Federation (PIF) has recently issued its guidance for dog groomers in light of the ongoing pandemic.  It warned groomers that despite the ability of pet owners to visit pet shops or veterinary surgeries, journeys by car to grooming salons are not permissible during the nationwide lockdown.  However,…

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RSPCA to begin rehoming and fostering

The RSPCA has announced that it will restart its rehoming and fostering programme from this week. Its frontline teams have continued to rescue animals throughout the pandemic, and the charity is currently caring for more than 4,800 animals. Following Defra’s approval of guidelines, put together by the Canine and Feline…

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Pet shop licences may be extended, says PIF

Pet shops whose licence is to be renewed may be granted an extension amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to Pet Industry Federation (PIF). PIF’s Primary Authority partner, the Corporation of London, has received a response from DEFRA with regard to the extension of licences for businesses who operate under the…

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RSPCA issues advice for cat owners

The RSPCA has issued a statement assuring cat owners about the risk of coronavirus contamination from their pets. The group said that it was aware owners were concerned about the welfare of their pets during the crisis, as well as whether they posed a risk to human health. It stated…

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Government and NHS urge vets to donate ventilators

The NHS has asked veterinary surgeons across the country to donate animal ventilators to help tackle the anticipated shortage of the equipment as the pandemic continues. The BBC estimates that there are currently between 300 and 400 animal ventilators in circulation, and that some of these would be suitable for…

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