DEFRA

Puppy and kitten pet shop sales to be banned in Lucy’s Law victory

The government has announced a consultation to introduce a ban on commercial third party puppy and kitten sales in England, marking a victory for Lucy’s Law campaigners. If this is introduced, anyone who is not a professional breeder will not be able to sell a puppy or a kitten and…

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Trade body warns pet businesses to get ready for new licensing regime

The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) said it is “deeply concerned” by the new Animal Activities Licensing (AAL) regime which comes into force in England on 1 October 2018, and is warning businesses to get ready for its implementation. The new licensing regime for England expands the types of businesses…

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Government accused of ‘inaccurate information’ over dangerous dogs

Animal welfare charity Blue Cross says it has been left “astounded” after it claims the government presented “inaccurate information” at an evidence session looking into the Dangerous Dogs Act. Blue Cross says the government showed they supported Section One of the Dangerous Dogs Act despite evidence from charities and police…

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Oscar Pet Foods launches new franchise

Pet food home-delivery franchise, Oscar Pet Foods, has extended its business offerings with the launch of a new franchise. Its new sister company, Leading the Way, will assist pet owners with ethical pet care advice and professional support. Leading the Way aims to bring professionalism to the pet care industry,…

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New import rules on Caudata to come in July

New EU rules on the import of Caudata amphibians such as newts and salamanders are being introduced to the UK on 1 July. The new rules seek to stop the spread of the fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal). The European Commission had initially proposed introducing a complete ban on the…

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Natures Menu named in Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200

Norfolk-based raw food pet food manufacturer, Natures Menu, has been named as one of the Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200 companies. Placing at 101 of 200 of Britain’s companies with the fastest growing international sales and the company is one of just two pet food manufacturers listed in the…

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PFMA speaks up at Future Farming Consultation

The Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA) spoke of its desire for higher standards of animal welfare on farms at the Defra Future Farming event. The PFMA has put together a three-year pet food vision which aims to ensure that products sourced by pet food manufacturers contain ingredients from farms with…

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Breeder made £50,000 from puppies obtained through puppy farms

A Welsh dog breeder made £50,000 from selling false designer and pedigree dogs that were bred in puppy farms, has been sentenced to a 30-week jail term, suspended for two years. Cardiff Crown Court heard Lisa Canning, 50, who ran Barry 4 Small Paws, “tampered” with vaccination cards including changing…

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Christine Middlemiss takes up post as UK Chief Veterinary Officer

Christine Middlemiss has taken up the post as UK Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) taking over from Nigel Gibbens who has stepped down after 10 successful years in the role. Middlemiss has a wealth of experience and joins Defra after serving as the CVO for New South Wales, Australia. She took…

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Shock collar ban could be announced in England

A ban of the sale and use of shock collars is to be announced across the UK shortly, following a consultation period on the terms of such a ban, including a total import ban and a possible amnesty, according to the Kennel Club. The Kennel Club is delighted that following…

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