Government
Government policy plays a critical role in shaping the regulatory and commercial environment for the UK pet industry. Under this tag, Pet Gazette covers legislation, consultations, and regulatory updates affecting pet retailers, wholesalers, and distributors — from pet food labelling and animal welfare standards to licensing rules, trade regulations, and business rates. We also report on government-backed initiatives, support schemes, and local authority actions that influence retail operations or supply chain logistics. This tag keeps industry professionals informed about political and regulatory developments with direct implications for commercial petcare businesses.
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Mar- 2020 -13 MarchEconomy
Government to introduce 2% digital services tax
The UK Government has confirmed plans to introduce a new 2% tax on the revenues of online marketplaces which “derive value from UK users”, starting 1 April 2020. The new tax also applies to search engines and social media services, and these businesses will be liable to the tax when…
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11 MarchBusiness Bites
ROUNDUP: Business rates holiday announced by chancellor Sunak
In his maiden budget, the new chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has announced a £30bn fiscal stimulus package to help combat the impact of coronavirus on the British economy including a one-year total suspension of business rates for small retail, leisure and hospitality businesses. Headline measures include: A £12bn plan to provide…
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10 MarchBusiness
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…
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9 MarchGovernment & 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…
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5 MarchVeterinary
BVA responds to report of human-to-animal Covid-19 transmission
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has released its response to reports that a dog has tested positive for Covid-19 in what is “likely” to be a case of human-to-animal transmission. The Pomeranian dog repeatedly tested weak positive for the virus in Hong Kong, as confirmed by Hong Kong’s Agriculture, Fisheries…
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2 MarchGovernment & Legislation
Government launches ‘Petfished’ campaign
The government has today (2 March) launched a new campaign aimed at raising awareness of puppy and kitten farming, with the aim of encouraging the public to be aware of illegal, low-welfare breeders. The ‘Petfished’ campaign warns potential owners that they may be “more likely to come across deceitful sellers…
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Feb- 2020 -24 FebruaryBusiness Bites
Global stocks react badly to coronavirus update
Governments in Europe are beginning to take measures similar to China – Italy has used emergency powers to limit the movement of people in the north of the country, threatening fines for anyone breaking the rules. Why? It has suddenly found itself host to the third-highest numbers of patients in…
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24 FebruaryRetailers
Natural Instinct partners with Oxfordshire rescue charity
Raw pet food brand, Natural Instinct, has announced its new partnership with Oxfordshire Lowland Search and Rescue, as it sponsors two fully trained and operational air scenting search rescue dogs. The specialist raw pet food brand, which features a Working Dog Food range, will supply local dogs, Beau and Rip,…
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17 FebruaryCharities
MPs support Battersea’s animal cruelty campaign
Over 100 MPs have showed their support for five-year prison sentences for animal cruelty at a reception held by Battersea in Parliament. The event was in support the charity’s campaign to increase the maximum sentence for the most serious animal cruelty offences. MPs were invited to sign Battersea’s pledge board…
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6 FebruaryGovernment & Legislation
Government supports ‘tougher’ sentencing for animal abusers
The government has announced its support of a new law that would mean animal abusers could face up to five years in prison. The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill was published in Parliament by MP Chris Loder MP on 5 February. The new Bill will enable “tougher” prison sentences for the…
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