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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Jan- 2020 -15 JanuaryBusiness Bites
Boohoo more valuable than M&S – a sea-change encapsulated
From a purely journalistic standpoint it is now a de facto cliché to refer to Marks and Spencer as the “high street bellwether”, yet that is the status it has held for so many decades. The once mighty monolith was the first British retailer to reach a market capitalisation of £1bn and…
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6 JanuaryGovernment & Legislation
Government to revise pet bans for tenants
Housing secretary Robert Jenrick has announced an overhaul of model tenancy contracts in a bid to “make it easier for responsible tenants to have well behaved pets in their homes”. Only 7% of landlords currently advertise homes as suitable for pets, leaving many renters struggling to find homes, says the…
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2 JanuaryGovernment & Legislation
Government considers compulsory microchipping for cats
The government has urged pet owners to microchip all cats and dogs in a newly launched appeal. In a new statement, the government said that microchipping was a “vital part of being a responsible pet owner”. Some 92% of dogs are now microchipped following compulsory measures introduced in 2016. Since…
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Dec- 2019 -20 DecemberBusiness Bites
Finally, a government addressing the business rates fiasco
Regardless of your political colours, small businesses up and down the land will be pleased to hear of at least one policy which looks set to survive the transition from manifesto wish lists to actual policy and legislation, and that is a business rates overhaul. The prime minister, Boris Johnson, yesterday…
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3 DecemberGovernment & Legislation
NOAH releases animal health manifesto
The National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) has released its animal health manifesto ahead of the upcoming general election. It called on MPs to pledge their support of safeguarding pet and farm animal’s health and welfare, and also highlights the importance of the animal health industry. MPs were asked to…
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Nov- 2019 -18 NovemberRetailing
Conservatives pledge business rates review
The Conservative Party has pledged a business rates review which aims to “reduce the burden” on UK businesses, as part of its election campaign. It said business rates are one of the “top concerns” of British businesses, and added that a Conservative majority Government will launch a “fundamental review” at…
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Oct- 2019 -24 OctoberRegulation
Vets call for tougher fireworks laws after dogs seriously injured
Pet emergency care provider, Vets Now, are calling for fireworks to be banned from public sale. With bonfire night and Diwali being days away, seniors at Vet Now are urging the government to change the law amind concern that pets are being put at risk. The call stems from Sainsbury’s…
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16 OctoberGovernment & Legislation
BVA welcomes animal sentience legislation proposals in Queen’s Speech
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed proposals set out in the Queen’s Speech that would see animal sentience finally being embedded in UK legislation. The government has pledged that the principle will come into law as part of a package of measures on key animal health and welfare issues.…
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15 OctoberEconomy
BRC ‘disappointed’ with business rates relief in Queen’s speech
The British Retail Consortium has responded to the Queen’s speech, praising its approach to crime and sustainability but was “surprised and disappointed” at its approach to business rates. Commenting on the speech, which tackled issues such as immigration, crime, business rates and brexit, The BRC said: “The Government should implement…
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Aug- 2019 -29 AugustGovernment & Legislation
BVA welcomes renewed calls to enshrine animal sentience in law
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed the Labour Party’s renewed drive for animal sentience to be embedded in legislation. As part of its 50-point Animal Welfare Manifesto for Government, Labour is urging the government to embed the principle in law as quickly as possible, to impose a duty on…
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