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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Aug- 2018 -7 AugustGovernment & Legislation
BVA: Government must make good on its commitment in law pre-Brexit
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has today (7 August) responded to the government’s update following a consultation on the Animal Welfare (Sentencing and Recognition of Sentience) Bill. The government’s announcement centred on a pledge to introduce tougher sentences for animal cruelty, with those who commit the most serious offences facing…
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Jul- 2018 -18 JulyGovernment & Legislation
Government agrees not to ban Staffordshire Bull Terriers
The government has agreed with a petition not to add Staffordshire Bull Terriers to the Dangerous Dogs Act’s list of banned breeds. The decision was made during a parliamentary debate, sparked by a petition signed by over 163,000 people. The petition was in response to a a submission made by PETA…
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16 JulyCurrent Affairs
Animal welfare sector rejects calls to add Staffordshire Bull Terriers to the Dangerous Dogs Act
The Kennel Club, RSPCA, Dogs Trust, and Blue Cross have collectively released a statement urging MPs to reject calls from “misguided activists” that Staffordshire Bull Terriers be added to the list of banned breeds under the Dangerous Dogs Act. The animal welfare organisations said that they strongly believe that current…
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13 JulyBusiness
NOAH gives cautious welcome to government Brexit plans
The National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) says it “cautiously” welcomes the government’s white paper out today that details plans for the UK’s departure from the EU. NOAH’s announcement comes less than a month after British Veterinary Association (BVA) resident John Fishwick said Brexit would threaten the capacity of veterinary…
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12 JulyGovernment & Legislation
Campaign group calls on Welsh government to introduce Lucy’s Law
Anti puppy farming campaign group and one of the founders of Lucy’s Law, Care And Respect Includes All Dogs (CARIAD), called on the government to make the law a reality at the Welsh Assembly yesterday (11 July). Current laws require all dog breeders to obtain a licence to sell puppies,…
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5 JulyCharities
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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3 JulyGovernment & Legislation
Government refuses to reclassify pet theft law
The government has decided not to create a new law making pet theft a crime in its own right, following a parliamentary debate on 2 July. More than 106,000 signed a petition to reclassify pet theft, with concerns raised that the current penalties for the crime are not enough of…
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May- 2018 -18 MayFunny
Village residents’ cat ‘eradication’ petition rejected by parliament
Residents of the village of Sawtry started a petition to “criminalise cat ownership in Sawtry” led by a local ailurophobe. The man referred to cats in the petition saying saying the village has “seen a drastic influx of certain unwanted pests” before going on to say “I would like to…
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4 MayScience
BVA urges government to modernise disease surveillance
Leading vets have urged the government to work “collaboratively” with them to bring current disease surveillance networks up to date. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has set out a vision for animal health and disease monitoring in the UK, exploring how UK governments, the veterinary profession and key stakeholders can…
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Apr- 2018 -13 AprilCurrent Affairs
Low-skilled jobs rebadged as apprenticeships by firms, says report
Employers are relabelling low-quality, low skilled and and often low-wage roles as ‘apprenticeships’, according to a new report. As part of the Government’s wider package of reforms to apprenticeships, groups of employers have come together to write the new ‘apprenticeship standards’. Some employers have used this opportunity to generate high-quality…
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