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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Feb- 2023 -3 FebruaryRegulation
VMD launches vet medicine consultation
Government agency The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has launched a public consultation on proposed changes to regulations on veterinary medicines, which could bring more burden for retailers. The new consultation seeks views on proposals to modernise the Veterinary Medicines Regulations to ensure they are fit for purpose to reflect developments…
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Aug- 2022 -26 AugustEconomy
Energy price cap to rise by 80% to £3,549 from October
Ofgem has confirmed that the energy price cap will increase by 80% to a record £3,549 a year for dual fuel for an average household from 1 October 2022. The rise will affect those on standard variable tariffs, with the record annual bill only being based on typical usage. At…
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1 AugustIndustry News
Shop vacancies fall for third quarter in a row
In the second quarter of 2022, the overall GB vacancy rate decreased to 14.0%, which was 0.1 percentage points better than Q1 and 0.5 percentage points better than the same period last year, according to the BRC. This was the third consecutive quarter of falling vacancy rates. All locations saw…
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Jul- 2022 -12 JulyIndustry News
Cost of living crisis starts to impact sales, BRC finds
On a total basis, sales decreased by 1.0% in June, against an increase of 10.4% in June 2021, according to the latest figures from BRC’s sales monitor. This is below the three-month average decline of 0.8% and the 12-month average growth of 3.0%. UK retail sales decreased 1.3% on a…
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11 JulyIndustry News
80% support animal welfare being protected by law, survey finds
Eight out of ten people in England support animal welfare being protected by law, according to a new YouGov survey of over 4,000 UK adults. It comes as the RSPCA has teamed up with the Scottish SPCA to launch a landmark new Animal Kindness Index, emphasising the importance of further…
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Mar- 2022 -24 MarchIndustry News
Retail responds to ‘underwhelming’ Spring Statement
Both Bira and CBI have expressed disappointment in the chancellor’s Spring Statement, with Bira having declared it is “underwhelmed with the offerings for independent businesses”. In his speech yesterday, Rishi Sunak outlined a series of measures to help combat the rising cost of living in his latest spring statement, including…
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22 MarchGovernment & Legislation
Government unveils new reforms to pet microchipping regulations
The Government has unveiled its new reforms to pet microchipping regulations in England. It revealed the proposals will make it easier to reunite lost or stolen cats and dogs with their owners. Improvements include faster access for approved users and regular reminders for keeping records updated which will help improve…
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21 MarchIndustry News
Government announces fast-track pet licence for Ukrainian refugees
The Government has announced it has put in place new emergency support for those fleeing Ukraine with their pets, allowing people fleeing Ukraine to bring their pets to the UK with any quarantine costs met by the Government. The Animal and Plant Health Agency is providing quick licence approvals and…
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18 MarchFeatures
13 Spring Statement predictions
With both the global and UK economies coming under pressure from the rising cost of living crisis, which has only been exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, all eyes will be on the chancellor when he makes his Spring Statement speech on 23 March 2022. Here, Christy Wilson, tax associate…
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17 MarchCurrent Affairs
RSPCA donates £20k to help animals in Ukraine
The RSPCA has pledged £20k to international animal charity Four Paws’ appeal for donations to help animals in Ukraine. Contributions to international charity will be channelled towards local Ukrainian organisations which are working hard on the ground in the country to care for animals – from dogs who have been…
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