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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Jul- 2015 -10 JulyEditorial
Introducing the new National Living Wage
On July 8, the Government unveiled the first purely Conservative Budget for 19 years. Chancellor George Osborne’s “new contract” for the country introduced a National Living Wage for all working people over the age of 25. Minimum wage will reach £7.20 per hour next April, rising to £9 by 2020.…
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Feb- 2015 -25 FebruaryEditorial
ARE ALL DOGS READY FOR MICROCHIPPING?
Compulsory microchipping for dogs in England is only a year away. New regulations come into effect from April 6th 2016. From that point onwards, all dogs must be chipped by the time they are eight weeks old. Owners will also be required to register their pet with an approved database.…
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20 FebruaryEditorial
EXOTIC PETS UNDER REVIEW
Is the exotic pet trade facing a change? Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, has committed to a review of the trade and importations of exotic animals for the pet industry in Scotland. The Scottish Government has announced that Mr Lochhead plans to explore the effects…
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Oct- 2014 -3 OctoberIndustry News
Verm-X Boost for Hedgehog Helpline Charity
Hedgehog Helpline, a charity dedicated to caring for sick, weak, injured and orphaned hedgehogs, so that they can be returned to the wild, is now using Verm-X as an important part of the rehabilitation process for its prickly residents. Following a successful trial, centre manager Lisa Wall, explains: ‘We really…
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Apr- 2014 -7 AprilRetailers
BRC welcomes European Parliament vote on card payment fees
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has welcomed a vote by MEPs for an overhaul of the European payments market, which could include introducing a cap on bank fees charged to retailers for card payments. It is thought that the caps could be set at 0.2 per cent and 0.3 per…
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Mar- 2014 -12 MarchTrade Organisations
Clarissa Baldwin OBE to retire as Dogs Trust CEO after 40 years
After 40 years at Dogs Trust, chief executive Clarissa Baldwin OBE has announced she will be retiring from her role at the end of October 2014. During her tenure Clarissa developed and launched the charity’s iconic and instantly recognisable slogan ‘A dog is for life, not just for Christmas’ which has…
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Aug- 2013 -21 AugustTrade Organisations
Prevention is better than punishment says UK vets
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has reiterated its call for preventive action to deal with the problem of out of control dogs, as the Government announces a consultation on increasing penalties for irresponsible dog owners who allow their dogs to attack members of the public. The BVA has worked alongside…
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May- 2013 -23 MayCurrent Affairs
One step closer to cat-friendly law
The Environment Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee has recommended that Defra extends the law on dangerous dogs to cover dog attacks that injure a protected animal and this could include cats. Cats Protection welcomes this recommendation and is pleased that the issue was raised in the House of Commons debate.…
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Mar- 2013 -19 MarchCurrent Affairs
Retailers beat green targets
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has launched a progress report that reveals retailers have surpassed a range of targets set to reduce their environmental impact. Titled ‘A Better Retailing Climate’, the progress report shows that retailers went above and beyond their commitments to reduce their waste, energy and water usage…
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Feb- 2013 -28 FebruaryEvents
BVA president outlines value of vets at annual dinner
British Veterinary Association (BVA) president Peter Jones used his annual London dinner speech to call on the Government, parliamentarians and other stakeholders to see the value in vets. During the speech, Jones addressed issues such as the horsemeat scandal, the BVA’s call for clearer welfare labelling measures; dog welfare; and…
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