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- 2021 -15 MarchCurrent Affairs
Nottinghamshire police becomes first force to appoint dog theft lead
Nottinghamshire Police has become the first force in the country to appoint a dedicated dog theft lead. Chief inspector Amy Styles-Jones has been appointed as dog theft lead in Nottinghamshire Police, while chief constable Craig Guildford said the move to introduce the specialist officer should “send a clear message that…
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8 MarchRetailers
Footfall drops to 73.5% in February
The UK witnessed the second-largest drop in retail footfall since May 2020 last month, with figures falling 73.5%. According to the BRC, the drop represented only a 3.4% percentage point improvement from January. The figures come from the latest ShopperTrak analysis, which has recently joined retail solutions company, Sensormatic Solutions.…
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5 MarchTrade Organisations
Bira urges Sunak to extend business rates relief for full year
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is appealing to Chancellor Rishi Sunak to extend the 100% business rates relief in England for a full year. The plea follows a decision by the government in Wales earlier this week to give retailers 100% rates relief until next March. In February, Scotland…
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Feb- 2021 -25 FebruaryGovernment & Legislation
CTSI warns of unofficial pet microchipping registration website
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has issued a warning regarding a website advertised on Google that offers pet microchip registration but does not meet UK Government standard The service, called UK Pet Chip Registry, claims that for a charge of £15, it will add the pet’s microchip details to…
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22 FebruaryGovernment & Legislation
RSPCA urges government to pass Animal Welfare Bill
The RSPCA is urging government parties in both England and Wales to pass a bill that will see animal abusers maximum prison sentence rise from six months to five years. Currently, the Welsh government has laid a legislative consent memorandum (LCM) which would allow provisions in the Animal Welfare (Sentencing)…
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17 FebruaryGovernment & Legislation
Kennel Club praises change to Scottish breeding regulations
Kennel Club has praised the Scottish government for removing business tests from Scottish breeding regulations. The pet welfare organisation welcomed the government’s shift in policy and breaking away from previous licencing laws in England. The regulations, which are due to come into play from September, outline that breeders in Scotland…
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16 FebruaryCoronavirus
BIRA calls on government for ‘clear exit plan’ out of lockdown
The British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) is calling for the UK government to make a clear exit plan out of lockdown for the sector, with Andrew Goodacre CEO of the group stating that “retail continues to be and always has been a safe place”. The plea comes one week ahead…
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16 FebruaryGovernment & Legislation
Kennel Club welcomes stricter penalties on pet theft
Kennel Club has welcomed the announcement by home secretary Priti Patel that stricter penalties for pet theft will be introduced to prevent further crimes from happening. The dog health and welfare organisation has long pushed for amends to the Animal Welfare Act to make pet theft a specific offence. Dr.…
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11 FebruaryCurrent Affairs
OATA urges government to resolve animal importation issues
The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) has urged the government to resolve problems surrounding the importation of livestock animal by-products and plants, into the UK, Europe and the rest of the world. In a letter penned by the chief executive of the OATA Dominic Whitmee he stated that businesses throughout…
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5 FebruaryIndustry News
Kennel Club welcomes government’s Brexit support for pets
The Kennel Club has welcomed the government’s commitment to addressing Brexit pet travel issues, supporting Westminster’s latest and pressing call to lift the barriers between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Kennel Club expressed its praise over the action taken by Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove in writing to the…
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