PET GAZETTE | 3
Meet the experts contributing to this month ’ s issue
Nigel Baker is chief executive of the Pet Industry Federation ( PIF ). He joined the PIF in 2012 and has more than 30 years ’ experience in the pet trade . Nigel has considerable commercial experience from the senior positions he has held in pet food manufacturing and supplier companies .
John Courteney-Smith MRSB is the bird and reptile manager for Arcadia Products and a full member of the Royal Society of Biology . He believes that we still have much to learn from the wild and has a passionate dedication to ever increasing animal welfare . His aim is to start a “ revolution in exotic pet care ”.
Caroline Offord has worked in the RSPB Communications Department for over ten years and has spent her working life in the conservation / environmental sector . She enjoys being outside in nature and since becoming a mum to two boys is passionate about getting them outdoors to enjoy and experience wildlife and the natural world .
Nicole Paley is the communications manager at the PFMA and has worked in the pet food industry for over ten years . Liaising with the PFMA ’ s team of industry and veterinary nutrition experts , Nicole writes on a range of subjects from pet nutrition to industry trends and developments .
EDITOR ’ S LETTER
In July , Stanley , a chihuahua puppy , made headlines in the East Anglian Daily Times . The adventurous dog disappeared in a park in Suffolk in April . Around three months later , he was found alone in Hertfordshire , 100 miles away from his original location . I ’ m sure I wasn ’ t the only one who was delighted to hear that Stanley was reunited with his family . Despite the social media appeal by his concerned owners , it was his microchip , which had been scanned by a vet in St Albans , that led to his return home .
Microchipping for dogs became compulsory in April 2016 , but the rule doesn ’ t apply to other animals . Vet charity , PDSA ’ s , most recent PAW report discovered that around 36 percent of cats remain unchipped . Given that over 14,500 cats , not to mention thousands of other pets , are currently listed as missing on The Lost Pet Database Register this statistic raises concerns . Some organisations within the pet sector , such as Cats Protection , are campaigning for the expansion of current regulations , in the hope that microchipping will help more animals to be reunited with their owners . On page 14 Pet Gazette asks people from around the industry to share their views .
Now that autumn is just around the corner , this month ’ s magazine will also be focusing on the festive season . In retail terms it ’ s never too early to prepare for Christmas and the year ’ s biggest shopping period . On page 18 our retail expert explains why planning ahead is the best way to get those till bells ringing . We also reveal some winter holiday-themed products to tempt customers into store .
I hope you enjoy this issue .
www . petgazette . biz August 2017