Pet Gazette March 2019 | Page 7

TRADE TALK | PET GAZETTE | 7 SCOTTIE DOGS IN DANGER ACCORDING TO KENNEL CLUB LIST According to the group owners have been opting for alternative breeds with only 438 Scottish Terriers registered with the Kennel Club A new list released by the Kennel Club has revealed that Scottish Terriers are in danger, with owners opting for alternative breeds. The list saw only 438 Scottish Terriers registered with the club, a 38% decline over the last five years. The black wire-haired dog is being overtaken by breeds such as French Bulldogs which have seen a spike in popularity. Other dogs on the Kennel Club’s ‘At Risk’ list include the Old English Sheepdog which has just 318 registrations, falling by 17% over the last five years. There are now 29 breeds which are deemed ‘At Risk’ by the club, which make up half of the UK’s 57 native breeds. Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club secretary, said: “There were just 24 vulnerable breeds and seven at watch a decade ago. “There are now another six breeds either vulnerable or at watch and we could lose even more of our most iconic and historic native dog breeds if people don’t look beyond the most obvious choices – such as the increasingly popular French Bulldog – and start to explore the huge diversity of breeds we’re lucky enough to have in this country.” BURGESS PET CARE LAUNCHES GREAT BRITISH GUINEA PIG CENSUS There is an estimated population of nearly half a million pet guinea pigs living in the UK but little research is available on how well they’re being cared for Burgess Pet Care has launched the Great British Guinea Pig Census, the world’s first ever online census for pet guinea pigs, in order to raise awareness and understanding of the way the animals are cared for. There is an estimated population of nearly half a million pet guinea pigs living in the UK but little research is available on how well they’re being cared for. The Great British Guinea Pig census takes less than ten minutes to complete and can be completed online by visiting the Burgess Pet Care website. The Great British Guinea Pig census contains a variety of questions, covering everything from guinea pig nicknames and their favourite play spots to questions around the five welfare needs. It aims to highlight any key areas of concern and misunderstanding to improve the health and wellbeing of pet guinea pigs. Alex Thorne, senior brand manager at Burgess Pet Care, said: “Guinea pigs make fantastic pets and, similar to other small animals, have very particular needs when it comes to their welfare. The Great British Guinea Pig census will allow us to identify any key concerns and address areas of misunderstanding to help improve the health and wellbeing of these amazing animals. “We’re urging every guinea pig owner in the UK to visit the Burgess website and complete the census so we can create a clearer picture of these fascinating pets and promote responsible pet ownership.” GLASGOW PET EMERGENCY HOSPITAL EXPANDS FACILITIES FOLLOWING £1.5M INVESTMENT The redeveloped hospital, run by Vets Now, has seen 10 new roles added to its 90-strong team across clinical and non-clinical roles A Glasgow pet emergency hospital has completed a redevelopment following a £1.5m investment. The hospital relaunched at the start of the year, after tripling in size, making it one of the most advanced facilities of its kind in Europe. The redeveloped hospital, run by Vets Now, has seen 10 new roles added to its 90-strong team across clinical and non- clinical roles. The Vets Now 24/7 emergency and specialty hospital has expanded its current site by a further two floors, enabling it to grow both its daytime and out-of-hours emergency and referral caseload to cope with increased demand from both vet practices and pet owners. www.petgazette.biz As well as extra space, the expansion has importantly allowed investment in more equipment and extended clinical services including: a custom-built intensive care unit, an entire floor dedicated to emergency and critical care, a specialist oncology treatment area, more theatres to facilitate increased demand, and the introduction of an interventional radiology service to allow vets to use minimally-invasive procedures to treat small animals. Patricia Colville, business development director, Vets Now, said: “We have created a truly exceptional emergency centre of excellence here in Glasgow, and we’re very proud to welcome our first patients to our new wards.” March 2019