EDITOR’S LETTER | 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.
www.petgazette.biz
EDITOR’S LETTER
The pet sector has seen some signifi cant developments
recently; the banning of third party puppy and kitten sales and
the banning of electric shock collars in England. Including the
new Animal Activities Licensing set to come in on 1 October, the
trade has new regulations to get used to and abide by. Both of
these issues have been hotly debated for years and the back
and forth dialogue between lawmakers and campaigners has
at times felt like a game of cat and mouse but now, it is certain
that these new rules will be enforced.
Aside from legislation, we delve deeper into some changes
which may affect the pet food sector; Casey Cooper-Fiske looks
at the health concerns surrounding a grain-free pet diet and
asks if mimicking a human diet is detrimental when it comes
to these kinds of foods. Read about it on page 26. I also speak
to Kat Donatello of pet food company Austin and Kat about the
use of cannabis oil for pets. Read more on page 38.
I hope you enjoy this issue.
Shekina
Shekina Tuahene, Editorial Assistant
September 2018