New independent pet store to open on Cold Bath Road

A new independent pet food shop is to open on Cold Bath Road in Harrogate this month.

HG Pets is taking the space previously occupied by the Refilling Station, which closed in August this year after three years of trading.

The new store will offer a full range of traditional dog and cat dry foods and a couple of ranges of raw food.

There’ll also be a range of toys, beds, leads and collars — plus flea and tic treatments and shampoos.

Owner Jon Bradley told the Stray Ferret:

“I’ve been looking for premises to set up either a pet shop or garden centre for 20 years but never had the opportunity financially to do it.

“I recently left the company I was working with and was able to set this up and do something I wanted to do.”

Mr Bradley, who owns a Dalmatian and a Labrador, thinks there is a market for higher quality dog food in Harrogate — a town of dog lovers:

“I think the main thing is that we are independent and that we’ll offer quality and value.

“We’re going to offer ranges that are different to the national pet retailers such as raw food and offer unique products which are better quality. They’re value for money as they last a lot longer.

“I’ve lived in Harrogate for nearly 20 years – my wife was brought up here and we know that Harrogate is a dog loving town and people are willing to spend on their dogs as long as they get quality.

“I think there is space for us in the independent dog retail and food market  Some of the offer pet stores offer different products– half of our store will devoted to feeding.”

HG Pets will also offer a delivery and subscription service. The store is set to open on October 29.

The new store’s logo 

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Four dogs rescued from hot car in Harrogate given back to owner

Four dogs rescued from a hot car in Harrogate today are fine and have been handed back to their owner after receiving treatment from a vet.

The Stray Ferret reported today that bystanders at Oak Beck Retail Park off Skipton Road had to smash a car window to free the dogs who were trapped for 40 minutes without even a window open.

Fortunately, there were vets working at the nearby Vets4Pets, which is inside Pets At Home.

A spokesperson for Vets4Pets said the labradors were given treatment and after a health check that showed they were OK, were handed back to the owner. They added:

“Touch wood we got to them in time”.

The article provoked a furious response from Stray Ferret readers on Facebook with many incredulous that the owner would put their pets’ health at risk during today’s sweltering heat.

It is not illegal to leave a dog in a hot car but owners are legally responsible for their pets’ health and welfare.

If a dog becomes ill or dies in a hot car, the owner could be charged with animal cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. This could lead to a prison sentence and/or a fine.

The Stray Ferret understands a North Yorkshire Police officer attended the scene. We have asked NYP for a statement on the incident but are yet to receive a reply.

PDSA, the vet charity for pets in need, has an article on its website that advises people on what to do if you find a dog in distress inside a car.

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Secure woodland for dogs to play off-lead opens in Knaresborough

A secure 3-acre woodland and meadow where dogs can safely roam off-lead away opens today at Hopewell Dog Park.

The dog park, which is located in a rural setting to the north of the Knaresborough, was set up by Rebekah Mudd two years ago for nervous dogs to play away from other dogs or people.

Owners can hire the woodland and will have the whole area to themselves.

The site has secure 6ft high fencing so dogs with little or no recall can’t escape. It means they are free to wander, play and sniff without the owner worrying.

The woodland and meadow is the latest addition to the dog park. It already has an adventure field with obstacles, an obedience field with agility equipment and an indoor barn.

For the new wooded area, owners pay a fee of £9 for 30 minutes or £15 for an hour. To hire the fields, prices start at £6.50 for 30 minutes.

All the areas are completely private, so you won’t have to share them with other dogs.

Ms Mudd said:

“People love the security and privacy of it. You can let the dog run around and have a picnic and the owner knows the dog is not going to escape.

“It’s for everyone, even if you have a well-behaved dog who has good recall, there is lots to do and lots to sniff”.

For more information about the dog park or to book a session, visit its website.

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Green Shoots: Ethical raw dog food brand founded in Tockwith

We love our dogs in the Harrogate district, and increasingly owners are wanting to feed their four-legged companions more nutritious and organic meals.

One company making inroads in the market is Naturaw, which was founded in Tockwith in 2015 and has built a name offering ethically sourced and sustainably packaged dog food.

It’s grown from a small operation in Marston Moor Business Park to an annual turnover in the millions.

Its products are sold by more than 160 UK retailers and supplied directly to dog owners online.

Chris Broadbent, director, said Naturaw’s green credentials are its “raison d’etre” and help it stand out in a competitive market.

There is no plastic in its packaging and the meat they use comes from animals reared on high welfare farms.

A growing market

The UK dog food industry is worth £1.5bn a year but the market is dominated by brands selling processed wet and dry food on supermarket shelves.

Raw food is still a relatively small piece of the pie, worth £100m.

Naturaw’s core range of products includes chicken, duck, venison, beef and lamb meals. They are made up of 80% meat, 10% offal and 10% bone.

Naturaw’s raw chicken meal. It costs £2.80 per pack.

It’s more expensive than traditional dog food but Mr Broadbent said it’s in-keeping with what a dog is designed to eat. Raw food is said to give the dog’s coat a healthier glow.

Mr Broadbent said:

“The dog has really become part of the family and more thought is going into giving them healthier food.”

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Plastic-free

Anyone who regularly buys pet food will know how much plastic packaging can end up in the bin.

When Naturaw was formed in 2015 founders Jess Warneken and Tom Johnson wanted to ensure it sold a plastic-free product.

The company recently achieved the prestigious B-Corp certification after a rigorous 18-month audit.

It means Naturaw is recognised globally due to its high social and environmental performance.

The tubs are made from fibre from carbon-positive forests in Scandanavia and the food is wrapped in wool, rather than polystyrene.

The lid is made from plants and the text on the packaging is even printed with vegetable ink.

It’s all compostable too, so you can throw empty packaging on with your garden waste.

Fierce debate

The debate over raw dog food has been fierce within the veterinary profession.

Unlike commercial food, raw meat products are not pasteurised to remove bacteria.

Some vets believe this bacteria can pose a risk to the dogs, whereas others say it is perfectly healthy.

Mr Broadbent said there has been some “scaremongering” about raw food.

“Some say it will turn the dog into a rabid animal and start baying for blood. There’s an awful lot of misinformation, so it’s about education.”

Growth

Last year, Naturaw expanded its premises and moved into the Thorp Arch Estate near Wetherby.

Mr Broadbent said he hopes the company will continue to grow as more consumers look to ethical products when it comes to their pets.

Naturaw co-founders Jess Warneken, Tom Johnson and their baby Etta

He said:

“We’re all proud of our little business. Our ‘green-ness’ does make sense to the consumer, and the fact we have the B-Corp certification is a big feather in our cap.

“But ultimately its about the dogs, and the most healthy diet for them.”

‘Hen lockdown’ in Harrogate district ends today

A government order for bird owners to keep their animals inside to prevent the spread of bird flu ends today.

The order began in November after cases of avian influenza were identified across the country.

It meant hens and other birds have had to be kept indoors for almost six months.

There is no evidence that the virus can affect humans but it is highly contagious among birds and can wipe out poultry flocks.

But the government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) now says it is safe to relax the rules due to a low number of cases.

 In a joint statement, the four chief veterinary officers said:

“Whilst the lifting of the mandatory housing measures will be welcome news to bird keepers, scrupulous biosecurity remains the most critical form of defence to help keep your birds safe.

“It is thanks to the hard work of all bird keepers and vets, who have played their part in keeping flocks safe this winter, that we are in a position to take this action. However, the recent cases of avian influenza show that it’s vital that bird keepers remain vigilant for signs of disease and maintain stringent standards of biosecurity.”

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Stray Pets Rescue Club: Batman, Lux, and Cheeky Pekey are all looking for their forever homes. Can you help them?

The Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly profile of rescue animals in and around the Harrogate district, searching for their forever family home. This month, Batman, Lux, and Cheeky Pekey are three furry friends looking for someone to adopt them.

Batman

Age: 2 to 5 years

Batman’s Story: Batman is a lovely four-year-old Labrador, ready to find his forever home. He is very affectionate and lots of fun to be around. He loves his toys and has a lot of potential.

Temperament: Batman is very strong on the lead, so he is looking for owners who will be able to keep up with him! As well as being able to hold onto him, he’d really benefit from owners that can teach him how to walk on a loose lead using positive, reward-based training (the Dogs Trust can help you with this).

Ideal home: Batman has a history of guarding his blankets and bones, so he needs owners who are prepared to manage this and follow a training plan. He can be homed with people aged 16 years and older. He is dog social, but he’d prefer to be the only pet. An enclosed garden would be really beneficial to help Batman along with his training.

If you want to take Batman on adventures, contact The Dogs Trust. 

Lux

Age: 10 Weeks

Lux’s Story: This little sweetheart arrived in rescue this week after her owners were unable to look after her. She clearly wasn’t well and was rushed to Crab Lane Vets, where she is being treated.

Temperament: Lux is a little poorly at the moment and is underweight. She needs lots of love and attention to get back on track so she can feel like herself again.

Ideal home: Lux needs a quiet home where she can recover and get her strength back. Somewhere where routines can be followed so she gets the love and attention she deserves.

 

Got a heart big enough to look after little Lux? Get in touch with Harrogate Cat Rescue. 

Cheeky Pekey

Age: Cheeky is an elderly dog.

Cheeky’s Story: This is Cheeky Pekey, one of four tiny little ones rescued from Romania and now looking for long-term foster care.

Temperament: Cheeky lives up to her name, she is the most courageous, wilful character, very clever,  full of life and twice as naughty! Although Cheeky is an older dog, you really wouldn’t think so.

Ideal home: Cheeky Pekey could live with another resident small dog, as she loves to cuddle another dog, but since she is tiny, it would need to be a small, friendly companion. She could also live as an only dog with someone at home most of the day. Cheeky enjoys a carry–walk and loves to pad around the garden.

 

Who wouldn’t want this ball of personality to keep them company? Call Miss Millies Rescue to find out more about Cheeky Pekey.

 

Stray Pets Rescue Club: Could you give Nala, Machita or furry friends Micro and Pocket a home?

The Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly profile of animals in and around the Harrogate district, searching for their forever family home. This month, Nala the dog, Machita the cat and furry rabbit friends Micro and Pocket need a home.

Nala

Age: 10 months

Nala’s Story: Nala is a very affectionate and loving dog once she knows you, but is very scared of new people and strangers.

Temperament:She is completely house trained and asks to go outside by standing by the door. She also knows basic commands such as sit, stay, wait and paw. Her recall and lead walking is generally pretty good unless she’s chasing something, though they will probably still require more work.

Ideal home:She is a beautiful dog who needs a loving, quiet home with no children or other dogs, and experienced people who are willing to work with her through some of her issues.

If you have the space in your heart for Nala, contact Miss Mollie’s Rescue. 

Machita

Age: 3 years old

Machita’s Story: Machita was unfortunately returned to the centre after being adopted as a kitten, this was no fault of her own. She is a very sweet girl who will make a fantastic addition to the family.

Temperament: She can be a little shy when meeting new people but it does not take her too long to get to know you and trust you. Machita is a playful cat who enjoys playing with her toys and interacting with her people, she misses being in a home environment.

Ideal home: Machita will need a nice quiet home where she can relax and enjoy life once again, we are looking for a home where she will be the only pet and any children will need to be aged 14 years and over.

Could you give Machita a forever home? Get in touch with RSPCA York, Harrogate & District Branch. 

Micro and Pocket

Age: 8 weeks

Micro and Pocket’s Story: Micro and Pocket came to the centre via an inspector at only 2 days old, they were lovingly hand reared by Helen and are now ready to find their forever home.

Temperament: They are very sweet little girls who have beaten the odds and are happy and healthy and will make the most fantastic addition to the family.

Ideal home: Micro & Pocket will need to live in the house for the time being while they are still so young, inside accommodation will happily be discussed with adopters by our re homing team. Micro and Pocket will be homed together.

If you have space for these furry friends, get in touch with RSPCA York, Harrogate & District Branch. 

 

Councillors approve ‘much-needed’ Harrogate pet crematorium

Harrogate Borough Council‘s planning committee has unanimously backed plans to build the district’s first pet crematorium.

The crematorium will be built inside a converted shipping container at Stonefall Cemetery on Wetherby Road, Harrogate.

There will also be a ‘goodbye room’ in a converted garage where owners can say final farewells to their pets.

The council, which approved its own plans for the crematorium yesterday, currently charges £36 to collect dead pets from people’s homes. The closest pet crematoriums are in Leeds, Thirsk and Skipton.

John Club, the council’s commercial and community development manager, told the meeting there are around 47,000 pets in the Harrogate district and that owners increasingly want to give them a dignified send-off after they die.

The move follows the lead of councils in north east Lincolnshire and Barnsley, which have already opened or started work on pet crematoriums.

This storage building will be converted into a ‘goodbye room’.

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Stephen Hemsworth, bereavement services manager at the council, took questions from councillors about the project.

Mr Hemsworth said it would cost around £50 for a rabbit to be cremated whereas a dog would cost over £200. He said revenue would be invested back into the council.

He added the facility would be used by the general public as well as local vets.

Good news for pet owners

Conservative councillor for Washburn ward, Victoria Oldham, who is also a farmer, said she fully supported the proposals.

She said:

“It’s much needed in the area. I’m jolly glad that it’s coming forward now. I am sure it will be well used. Having a goodbye room will mean an awful lot to pet owners.”

Plans for pet crematorium in Harrogate set for approval

Plans to build a pet crematorium at Stonefall Cemetery in Harrogate look set to be approved.

Harrogate Borough Council’s planning committee will make a decision on the council’s own application next Tuesday. It has been recommended for approval in a council report.

It follows the lead of councils in north east Lincolnshire and Barnsley, which have already opened or started work on pet crematoriums.

The council currently charges £36 to collect dead pets from people’s homes. The closest pet crematoriums are in Leeds, Thirsk and Skipton.

The crematorium at Harrogate would be built inside a converted shipping container.

The plans also include converting a storage building at Stonefall into a “goodbye room”, where owners can say their final farewells to their pets before they are cremated.

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Stray Pets Rescue Club: Will, Jerry, Link and Mystic are in need of loving homes

The Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly profile of animals in and around the Harrogate district, searching for their forever family home. This month, Will the rabbit, Jerry the dog and cats Link and Mystic need your help.

Will

 Age: 1

Will’s Story: Will is a sweet natured boy who came to us as his previous owner could no longer take care of him.

Temperament: Will is an active playful boy who really enjoys so many things, he likes to investigate new things, he likes being around people but most of all he likes veg time.

Ideal home: We are looking for adopters who will keep him entertained and who already have an existing spayed female rabbit who he can bond with and share the rest of his life with. We are looking for accommodation where the hutch is a minimum of 6ft with an attached run of a minimum 8ft.

If you could give Will a loving home, get in touch with RSPCA York, Harrogate & District Branch. 

Jerry 

 Age: 14-15 months old

Temperament: He is a friendly dog with people, but can be unpredictable with other dogs. He is very lively and intelligent but has never been taught any manners.

Ideal home: He needs someone to spend a lot of time training him. He cannot be rehomed with children or any other animals, and will need a secure garden.

 

 

 

If you have the time to train Jerry, contact Saving Yorkshire’s Dogs. 

Link and Mystic

Ages: Six years old

Link and Mystic’s story: Mystic and Link came to the centre as their previous owner could no longer keep them. They are a very sweet and very bonded pair of cats who absolutely adore each other so we will be looking for a home where they will stay together.

Temperament: Both cats are very friendly and love a fuss, they love treat time and then love to snooze the day away together. Mystic and Link are super chilled out, they would love to be able to snuggle up on the sofa with you and keep you company while watching the TV or reading a book.

Ideal home: They need a nice quiet home which is adult only with no other pets. If you are looking for a pair of laid back cats to add to your family then Mystic and Link are the cats for you.

To give this loving, chilled out pair a home, get in touch with RSPCA York, Harrogate & District Branch. 

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