Latest news with #PetsatHome
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Daily Record
Massive blaze rips through Pets at Home as three people arrested
Thick black smoke was seen billowing high into the sky and visible for miles. Firefighters worked tirelessly into the early hours as a fierce inferno engulfed a Dunelm store at a shopping precinct over the weekend. The emergency services were summoned to the retail park off Towcester Road in Northampton just after 3pm on Saturday, with dense black smoke seen for miles around. Photographs from the scene depicted numerous fire engines in attendance, with the blaze threatening to spread to a neighbouring Pets at Home outlet. A striking video posted by Twitter user @tonyamk showcased the immense smoke column as the fire devastated the area. Three individuals have been detained by Northamptonshire Police under suspicion of arson and are currently being held as enquiries proceed. Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service personnel remained on site on Sunday, issuing a statement that read: "At this time, the smoke from the fire continues to blow toward the town centre and we would still advise people in the local area to keep windows and doors shut." Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Tuff commented: "At the present time, we believe this fire to have been started deliberately and throughout the day, have made a number of fast-paced enquiries which has led to these three arrests.", reports the Mirror. "However, I now want to appeal to the public for any information which could help our investigation. If you were in, or near, the Dunelm store this afternoon and saw anything suspicious, please contact us." DCI Tuff remarked: "I am particularly interested in speaking to a man who allegedly saw people setting fires in the Dunelm toilets a short time before the incident was reported. "This incident has not only caused significant damage and disruption but will have had a very serious effect on the wellbeing of the local people who work in Dunelm and the surrounding stores. Therefore if anyone knows anything, I would please urge you to come forward. Witnesses or anyone with information should call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111." A representative from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service commented: "Our fire crews are still on the scene of a fire at the St James Retail Park in Northampton this morning (June 1). At this time, the smoke from the fire continues to blow toward the town centre and we would still advise people in the local area to keep windows and doors shut. "The retail park will remain closed until further notice. Thank you to the public for their support while we continue to deal with this incident."
Scotsman
28-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Thames Water record 104.5m fine
From Thames Water's record fine and Pets at Home's vet division overtaking retail, to Willmott Dixon's profit rebound, falling retail confidence, and a warning from Britain's biggest bioethanol plant - here are today's top UK business stories. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Thames Water has been hit with a record £104.5 million fine for sewage failures, plus £18.2 million for breaking dividend rules. Regulator Ofwat says the penalty will be paid by the company and its investors - not customers. It follows Ofwat's biggest ever probe into how sewage works and networks are run. Pets at Home's vet division overtakes retail: More Business in Brief Pets at Home has posted flat revenue, with retail and vet services pulling in opposite directions. Retail profit fell 16.6 per cent to £72.9 million, while vet profit surged 23.3% to £75.9 million - overtaking retail for the first time. Vet revenue now makes up a third of the business. Retail sales dropped nearly two per cent, as weak footfall and consumer pressures continue to bite. Pets at Home has posted flat revenue, with retail and vet services pulling in opposite directions. | Getty Images Retailers across the board are bracing for tough times, with plans to raise prices, cut jobs and slash investment. A CBI survey shows sector confidence has dropped faster than at any point since the pandemic. Rising costs from tax hikes and a higher minimum wage are squeezing businesses. Willmott Dixon is back in profit, reporting £46.8 million before tax after a £14.4 million loss last year. The turnaround follows recoveries from cladding-related costs and a steady £1.2 billion turnover. The construction firm says it's entering the new financial year with strong momentum. The UK's biggest bioethanol plant says it could shut down due to the latest UK-US trade deal. Hull-based Vivergo Fuels warns the removal of a key tariff on US ethanol is the 'final blow'. It says British producers can't compete with subsidised US imports. Vivergo is urging the Government to step in and fix what it calls 'regulatory failures'. And Growth investor BGF has pledged £100 million to support Welsh businesses. It's part of a wider £3 billion UK commitment over the next five years. BGF has already invested £47 million in Wales since 2011. It's also backing female-led firms, with £300 million earmarked across the UK.
Scotsman
28-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Thames Water record 104.5m fine
From Thames Water's record fine and Pets at Home's vet division overtaking retail, to Willmott Dixon's profit rebound, falling retail confidence, and a warning from Britain's biggest bioethanol plant - here are today's top UK business stories. Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Thames Water has been hit with a record £104.5 million fine for sewage failures, plus £18.2 million for breaking dividend rules. Regulator Ofwat says the penalty will be paid by the company and its investors - not customers. It follows Ofwat's biggest ever probe into how sewage works and networks are run. Pets at Home's vet division overtakes retail: More Business in Brief Pets at Home has posted flat revenue, with retail and vet services pulling in opposite directions. Retail profit fell 16.6 per cent to £72.9 million, while vet profit surged 23.3% to £75.9 million - overtaking retail for the first time. Vet revenue now makes up a third of the business. Retail sales dropped nearly two per cent, as weak footfall and consumer pressures continue to bite. Pets at Home has posted flat revenue, with retail and vet services pulling in opposite directions. | Getty Images Retailers across the board are bracing for tough times, with plans to raise prices, cut jobs and slash investment. A CBI survey shows sector confidence has dropped faster than at any point since the pandemic. Rising costs from tax hikes and a higher minimum wage are squeezing businesses. Willmott Dixon is back in profit, reporting £46.8 million before tax after a £14.4 million loss last year. The turnaround follows recoveries from cladding-related costs and a steady £1.2 billion turnover. The construction firm says it's entering the new financial year with strong momentum. The UK's biggest bioethanol plant says it could shut down due to the latest UK-US trade deal. Hull-based Vivergo Fuels warns the removal of a key tariff on US ethanol is the 'final blow'. It says British producers can't compete with subsidised US imports. Vivergo is urging the Government to step in and fix what it calls 'regulatory failures'.
Daily Mirror
14-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Vets warn dog owners to protect pet's paw pads on walks in hot weather
The rising temperatures can cause hot pavements to burn dogs' paws whilst out on a walk, but we've found some clever solutions that'll help keep your pet safe and sound in the heat Although we all love the summer and the current heatwave the UK is experiencing, our pets can find it a little more difficult to cope with rising heat. As well as increasing temperatures making pets more susceptible to heatstroke and dehydration, the heat can also cause your pet to burn their paws on the pavement outside. Whilst you may not feel like it's particularly hot outside, paved surfaces like tarmac can be almost double the temperature, leading to painful burns on their paws. In fact, when the air temperature is just 25C, tarmac can soar to an astonishing 52C. Head Vet Sean McCormack at has shared helpful seasonal advice on keeping your dog cool during warmer weather, including a seven-second rule owners should follow to test if the ground is too hot for your dog to walk on. Sean said: "Opt for walks early in the morning or later in the evening when it's cooler. If you're unsure whether the ground is safe, try the palm test: place your palm on the pavement, and if you can't comfortably hold it there for at least seven seconds, it's too hot for your dog." If you need to be out during a warmer period, or are just worried about their paws being burnt at all, you can also invest in some dog shoes to help prevent any risk of burning. Whilst they look adorably funny, they're also very helpful for preventing burning, as well as being great for protecting your pup's paws against damage from glass or sharp rocks on walks, or to stop them slipping in wet conditions during the winter. Amazon has a great selection, including these aptly named Dog Shoes for Hot Pavements, which are £36.99 and come in a choice of five colours. There's sizes suitable for all types of breeds, and the dog shoes have been specially designed with perforated holes to allow air flow and ventilation. The shoes are easy to clean, as well as being quick and simple to pop on and off your dog's paws with a velcro fastening. They also have a non-slip sole and are waterproof, making them great for dogs who love getting into water or running on slippery surfaces like rocks at the beach. Pets at Home also has a more all-rounder pair, with the 3 Peaks All Terrain Rubber Sole Dog Bootie Set of 4 which are £22. Although they provide less ventilation than the rubber pair, they're handy for keeping grit, stones and salt off your dogs paws in the winter, whilst also making sure they have plenty of grip and protection on uneven surfaces. However the best way to avoid any potential risks or burns is to make sure you keep your walking times to cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings and evenings.
Glasgow Times
03-05-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Is plant fertiliser bad for dogs? Vet explains the dangers
With the weather improving, Brits will no doubt spend more time in their garden. One of the major products used by keen gardeners across the UK may be plant fertiliser. However, dog owners planning to use fertiliser should be aware of the risks it poses to their dogs. Is plant fertiliser bad for dogs? Vet explains the dangers While plant fertiliser may be fine on its own, many contain weed killer or other ingredients that can pose issues. Dr Samantha Butler-Davies is a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Services Director at Pets at Home. She has warned pet owners that many common garden fertilisers can contain substances that can be "highly toxic to pets, particularly dogs". Dr Butler Davies continued: 'Ingredients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron and sometimes even pesticides or herbicides are found in these products and while they're beneficial for plant health, they can be very dangerous if ingested by animals. 'Dogs are naturally curious and may sniff, lick or even eat fertiliser granules or residues from treated grass and soil. "This can lead to a range of symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, tremors and in severe cases, seizures. "Some organic or 'natural' fertilisers, especially those containing bone meal, can be particularly tempting to pets but still pose a serious risk." Dr Butler-Davies advised pet owners to keep animals indoors while fertiliser is being applied and to wait 24 to 48 hours before allowing them back near treated areas. However, this can vary depending on the product, so check the manufacturer's recommendations. "Fertilisers and garden chemicals should also be stored securely and out of reach of inquisitive paws", she added. What should I do if my dog eats plant fertiliser? Dr Butler-Davies urged Brits to "act quickly" if they suspect their pet has eaten or come into contact with fertiliser. She said: "Contact your local vet immediately and if you can, bring the product packaging with you so your vet can assess the ingredients and treat accordingly.' Are there pet-friendly fertilisers to use? Ben Agnew, grass expert at Lawnsmith suggested opting for "granular or pelleted products". He said: "These settle well down into the turf once applied, are generally not very noticeable, and are unlikely to be hoovered up by your pet if it decides to try snacking on some greenery." Pet owners could opt for plain fertiliser with no weed killer or fertiliser with iron, although the second could stain paws. Recommended reading: Lawnsmith also recommends avoiding liquid feed or feed that needs to be watered in. Other natural alternatives would also work well in strengthening the growth of your plants. These include seaweed, manure and compost, which are safer for pets than shop-bought fertilisers.
