U.S. and Canada: Page 70

PetSafe names 15 US cities as finalists in 'Bark for Your Park' contest

PetSafe announced 15 cities across the US that will move on to compete as finalists in the "Bark for Your Park" contest with a chance to win US$100,000 or US$25,000 to build a local dog park. For the third year in a row, pet lovers across the US demonstrated their desire for off-leash dog parks in their communities, nominating 1,130 cities to compete to win a share of US$200,000 in funding for local dog parks through the PetSafe contest.

ASPCA, Rachael Ray to award US$600,000 to shelters for saving homeless pets

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is hosting the 2013 ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge, where a total of US$600,000 in prize grants will be awarded to help shelters save more homeless cats and dogs. The 49 contestants in 30 states will work to save more animals during the months of June, July and August than they did over the same three-month period in 2012.

US Senate rejects bioengineered food labeling amendment

On May 23, the US Senate rejected an amendment proposed by Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont that would have allowed states to require labels on food or beverages made with bioengineered ingredients. The amendment, which was rejected during a debate on the farm bill, would have made clear that states have the authority to require the labeling of foods produced through bioengineering.

American Feed Industry Association elects new directors at spring meeting

The American Feed Industry Association’s board of directors recently met to discuss issues of concern during the spring meeting in Washington, D.C., USA. At the meeting, the board also recognized Al Gunderson, Vita Plus, for his leadership as chairman over the past year, as well as welcomed his successor, Jeff Cannon, Diamond V Mills, and 16 new directors and elected 8 new members to the organization’s Executive Committee.

Iams petfood brand to host Doggie Jam concert in Canada on June 8

On June 8, Iams petfood brand will host a concert for dogs in Canada in celebration of the launch of Iams SO GOOD! dog food. The Iams So GOOD! Doggie Jam will bring together nearly 5,000 dogs and their owners to celebrate the love between people and pets.

Creator of Freshpet petfood ads wins award

The Terri & Sandy Solution, a strategic and creative advertising agency located in New York, USA, won the Silver Effie for its campaign on behalf of Freshpet petfood brand. The Effie recognizes advertising effectiveness. After the release of the “Protest” campaign, Freshpet sales grew 60 percent, making it among fastest-growing petfood companies in America.

Rural pet owners, couples with no kids spend more on petfood, pet supplies

Pet owners ages 55 to 64 and couples without children are most likely to pamper their pets, compared to those pets owned by single pet owners and single parents, according to a new analysis by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In general, American pet owners spend about US$500 on average, about 1 percent of their annual pet budget.

Petcurean sponsors film featuring dogs, cats at Tribeca Film Festival

Canadian petfood brand Petcurean commissioned director, Keith Hopkin, to create a film featuring dogs and cats for Tribeca Film Festival in New York, USA. Scenes within the film, shot in upstate New York and Southern California, USA, feature dogs and cats running through snow-covered farm fields and trails, swimming and diving into pools, playing and chasing birds.

Pet owners' spending on cat, dog food up 62 percent since 2001, report says

Since 2001, pet owners' spending on dog and cat food has grown 62 percent to a record US$19 billion in 2012, according to a report. Euromonitor International estimated petfood spending at US$12.41 billion in 2000, measured in current prices, and says spending grew even in the recession to US$17.7 billion in 2008 and US$18.5 billion in 2009.

Petfood Forum donors raise US$2,000 for CHAMP Assistance Dogs

Petfood Forum's successful donor campaign raised a total of US$2,000 on behalf of Canine Helpers Allow More Possibilities (CHAMP). CHAMP Assistance Dogs Inc. is a nonprofit organization that helps increase the independence of people with disabilities by partnering them – free of charge – with specially trained service dogs.

Petfood Forum's donors raised US$2,000 for CHAMP, an organization that trains service dogs for people with disabilities.

US Paralympian thanks petfood industry during Petfood Forum 2013 keynote

U.S. Paralympic medalist Kerri Morgan gave the keynote address at Petfood Forum 2013 on Tuesday, April 16, thanking the petfood industry for making safe, quality foods for service dog, Twix. Morgan, a winner of two bronze medals at the 2012 London Paralympics, acquired her service dog Twix, a black Labrador Retriever, from C.H.A.M.P. Assistance Dogs Inc.

Petfood Forum's donors raised US$2,000 for CHAMP, an organization that trains service dogs for people with disabilities.

Royal Canin builds wastewater pre-treatment facility

Petfood manufacturer Royal Canin USA has built a US$5 million wastewater pre-treatment facility in North Siox City, South Dakota, USA. The plant will be the sole production site for Royal Canin's domestically sold wet dog and cat foods.

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