A lack of clarity over whether pet service businesses should operate during the current crisis has stirred up hostility within the grooming profession.
A groomer from North Wales reports growing instances of open aggression online, with some social media users ‘naming and shaming’ businesses for opening.
“Peer pressure is so aggressive,” she said. “One groomer was called a murderer for sharing operational guidance information on their Facebook page.
“There are scare stories out there saying that if a groomer cuts a dog during the shutdown their insurance wouldn’t cover it and there are other people reporting groomers to the police for opening.
ANIMAL WELFARE
“There is an Animal Welfare Act in place in this country and keeping certain breeds regularly groomed is a welfare issue.
“I run a home grooming service and I am operating within Government guidelines, but there are no guidelines on what we can do, even if we can do it safely.
“I’ve called everywhere, from trade organisations to the RSPCA, and people aren’t picking up the phone.
SAVAGELY BULLIED
“We’re getting no proper information and while this is going on people are being savagely bullied.”
The situation with regard to pet service businesses remains unclear. Although pet shops have been deemed ‘essential’ retailers, there has been no government guidance issued on the service side of the trade.
In a statement issued to pbwnews (petbusinessworld.co.uk) last week, the Pet Industry Federation, which represents all types of pet businesses, said it ‘strongly believed’ pet service providers should close for the time being to help stem the spread of the coronavirus. But it added that it was still up to individual business owners.
PROTECT PEOPLE
“PIF strongly believes that the best way for pet service businesses to act in these circumstances is to temporarily close their businesses during this covid-19 outbreak in order to keep them, their families and their customers safe. PIF hopes that many pet service businesses will be able to join the ones who have already closed to protect people from catching covid-19.
“While government information is still forming, the decision to close comes down to the individual business owner, unless new government guidance is issued which is beyond doubt.”
