Companion Animal Sector Council

16/05/2025

There are a few debates (to put it nicely) about the term domesticated. But a team of academics have published a paper in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences with this definition-

"the process of domestication should instead be defined solely as evolution of a nonhuman population in response to an anthropogenic niche and that a domestic population is one that cannot sustain itself outside of an anthropogenic niche."

What's everyone's thoughts? Link to the paper in the comments.

15/05/2025

It’s Day 4 of Invasive Species Week 2025! Have you seen our Pet Code Of Practice? Find advice and guidance on the responsible keeping of non-native pets, for people owning or keeping pets and the businesses that sell them. Find it herehttps://ornamentalfish.org/wp-content/uploads/Pet-Code-of-Practice.pdf

12/05/2025

There's lot's going on this week for invasive species week. If you know of any events or resources drop them in the comments, or drop me a pm and I will pop them in.

08/04/2025

Our Chief Executive Dominic Whitmee has announced his intention to retire in September after nine years at the helm.

Dominic joined the trade association in July 2016 from the civil service where he had worked on the CITES team in the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

OATA’s Scientific and Technical Adviser Dr Matthew Bond (pictured right with Dominic) now becomes the Association’s Deputy Chief Executive and will step up to take on the top job from 1st October, having shadowed Dominic for the past year.

Dominic said: “It has been a privilege to lead OATA over these past years and I hope I have helped to further strengthen the industry and the trade organisation so that it continues to be in a solid place for the future. I am very pleased to hand the reins over to Matt. We have worked closely over the past years and Matt has ably represented OATA on a range of subjects, including UK Border issues and at international meetings. I know he will bring his scientific expertise and personal love of fishkeeping to the trade association and he’ll be a positive driving force in guiding our sector to a productive and profitable future.”

Matthew Bond joined OATA in June 2020. He was the main author of the organisation’s 2021 Fishing For Facts: an introduction to the UK ornamental fish trade report and has taken the lead to represent both OATA and the European Pet Organisation at a number of international meetings over the past couple of years, most notably around the plans by CITES to examine the trade in marine ornamental fishes.

Matthew, a longtime fishkeeper who has also worked on the aquatics shop floor, said: “I’m excited to step into this role and build upon the strong foundation laid by Dominic, and Keith Davenport before him. Having worked closely with Dominic over the past four to five years, I greatly appreciate the vital work OATA does to champion and safeguard our industry. I am committed to continuing this mission, supporting our members in the UK and those involved in the trade internationally, to ensure a thriving future for the trade in pet fish.”

OATA Chair Laura Carlin, of EcoMarines, said: “The Board wishes Dominic well in his retirement and we thank him for his dedicated, passionate work over the past decade. Dominic has been intrinsic in guiding OATA through a particularly turbulent time, whilst also facilitating new connections in government which will serve our future. He has also been instrumental in including an otherwise under-represented demographic and promoting inclusivity allowing for a richer conversation. It has been a real pleasure and privilege to work alongside Dominic during my time as Chair. I am confident he leaves us in great hands with Matt, leaving a legacy of clear strategic direction which will help us continue to represent our members and the industry in what continues to be a challenging time."

07/04/2025

What extinct species would you like to see brought back to life?

27/03/2025

🦜Do you live in the UK or Ireland and care for a parrot? Then researchers from the University of Bristol want to hear from you! They're conducting an anonymous survey to better understand parrot behaviour and welfare.

The survey is open to anyone 18 years and older, based in the UK or Ireland and caring for any species of parrot; it should only take 15 minutes to complete and closes on 25th April 2025.

Your insights could help improve the care and well-being of parrots across the UK and Ireland - thank you.

Take the survey👉 https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/svs/parrot-housing-and-behaviour-survey

If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to be in touch with [email protected]

24/03/2025

14/03/2025

Yesterday was the Big Tent Meeting. A wonderful chance for CASC members, member organisations, and other related groups to come together, sharing ideas, networking, and having lively discussions about topics close to our hearts. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces, and put some faces to names.
Not to worry if you were unable to attend, I took notes, and I will be asking some of the questions that were discussed on the day over the next few weeks, and exploring more about what CASC is, what we do, and what our members are looking to achieve.
The day would not have been complete without our wonderful speakers, Mr Michael Seals CBE, Mr Peter Laurie, and our own secretariat and CASC Chair Tariq Abou-Zahr, as well as the discussion moderators.
Professor Lord Sandy Trees, the driving force behind the newly invigorated CASC. Was kind enough to attend to reaffirm his support.
The venue staff at St Bride Foundation-Bridewell Hall made the entire day run smoothly and made everyone feel so welcome.

Beyond this a huge thanks has to go out to the CASC committee members that made the day possible especially Dave Perry who I think may feel like he’s herding cats, or maybe catfish, chameleons, rabbits, and parrots, as he gathers us all together.

Finally, a huge thanks to everyone who attended the event. It was wonderful to see familiar faces, and put names to some faces that I’d yet to meet.