AHDA Warns Pet Industry Not To Sit On The Fence

The Animal Health Distributors Association (UK) Ltd (AHDA) has warned manufacturers and distributors of animal health products to lend far greater support to the industry organisation which represents their interests.

In a no-holds-barred statement, Ian Scott, the AHDA's recently-appointed Secretary General has accused the industry of fence-sitting:

"Many companies believe that by not supporting AHDA they are adopting a neutral stance. Unfortunately, by sitting on the fence and failing to fully commit to 'their' association what they are actually doing is adopting a negative standpoint. Because we are unable to include their sales when lobbying on issues which affect the entire animal medicines industry, by taking no action they are therefore indirectly acting against the interests of the industry, their business and their customers.

"AHDA currently represents companies which are responsible for more than 50% of sales (by value) of POM-VPS (Prescription Only Medicines - Veterinarian, Pharmacist and Suitably Qualified Person) and NFA-VPS (Non-Food Animal - Veterinarian, Pharmacist, Suitably Qualified Person) products sold in the UK. However, I am convinced that figure should, and could, be significantly higher, which would enable us to provide even more effective representation on behalf of our members."

Mr Scott was also not slow in speaking out about the need for improvement in his own organisation:

"During the last three months, AHDA has undertaken a thorough analysis of the membership and it is clear that there is still a great deal of work to be done to improve recruitment. Consequently we are now actively seeking to recruit new members. AHDA has accrued a host of cost-effective savings as member benefits for businesses, ranging from savings on fuel to credit card processing, and is working on lower-cost premises registration with the authorities. Details will be appearing on an all-new website later this year. Manufacturers and wholesalers are being offered a unique Foundation Partners scheme, enabling them exclusive marketing access to AHDA in return for becoming members."

The AHDA's published mission staement:

AHDA is an Association of responsible animal health product distributors dedicated to serving the best interests of its members, in particular their right to sell and supply, and secure the continued availability of a wide range of animal medicines that do not require a prescription from a veterinary surgeon. The association also strives to secure the continued availability of such medicines for its members by constant negotiations with manufacturers, government and the European Union.