MDC Exports founder Melvyn Driver, who contributed over 50 years to the pet trade and animal welfare sector, has died.
Melvyn founded MDC Exports – a company dedicated to animal welfare products designed to help and assist animal handlers, vets and charities – in the 1980s.
He went on to design and launch the first nylon dog muzzle and founded Mikki Pet Products, with a full grooming line that he later sold to Interpet.
Other great inventions from Melvyn include the MDC Smart Collar, plus the Arms Length Pooper Scooper and Dog Parking Hook for securing pets outside stores.
Over the years Melvyn won many awards, including PPM’s Star Product Award and Best Small Animal Product, Best Pet-Related Product (Pet Index), and Most Supportive Company (NDWA).
Steve Driver, Melvyn’s son and CEO of Pet Trade Innovations, said: “My dad was a familiar face within the pet and vet industry for not only his drive and being the architect for many of the products we see every day in our rescue centres, pet shops and veterinary practices, but also for his wicked sense of humour and great stories.
“He will be missed by everyone within the Pet sector. I want to thank everyone who has reached out to myself and my family to offer their condolences, I know dad would be honoured and humbled.”
Melvyn worked right up till his peaceful passing at 80 years old.