PET OBESITY ON THE RISE IN BRITAIN

Obesity is now a major problem in this country amongst adults and children alike, with two thirds of men and 60% of women either overweight or obese. However according to a recent study by veterinary charity PDSA, it seems that the nation’s pets are affected as well. New figures show that obesity in dogs is on the rise and their dental health is in decline. Pet obesity can cause arthritis, high blood pressure, poor liver function and diabetes, amongst other conditions. As an animal lover myself, I think it’s cruel to let a dog get overweight. Animals are like people. They need a strict feeding regime and regular exercise and if an owner can’t provide this, then they’re not fit to have a pet. In the first case of its kind in Britain, the RSPCA brought charges of animal cruelty to two brothers who allowed their labrador to become so obese, he was unable to walk more than 5 yards without becoming breathless. The animal charity re-homed the dog with new owners. Magistrates were told he looked more like a seal than a dog. A shocking story.

Meanwhile the hot news story this week in England is that of the 8 year old boy who tipped the scales at 14 stone. The young boy is so obese, he can hardly walk. Social services considered taking him into care as they believed his obesity amounted to child abuse. However they have now decided the youngster is better off with his mother and are assisting the family in a diet and exercise regime for him. As the boy refuses to eat any fruit or vegetables and will only eat chips and processed food, it sounds like they'll have their work cut out. Good luck to them.