9 Stone Dog Goes To Fit Club

6 June 2013, 00:00

Dogs, cats and rabbits collectively carrying around 30 stone in weight are going to take part in an annual pet slimming competition, including a 9 STONE lab from the Black Country

The line-up of 13 dogs, five cats and three rabbits will all be hoping to shed the pounds in the six-month diet and exercise programme as part of the Pet Fit Club by veterinary charity the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA)

Labrador Tia from Halesowen who's currently 58 KILOS is one of those battling the bulge.

The fat fighters are all competing for the title of PDSA Pet Fit Club slimmer of the year, and they all fall into the category of obese or morbidly obese.

Here's what Tia should really look like and is her owners are hoping she'll get down to.

Elaine Pendlebury, PDSA senior veterinary surgeon, said: ''Obesity is one of the biggest welfare issues affecting pets in the UK today - and it is entirely preventable.

''Sadly, it also means daily misery for millions of pets who are feeling the strain from carrying too much weight.

''The owners of the pets in this year's competition are taking the vital first step towards a healthy new future for their animals.

''This helps reduce the likelihood of an early grave due to obesity and its related health issues. The good news is that it's never too late to make a positive change to improve a pet's quality of life.''