Junk food and booze causing 'pet obesity crisis'

Takeaway food and booze have been blamed for a growing obesity crisis - among pets.

A leading animal charity highlighted statistics indicating more than five million cats, dogs and rabbits in the UK are overweight as it launched its annual pet slimming competition.

Vet charity PDSA blamed the fatty, sugary and downright dangerous treats owners are giving their four-legged friends.

Cake, chocolate, biscuits, crisps, chips, takeaway and even alcohol are among the inappropriate items served by some owners, the PDSA said.

The charity stressed that many overweight pets develop potentially life-threatening conditions such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes, as well as debilitating conditions including arthritis as a direct result of being overweight.

To help fight the flab, it has again launched its Pet Fit Club competition and has invited owners of overweight and obese pets to take part.

Human favourites like chocolate and alcohol can be fatal to dogs and other animals and should never be given to pets, experts say.