Warning to pet owners - skip treats - hit the streets

A deadly diet of treats and table scraps, coupled with a couch-potato lifestyle, is fuelling an obesity time bomb for East Midland's pets, according to vet charity PDSA.

The organisation is now urging pet owners to 'skip the treats and hit the streets' to tackle the growing problem.

The charity's call comes as it kicks off its national pet slimming contest: PDSA Pet Fit Club.

New findings from a report reveal 5.7million are fed treats every day.

Loving but indulgent owners admitted 'treating' their pets to a range of dangerous foods including crisps, cake, cheese, chips and takeaways.PDSA vet Rebecca Ashman explains the reasons behind owner behaviour:

Bad diets aren't the only problem as millions of pets in the East Midlands are not getting enough daily exercise.

Across the UK a shocking 1.6million dogs (17%) aren't walked daily, some of these are never walked because their owners mistakenly believe that playing in the garden is a suitable substitute.

Around 16% of East Midlands pets are missing out from daily walks.