Porky pugs and chunky cats line-up for annual pet slimming competition

Bulky bull terriers, tubby tabbies and rotund rabbits are weighing in for the annual pet slimming competition.

A total of 21 pets are taking part in the PDSA competition to rid the animals of their winter weight - who collectively carry around 30 stone in excess weight.

The line-up of 13 dogs, five cats and three rabbits includes hefty Mizzy a Bullmastiff tipping the scales at 11 stone 4lbs (72kg) and feline Ulric, weighing in at two stone (12.65kg).

The dogs and cats will be put on a rigid six-month diet and a rigorous exercise programme. And no doggy treats at the end of each day's workout.

The pet slimming competition has been run by the veterinary charity for nearly a decade. The animals - who are all obese or morbidly obese - are all competing for the title of PDSA Pet Fit Club slimmer of the year.





PDSA vets and nurses are also coaching the owners of each pet on how to feed their animals properly so it doesn't happen again in the future.

Research from the annual PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report has revealed that more than 18million pets are regularly fed too much or the wrong food putting them at risk of an early grave.

PDSA senior veterinary surgeon Elaine Pendlebury 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."