by Keyan Milanian

Fat pets are being called on to enter a Gillingham animal hospital’s slimming competition.
PDSA’s Petaid hospital in Gillingham Business Park has launched the appeal after the charity carried out a study on 5,676 dogs in 2008 which found one in three were overweight.
Another survey of more than 100 dog owners suggested that around half a million pets aren’t getting any daily walks.
Owners of all pets, not just cats and dogs, are being encouraged to enter and have the chance to win a break in Devon.
PDSA senior veterinary surgeon Elaine Pendlebury said: “During my years as a vet I have seen a steady increase in the number of cats, rabbits and even small furries that are overweight as well as dogs.
“Thousands of pets are having their quality of life damaged and their life expectancy cut short as a result of obesity. With Pet Fit Club, we are offering owners and their pets an opportunity to make a difference to their pets’ lives.”
The competition will see overweight pets put on a free 100-day diet and fitness programme overseen by vets. One of last year’s contestants, Tinks the cat, weighed 1st 7lb (9.5kg) before being put on the diet. PDSA provides free veterinary care for pets of people in need and promotes responsible pet ownership.
For information on PDSA Pet Fit Club visit www.pdsa.org.uk/petfitclub or call 01952 204748.