Andrew Gwynne, MP for Denton and Reddish, has put his support behind a campaign to tackle pet obesity.
The Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) held a reception in Parliament to mark the publication of the report ‘Pet Obesity: Ten Years On 2009-2019’.
The report is based on research commissioned among 277 vets and 8,000 UK households. This research shows that vets believe that 51% of dogs are overweight or obese, whilst 68% of owners believe their pet is exactly the right size.
The PFMA was joined by other animal welfare organisations to increase understanding of the risks and prevalence of pet obesity.
Andrew Gwynne said:
“We all like to treat our pets, but we need to also think about how this could affect their health and wellbeing.
“Obesity in pets can lead to shorter lifespans and all sorts of health problems, so it’s important that we as owners ensure that our pets get enough exercise and don’t overeat.
“I’d like to encourage all pet owners in my constituency and beyond to think about the health and wellbeing of their pets.”
Junior Vice President of the British Veterinary Association (BVA), Daniella Dos Santos, said:
“Pets are an important part of the family and while many owners show love for their pet through food, this is often a case of killing them with kindness.
“Prevention is better than cure, which is why we would encourage owners to seek advice from their vet on proper nutrition, exercise and how to recognise healthy body condition.”
