Pet fat club launched by TV vet

Rusty the Labrador ballooned to over 11st (70kg)

A new slimming club for fat pets is being launched in Southampton.

Half of dogs and cats in the UK are now overweight and obesity is a growing problem, according to the RSPCA.

TV vet Joe Inglis has teamed up with the charity to launch Pets Get Slim and will be at a roadshow on the Common with his own dog Jack on Monday.

Visitors will be able to get advice and fat-burning tips for their pets. They can also have them weighed and find out what their ideal weight should be.

Diets are difficult and when you've got a pet begging for treats with pleading eyes, it's really tough Joe Inglis

The Blue Peter and Vets in Practice star said: "Whether your pet is obese or slightly overweight - it matters.

"A weight problem can affect a pet's quality of life and lead to straining of the joints, causing arthritis, as well as internal illnesses like diabetes, liver disease and heart disease.

"Pet obesity is not an issue to be taken lightly - with so many overweight pets, action needs to be taken today."

He said the website, petsgetslim.co.uk, would give pet owners help and motivation to keep their pets on a diet.

"We know diets are difficult and when you've got a pet begging for treats with pleading eyes, it's really tough," Mr Inglis added.

The website will also allow pet owners to upload photos of their pets, share weight loss experiences and be voted "pet slimmer of the week".

The RSPCA said that if you could not easily feel a dog or cat's ribs, it probably meant it was overweight.

Pets Get Slim roadshows will also be held in Bristol, Cardiff, Birmingham and Manchester later in the week.

Earlier this year, brothers David and Derek Benton from Cambridgeshire were convicted of causing unnecessary suffering after allowing their Labrador Rusty's weight to soar to more than 11st (70kg).