Search for region's fattest pets
The PDSA has launched a search to find the most overweight pets in the North East and help them to slim down by taking part in a national pet slimming contest - Pet Fit Club.
Latest ITV News reports
Full Report: North East pets off to Pet Fit Club
A slimming contest with a difference is underway in the North East after an animal charity found nearly ninety percent of the region's pets are being over-fed.
The PDSA is so concerned by the problem and the dangers it poses that it is starting another Pet Fit Club to help the most overweight animals slim down.
You can watch the full report from Claire Montgomery below.
"I tend to think of her like a human being - not a dog"
Dog owner, Rita Dunn, admits it is difficult not to give in to her pet Keira's demands.
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"We really do need to get the pounds off"
Stephanie Williams, the Head Nurse a the Middlesbrough PetAid hospital has told ITV News that the problem of pet obesity needs urgent action.
Cookie cat taking part in Pet Fit Club competition
Among those taking part is 15-year-old Cookie from Middlesbrough, who tips the scales at 8.4kg (1.3 stone), approximately 70% heavier than she should be.
Cookie's owner, Laura-Jane Bradford, said:
"My parents got Cookie as an 11-week-old rescue kitten, and she's always been a big cat. She is very spoilt, but also very fussy - the only food she begs for is prawns and the finest haddock!
She used to be really active, but now that she's older, she's not as mobile.
We love her to bits, so we want to get her weight down to make sure that she's around for a long time to come."
Animal charity searches for overweight pets
The PDSA has launched a campaign to find the regions fattest pets to help them slim down.
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