Govt urges owners to take pets to vets

A government spokesman has issued a reminder to pet owners to have their animals routinely checked by a veterinarian.

Hilary Benn, secretary of state for the environment, made his comments during a visit to the Blue Cross Animal Hospital in London’s Victoria today.

The MP was shown the facility, including a special obesity clinic for overweight pets.

He highlighted that many Britons are currently becoming used to animals they may have received for Christmas and urged people to remember their legal responsibilities resulting from the Animal Welfare Act.

“It is important to remember that regular veterinary check ups are essential and that your vet can give lots of advice about the best way to house, feed and exercise your animal,” Mr Benn explained.

PDSA senior veterinary surgeon Elaine Pendlebury recently told BBC One’s Breakfast programme that she had heard many different excuses from owners seeking to justify their animal’s obesity, including big bones and underactive thyroids.

She called upon pet owners not to feed their animals in between meals and to ensure they receive enough exercise.