Owners of ‘obese dogs’ and ‘fat cats’ face jail under controversial new rules

Owners of obese cats & dogs could be fined or jailed under controversial Government rules.
The codes follow last year's Animal Welfare Act which introduced a legal duty on owners to ensure that pets are properly looked after.

The new codes of practice for pet owners published this week states that overfeeding pets is a 'serious welfare concern' that can lead to unnecessary suffering.

People who refuse to put seriously fat pets on a diet could be prosecuted under the Animal Welfare Act - and face a fine of up to £20,000 or even 12 months' jail.

The draft document, published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, gives detailed advice to dog, cat and horse owners about looking after animals - and tells them how to avoid being prosecuted for cruelty.

It also tells owners to provide 'entertainment' as well as 'mental stimulation' for pets, and to avoid taking dogs for a walk in the hottest part of the day.

It also points out the importance of giving animals a suitable place to live and ' somewhere to go to the toilet'.
The documents will be published as leaflets after an eight-week consultation period.

The document on cat welfare begins with a warning: 'It is your responsibility to read the complete Code of Practice to fully understand your cat's welfare needs and what the law requires you to do.' The code also tells owners to have a cat litter tray available inside, even if the cat has 24-hour access to a garden.

It warns that if they are taken to court, failure to follow the code could be used against them.

Mr Benn said the new codes of practice ensure that 'no one will be able to claim ignorance as an excuse for mistreating any animal'.