Bulky Middlesbrough Bulldog Daisy joins PDSA pet fit club to shed the pounds

Five-year-old bulldog Daisy is more than 40% heavier than she should be thanks to her passion for extra portions

A bulky Bulldog from Middlesbrough whose desperate owner has resorted to treadmill training has become one of 17 podgy pets entered into a slimming competition.

Five-year-old Daisy is more than 40% heavier than she should be thanks to her passion for extra portions.

Along with her aversion to exercise, her love of food has cause her waistline to expand, and she now weighs in at 28kg - eight more than she should be.

Owner Gillian Turrell, 59, said Daisy will eat anything but has a particular taste for cheese and broccoli.

She’s tried all sorts to help Daisy shed the pounds, including supervised sessions on the treadmill and walks to gradually increase her exercise levels, but exercise isn’t Daisy’s thing – when out walking she’s been known to jump into any available car to catch a ride home when she’s had enough.

Her supervised sessions on an exercise treadmill proved counter-productive too, as she had to be bribed with ham to stay on it.

Others joining her in the PDSA’s annual Pet Fit Club, which includes pets from across the country, is Jack Russell terrier Millie, from Newcastle, who is also 40% heavier than she should be - because her family have been feeding her doner kebabs.

The vet charity coaches the owners of each animal as they attempt to battle the bulge and get their pets back in shape.

In the UK, around 2.5 million dogs - one in three - and over two million cats - one in four - are estimated to be overweight.

The PDSA Pet Fit Club was launched in 2005 and has already helped 57 dogs, 24 cats and three rabbits lose a total of 295kg - that’s 46 stone 6lb.

Elaine Pendlebury, PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon, said: “Obesity is one of the biggest welfare issues affecting pets in the UK today. The good news is that obesity is entirely reversible. With veterinary advice and guidance and it is never too late to try and improve a pet’s quality of life by tackling weight problems.”