BOOZE and takeaways are fuelling an obesity crisis in pets, experts say.

North-East animal owners are fattening up their pets with unhealthy treats, according to research from the PDSA.

More than four million pets across the UK are being fed table scraps, takeaway or leftovers as their main meals.

In the North-East, that figure represents 30 per cent of dogs and 11 per cent of cats, some of whom have been fed booze.

Owners have admitted indulging pets by giving them fatty, sugary foods including chocolate, cake, crisps and chips.

The PDSA is warning owners that unhealthy treats and meals could drastically shorten their pet’s life expectancy.

The charity claims a third of dogs and a quarter of cats are now classed as overweight or obese, with the problem expected to grow significantly.

PDSA vet Vicki Larkham-Jones said: ““Nearly half of pet owners believe that obesity is the biggest threat to animal welfare in the next ten years – yet pets continue to be fed unsuitable diets which is fuelling the problem.

“As well as being high in calories, food like takeaways, cake, cheese, chips and crisps are high in fat and sugars which are bad for our pets’ waistlines and teeth.

“Some owners even admitted to giving chocolate and even alcohol, both of which are poisonous to pets and can be fatal.”

In a bid to tackle the problem, the PDSA has launched its annual Pet Fit Club competition.

For more details, visit pdsa.org.uk/petfitclub.