The dangerously overweight border collie was taken from his owner by animal welfare officers in December 2008. Taz's previous owner, Donald West was found guilty of neglect
and banned from keeping animals for twelve months.

Taz at his heaviest weighed a staggering 40KG (88lbs) after Mr West had failed to improve his diet. The 63 year olds flat was covered in dog faeces when
welfare officers visited the flat whilst investigating Taz's case. West's excuse was that he had been unwell with the flu and therefore unable to clean the
flat or walk the dog. The reason that Taz was overweight according to West was due to him and his friends giving him 'too many treats'.

This appalling situation was diffused after the welfare officers removed Taz from the location and took him into care. Taz was put on a very restricted
diet and has since shed the extra pounds he once carried. Five year old Taz is now classed as a normal weight but will have to be on a special diet for the
rest of his life.

Brighton animal welfare officer Maggi Hollands said Taz is a 'very special' dog who required a very experienced owner. Ms Hollands commented, "We would like an
experienced dog owner who has had collies before and aware of his needs. They will need to demonstrate that they were already looking for a dog and are not
applying just because of Taz's sad story". It is imperative that Taz has regular exercise and is not left on his own all day. This will no doubt rule out
many people who work all day. Maggi adds "We are looking forward to finding the home that Taz deserves - one where he can live a long, happy and healthy life."

Taz's case is not a one off. A report conducted by PDSA showed Britain to have a very high obesity rate with regards to dogs. It was reported that 35% of all
dogs coming into Scottish clinics were obese. In Glasgow this % was even higher at 50%. The charity warn that "there is a real misconception about what a healthy
shape is and increasingly a 'tubby' pet is viewed as normal. But it is not natural and thousands of pets across the UK are having their quality of life,
and ultimately their life expectancy, cut short as a direct result of obesity."

During the survey, 71% of PDSA vets said owners were genuinely shocked when they heard that their dogs were overweight. Many owners saw their pets as 'cute and cuddly'
but definitely not overweight.

PDSA senior veterinary surgeon, Elaine Pendlebury, said pet obesity was a growing problem in the UK, "it is not just dogs that suffer from obesity, during my
years as a vet I have seen a steady increase in the number of cats, rabbits and even small furries that are overweight too."

Why not start a discussion about the ways in which you can help your dog keep in shape? Share all your hints and tips and why not try any alternative suggestions
from fellow Dog Breeder Association members? Click onto www.dog-breeds.co.uk/forum to join in today!


Source:

www.news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/sussex/8164519.stm, 23rd July 2009
www.news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/.8148595.stm, 14th July 2009