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5th May 2008

Are we killing our pets, warns RIAS (National Pet Month 5th April to 5th May)

Many of Britain’s 14.5 million* cats and dogs will have tucked into hot cross buns, chocolate eggs and other irresistible treats over the Easter holidays, but the stark warning from specialist insurer RIAS is that regularly indulging pets with highly calorific foods like these could be storing up trouble for the future.

That’s because it’s not just humans who are getting fatter – there’s an obesity crisis looming for Britain’s pets too. RIAS points to worrying statistics from some of Britain’s most respected animal welfare authorities showing that our cats and dogs are now among the fattest and laziest pets in Europe, taking the least daily exercise and eating the most.

It is now estimated that half** of Britain’s pets, more than 7 million of them, are overweight as owners regularly lavish ‘treats’ such as biscuits and chocolates on them, and then fail to provide enough exercise. According to the RSPCA and the British Veterinary Association, allowing cats and dogs to over eat in this way can lead to a variety of serious medical problems such as diabetes, difficulties with movement, respiratory and circulatory problems and even reduced life expectancy.

But as well as the damage owners could be causing their pets by providing unhealthy or inappropriate diets, bigger pets means even bigger vets bills. Britons are now spending in excess of £1.5m*** per year at the vets, and those being hit hardest in the pocket are the owners who don’t have pet insurance.

RIAS Managing Director Janet Connor says: “Clearly protecting the health and wellbeing of pets is of paramount importance - after all, they are usually considered part of the family. We strongly advise that owners take preventative action rather than wait until a serious problem occurs. And of course, taking out a pet insurance policy can give pet owners additional peace of mind for those times when medical intervention and vet bills become unavoidable.”

RIAS advises pet owners to:

• Check with a vet that the cat or dog is the ideal weight

• Take action if the pet is heavier than its ideal weight by 15%

• Always give pets a balanced and healthy diet and cut down on the amount of snacks

• Use a smaller feeding bowl if pet is being overfed

• Increase the amount of exercise the pet gets: dogs should get at least a 30 minute walk every day; cats can be played with to keep them active

• Pet food companies now make low calorie food for cat and dogs – consider using these products to restrict calorie intake

Data Sources:

* PRMA (Pet Food Manufacturers Association)

** RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) estimate 50% of cats and dogs are overweight

*** www.nationalpetmonth.org

Janet Connor, Managing Director of RIAS is available for further comment and interview. To arrange an interview with, or photography of, Janet, please call Sadie Sheppard on 01202 254489 or e-mail ssheppard@rias.co.uk

About RIAS

• RIAS was established in 1992 and is a specialist provider of insurance products for the over 50s age group

• RIAS negotiates with a panel of insurers to secure competitive, value for money products

• RIAS has over 970,000 customers and employs over 1,200 people across two locations - Bournemouth and Belfast

• In July 2007 RIAS’ home insurance contents and buildings policies received four ‘Best Buy’ awards from Which? magazine

• In December 2007 RIAS won the ‘Personal Lines Broker of the year" award at the Insurance Times awards

For further information:

Sadie Sheppard RIAS Public Relations 01202 254489 ssheppard@rias.co.uk

www.rias.co.uk