Ballooned: 8-year-old dalmatian Barney weighed 11 stone after RSPCA inspectors removed him from owner John Green Crash diet: Barney was so overweight he was unable to lift his paws after being fed on bags of crisps and bars of chocolate
At the rate he was eating, he was on the way to being the size of a hundred and one Dalmatians.

With a diet of chocolate and crisps, even Barney's distinctive spots had swollen into great blotches, and he was carrying so much flab he could barely move.

When RSPCA inspectors raided owner John Green's home, the overfed pet tipped the scales at a mammoth 11st - double what he should have weighed.

Today, after his 50-year-old owner was banned from keeping dogs for ten years, Barney displayed his new slimline figure, thanks to a healthy new diet and regular exercise.
Along with regular bars of chocolate, Barney's food intake left him 'morbidly obese', and the dog was immediately seized by the RSPCA.

Since he was taken into care in June, he has slimmed down to just over 6st with regular exercise and a carefully controlled diet, and he is now ready to be rehomed.

The court was told unemployed Green 'thought he was a little overweight but did not know what weight he should be'.

'The phrase killing the dog with kindness comes to mind,' his solicitor John Temperley said. 'He just overfed and overindulged his dog.'
Barney the dalmatian ballooned to 11 stone

Spot the difference: Barney has now slimmed down to 4 stone

As well as being banned from keeping dogs for ten years after admitting cruelty, Green was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.

Afterwards, RSPCA inspector Rachel Andrews said: 'Hopefully this case will show pet owners just how vital it is to provide their animals with a carefully-controlled diet and regular exercise.

'With Christmas just round the corner it might be tempting to overfeed them, but it's important to remember that those extra pounds can have a huge impact on their comfort, health and well-being.'

Earlier this year animal charity PDSA claimed 35 per cent of Britain's dogs were overweight, increasing the risk of arthritis, diabetes and an early death.

Pet owners now have a legal duty to provide proper care under the Animal Welfare Act. Breaches including feeding a cat or dog too much carry the threat of a fine of up to £20,000 or even 12 months' jail. By James Tozer
Last updated at 3:52 PM on 19th November 2009
New slimline Barney weighing 4 stone