Almost a third of a million pet dogs could be poisoned by being fed human foods like Christmas chocolates and mince pies, a leading British charity has warned.

A not-so-miniature pinscher dog more than double its ideal weight is among some of Britain’s most obese animals who have been entered into a slimming competition.

Scientists have produced Britain's first cloned dog after its owner wanted her elderly pet replicated.

DOG owners were urged to take greater care of their pets yesterday after animals were treated for swallowing socks, a teddy bear and two rubber ducks in the last two weeks.