The Labradors too fat to go for a walk

The plump pooches piled on the pounds by wolfing down 1,000 grammes of dog food a day - twice the recommended amount - on top of fatty snacks.

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To make matters worse, the 10-year-old sisters were hardly ever walked by their last owner who has recently signed them over to the RSPCA.

Officers are so worried their hind legs will buckle under the huge bulk they have put him on a strict weight loss plan to get them down to the normal three and a half stone.

Most Labradors live to the age of 14 but Tasha and Heidi may not reach that age because they are in such a poor state of health.

They are left panting and out of breath after just a few minutes on their paws and when they attempt to run or jump their coats ripple with fat.

Their condition is so severe, in fact, that they are not allowed to be walked after both of them collapsed following just five minutes of exercise on their first day at the RSPCA centre in Coventry.

And although both need dental surgery they cannot be put under anaesthetic because of the risk to their health.

RSPCA Centre manager Nikki Smith said: "We are saddened by the state of these dogs as it clearly shows they have not had the exercise they need for many months.

"At the age of 10 it will be a difficult task to get these dogs to lose weight.

"Although they still want to get out and about, it only takes a few minutes before they have to sit down because they are panting so hard and having difficulties breathing.

"With guidance from our vet they are given short spells of exercise in the centre dog run where they can be carefully monitored.

"But sadly unless they can shed a few pounds, they may not reach their full life span of 14 years because their weight does put extra strain on their hearts."

Tasha and Heidi are now being fed two small handfuls of obesity biscuits a day and are being given moderate exercise under close supervision.

RSCPA officers hope to start walking them twice a day before finding them a new suitable home.

Nikki said: "They are real cuddly characters and are really well-natured.

"It's a shame really because they love to come over and greet people but by the time they've waddled over they are completely knackered.

"They have only just arrived at the centre and at first they were a bit unsure of their surroundings but they have got used to it now.

"But the warm weather is now having an effect on them so we are trying not to over exert them."

The former owner, a woman, handed the dogs in because she had split from her partner and could no longer look after them.

Despite the dogs' poor health, she will not be charged with animal cruelty because she signed them over to the RSPCA.

Nikki added: "Anyone hoping to take on the dogs will need to be committed, take them for regular short walks and keep up with the medication they need.

"Whoever takes them on will have their hands full because Tasha and Heidi are inseparable and will have to be re-homed together.

"But despite their health problems, the dogs are friendly and love people.

"We just want to remind dog owners that it's vital to keep an eye on their pets' health - and not kill them with kindness."