ANIMAL welfare experts are concerned about a rise in badly behaved and overweight, according to a new report.

The annual PAW Report from vet charity PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals) found that in the West Midlands, 25 per cent of people have been bitten or attacked by a dog in the last year, with this rising to 56 per cent of people knowing someone who has been the subject of a dog attack.

The report also shows that pet obesity levels are continuing to increase and 80 per cent of vets and vet nurses predict there will be more overweight pets than healthy pets in five years time.

The report also found that 800,000 dogs never go for walks, which the PDSA says can lead to destructive behaviour in animals.

PDSA head of Pet Health and Welfare, Nicola Martin, said: “We are undoubtedly a nation of animal lovers, with four out of five pet owners stating they feel physically or mentally healthier because of their pet.

“However, our latest findings reveal that anti-social behaviour in dogs continues to rise due to a worrying lack of training, socialisation and exercise."