In what could have made noted veterinarian-author James Herriot proud, a laparoscopic bariatric surgeon for humans recently performed a first-of-its-kind obesity operation, on a dog. The surgery, a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, the outcome of many discussions on the human and canine anatomy, was performed on an Indian mixed-breed female dog, called Deepika, who had been struggling with excessive weight and was unable to walk because of it. The veterinarian treating her said her owner was anxious and ready to do anything to bring her weight under control.

While this was a case of a pet becoming obese, mid-day had recently done a story on an obese monkey that was rescued, `Stop feeding the monkeys! You are making them obese: experts`. Animal experts had warned in it, to not feed wild animals to avoid a conflict with humans.