Guinness World Records to Stop Recognizing the “World’s Fattest Animals”
Guinness World Records has announced that it will no longer recognize records for the “world’s fattest animals” in an effort to discourage cruel overfeeding and promote animal welfare.
The decision follows growing concern from veterinarians and animal rights groups who argue that deliberately fattening animals for record-breaking purposes puts their health at serious risk. Overfeeding can lead to heart disease, joint problems, diabetes, and significantly shorter lifespans.
In a public statement, Guinness World Records explained that while record-setting is meant to celebrate extraordinary achievements, it should never come at the cost of an animal’s well-being. The organization emphasized that encouraging extreme obesity sends the wrong message to pet owners and could normalize harmful feeding habits.
Animal welfare experts welcomed the move, saying it could help raise awareness about proper nutrition and responsible pet care. Many hope the change will inspire owners to focus on their pets’ health rather than appearance or online fame.
Guinness World Records stated it will continue to recognize records that highlight positive traits, such as longevity, intelligence, and unique abilities, while avoiding categories that may cause harm or suffering to animals.
The new policy reflects a broader shift toward ethical standards in entertainment and record-keeping, ensuring that animals are protected rather than exploited in the pursuit of global recognition.
