A woman from New Zealand has been sentenced to two months in prison after her dog, Nuggi, who weighed 53 kilograms (118 pounds) and was severely obese, died. This was reported by Newsweek. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) stated that Nuggi was discovered by police in 2021, weighing approximately 54 kilograms (120 pounds) and nearly immobile. The dog was seized from his owner’s Auckland home, where police found “several” dogs, and handed over to the SPCA.
Despite losing 8.8 kilograms (19.6 pounds), about 16.5% of his body weight, in two months while under SPCA care, Nuggi died of a liver haemorrhage. An autopsy revealed additional health issues, including Cushing’s disease and liver problems, according to the SPCA.
The owner pleaded guilty to neglecting Nuggi’s medical, behavioural, and physical needs. Consequently, the Manukau District Court in Auckland sentenced her to two months in jail and imposed a fine of $1,222 NZD ($720). She is also banned from owning dogs for a year.
The SPCA stated that veterinarians, using a stethoscope, couldn’t detect Nuggi’s heartbeat due to his extreme weight. Nuggi also had numerous skin growths, especially on his elbows and belly, and his claws were unusually long. Additionally, he had conjunctivitis.
Todd Westwood, Chief of the SPCA, remarked that Nuggi was “drastically overfed” and lacked proper care. “Nuggi was one of the most obese animals we’ve ever encountered,” Westwood said.
“Sadly, we frequently see animals that are underweight, starved, or malnourished, but it’s equally heartbreaking to see a helpless animal that’s been severely overfed,” he added.
The SPCA noted that Nuggi was fed about 10 pieces of chicken daily along with dry food. He allegedly struggled to walk just 10 meters to the car, pausing three times to catch his breath. The SPCA commented, “His legs could not support his enormous body.”
“Being a responsible dog owner involves providing an appropriate diet and daily exercise, which was clearly not done here. Nuggi was drastically overfed, and instead of seeking help or changing his diet, his owner continued to overfeed him until he could barely walk. This is unacceptable,” Westwood concluded.
