A New Zealand woman was sentenced to two months in jail after her dog, which weighed 53 kilograms (118 pounds) and was extremely obese, died, a report said. NewsweekThe dog, named Nuggi, was found by police in 2021, weighing about 54 kilograms (120 pounds) and was almost immobile, according to a statement from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
Nuggi was taken from his owner’s Auckland home, where police found “several” dogs, and was handed over to the SPCA.
Nuggi died of a liver hemorrhage, although he had lost 8.8 kilograms (19.6 pounds), or about 16.5 percent, of his body weight in the two months he was under the SPCA’s care. The organization claims that an autopsy revealed other health problems, including Cushing’s disease and liver problems.
According to the statement, the owner pleaded guilty to failing to provide for the dog’s medical, behavioural and physical needs. As a result, Auckland’s Manukau District Court sentenced the owner to two months in jail and a fine of $1,222 NZD ($720). It also said he would not be allowed to keep dogs for a year.
According to the SPCA statement, veterinarians using a stethoscope were unable to detect Nuggi’s heartbeat due to his excessive weight. The dog also had excessive growths on his skin, especially on exposed areas such as his elbows and belly, and his claws were enlarged. In addition, Nuggi also had conjunctivitis.
SPCA chief Todd Westwood said the dog had been “overfed” and “clearly” not properly cared for. “Nuggy was one of the fattest animals I have ever seen,” Mr Westwood said in a statement.
“Sadly, we see animals every day that are underweight, hungry or malnourished, but it is equally tragic to see a helpless animal being overfed,” he said.
The SPCA said the pet dog was fed about 10 pieces of chicken along with dry food every day. When vets took him away from his owner, Nuggi reportedly struggled to cover a distance of about 10 metres to reach the car, stopping three times to catch his breath. “His legs could not support his huge body,” the SPCA said.
Mr Westwood said, “Being a responsible dog owner means providing your pet with a proper diet and daily exercise, which was clearly not the case here. Nuggi was being overfed, and rather than seeking help or improving the behaviour, his owner continued to overfeed him until he could barely walk. This is unacceptable.”