2024-07-30 09:25:36
A woman in New Zealand has been sentenced to two months in prison after her severely obese dog died. The dog, named Nuggi, weighed a staggering 53 kg when rescued by authorities in 2021.
According to a Newsweek report, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said Nuggi was in such a critical condition that it could barely walk 10 metres without stopping to catch his breath. Its legs were visibly buckling under his immense weight.
The dog was removed from his owner’s home, where multiple dogs were found, and placed in the care of the SPCA. A veterinarian who examined the dog concluded that the excessive weight caused severe long-term discomfort and distress.
It is reported that the owner fed Nuggi up to 10 pieces of chicken a day, in addition to dog biscuits, and failed to provide it with adequate exercise.
Despite losing nearly 9 kg in two months, Nuggi died from a liver haemorrhage. An autopsy revealed underlying health issues including liver disease and Cushing’s disease.
SPCA chief executive Todd Westwood described Nuggi as “one of the most obese animals we’ve ever encountered.” He stated that the dog was clearly suffering due to severe overfeeding and lack of exercise.
Instead of seeking help or fixing the dog’s diet and lifestyle, Nuggi’s owner continued to overfeed it until it could barely walk, he said.
The owner pleaded guilty to neglecting the dog’s physical, health, and behavioural needs and was sentenced in the Manukau District Court. In addition to jail time, she was fined NZ$1,222 (Rs 60,313 approximately) and banned from owning dogs for a year.
