Nuggi died of a liver hemorrhage.
A New Zealand woman was sentenced to two months in prison after her dog, which weighed 53 kilograms and was severely obese, died, according to a report in Newsweek. According to a statement from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), the dog, named Nuggi, was found by police in 2021 weighing approximately 54 kilograms (120 pounds) and virtually motionless.
Nuggi was taken from his owner’s home in Auckland, where police discovered “a number” of dogs, and handed over to the SPCA.
Nuggi died of a liver hemorrhage, even though he lost 8.8 kilograms (19.6 pounds), or about 16.5 percent of his body weight, in two months while under the care of the SPCA. The organization claims an autopsy revealed additional 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, behavioral and physical needs. As a result, the Manukau District Court in Auckland sentenced the owner to two months in prison and a fine of NZD 1,222 ($720). She is also said to be banned from owning dogs for a year.
Vets using a stethoscope were unable to detect Nuggi’s heartbeat due to his extreme weight, the SPCA statement said. The dog also had extensive skin growth, especially on contact areas such as his elbows and abdomen, and his claws were enlarged. Furthermore, Nuggi also had conjunctivitis.
Todd Westwood, SPCA chief, said the dog was “dramatically overfed” and was “clearly” not receiving proper care. “Nuggi was one of the most obese animals we have ever encountered,” Westwood said in a statement.
“Unfortunately, we see animals that are underweight, starved or malnourished every day, but it is just as heartbreaking to see a helpless animal that is severely overfed,” he continued.
The SPCA added that the dog was fed about 10 pieces of chicken every day, along with dry food. Nuggi reportedly struggled to travel about 10 meters to the car when vets took him away from his owner, pausing three times to catch his breath. The SPCA said: “His legs could not support his enormous body.”
“Part of being a responsible dog owner is providing an appropriate diet and daily exercise, which was clearly not the case here. Nuggi was drastically overfed, and instead of seeking help or modifying behavior, his owner over-feeding him until he could barely walk. This is unacceptable,” Mr Westwood added.