A woman in New Zealand has been sentenced to two months in jail after the death of her extremely obese dog. The dog, named Nuggi, weighed 53 kilograms when he was rescued by authorities in 2021.
according to a Newsweek According to the report, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said that Nuggi’s condition was so serious that he could barely walk 10 metres without stopping to breathe. His legs were visibly bending due to his heavy weight.
The dog was removed from his owner’s home, where several dogs were found, and placed in the care of the SPCA. A veterinarian who examined the dog concluded that the excessive weight caused him severe discomfort and distress over a long period of time.
It is reported that the owner fed Nuggi 10 pieces of chicken daily in addition to dog biscuits, and did not give him enough exercise.
Despite losing almost 9 kg in two months, Nuggi died of bleeding in the liver. The autopsy revealed liver disease and other health problems including Cushing’s disease.
SPCA chief executive Todd Westwood described Nuggi as “one of the fattest animals we have ever seen”. He said the dog was clearly suffering from excessive food and lack of exercise.
He said that rather than seek help or improve the dog’s diet and lifestyle, Nuggi’s owner continued to overfeed him until he could barely walk.
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 the jail sentence, he was fined NZ$1,222 (roughly Rs. 60,313) and banned from keeping dogs for a year.