The SPCA statement noted that veterinarians were unable to detect Nuggi’s heartbeat due to his extreme obesity.
Digital Desk: A New Zealand woman has been sentenced to two months in prison following the death of her severely obese dog, Nuggi, who weighed 53 kilograms (118 pounds), according to a Newsweek report. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) revealed that Nuggi was discovered by police in 2021 at his owner's Auckland residence, where he was found to weigh approximately 54 kilograms (120 pounds) and was nearly immobile.
Nuggi was taken from his owner's Auckland house, where they found multiple dogs, and handed him over to the SPCA. Despite losing 8.8 kilograms (19.6 pounds) or about 16.5% of his body weight within two months while under SPCA care, Nuggi ultimately died from a liver hemorrhage. An autopsy revealed additional health issues, including Cushing's disease and liver problems.
The dog's owner admitted guilt for neglecting Nuggi’s medical, behavioral, 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). Additionally, she has been banned from owning dogs for a year.
The SPCA statement noted that veterinarians were unable to detect Nuggi’s heartbeat due to his extreme obesity. He also had numerous skin growths, particularly on areas that made contact, such as his elbows and abdomen, along with enlarged claws and conjunctivitis.
Todd Westwood, Chief of the SPCA, commented that Nuggi was "drastically overfed" and lacked proper care, describing him as one of the most obese animals the organization had encountered. "It's distressing to see animals that are severely overfed, just as it is to see those that are underweight or malnourished," Westwood stated.
The SPCA reported that Nuggi was fed around ten pieces of chicken daily in addition to dry food. When veterinarians attempted to transport him, he struggled to cover even ten meters to the car, pausing three times to catch his breath. The SPCA noted, "His legs could not support his enormous body."
"Responsible dog ownership entails providing a proper diet and daily exercise, which was evidently not the case here. Nuggi was severely overfed, and rather than seeking help or correcting the behavior, his owner continued to overfeed him until he could barely walk. This is unacceptable," Mr. Westwood concluded.
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