Woman Jailed For Overfeeding Her Dog To Death - What Did She Feed Him?

A woman from Auckland, New Zealand, was sentenced to two months in prison after a mishap that caused the fatality of her dog due to being severely obese. The dog weighed 53 kilograms (118 pounds). 

The woman's dog, named Nuggi, was discovered by the police in 2021 weighing almost 120 pounds and was nearly unable to move, according to a statement from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). Hence, following this incident, the authorities removed Nuggi from his owner's Auckland home where police found "several" dogs and placed him under the care of the SPCA.

10 Pieces of daily chicken cost Nuggi's life

The Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) reported that animal control officers discovered the obese dog during a search warrant execution at her residence in October 2021. Various dogs were seized from the property and transported to an Auckland animal shelter, including Nuggi who had difficulty walking due to his excessive weight.

Despite losing 19.6 pounds in two months under the SPCA's care, approximately 16.5 percent of the dog's body weight, Nuggi died from a liver haemorrhage. Moreover, an autopsy revealed that he had further health complications, including liver disease and Cushing's disease, according to the organization.

The release also states that the owner pleaded guilty to failing to meet the dog's physical, health, and behavioural needs further propelling him into even worse complexities. She was sentenced in Manukau District Court in Auckland to two months' jail time and a fine of 1,222 New Zealand dollars ($720). As a result, she is also barred from owning any dogs for a year.

SPCA chief executive Todd Westwood said Nuggi was "drastically overfed" and "clearly" not being given appropriate care."Nuggi was one of the most obese animals we've ever come across," Westwood said in a statement. He noted that his colleagues are more accustomed to caring for malnourished dogs. The vet also concluded that due to the excessive weight, Nuggi would have experienced "severe long-term discomfort and stress."

Sadly, we see animals daily that are underweight, starved, or malnourished, but it's equally heartbreaking to see a helpless animal that's been severely overfed," Westwood said. The SPCA's statement alleges that Nuggi's owner fed him up to 10 pieces of chicken a day, as well as dry food.

The regretful occurrence depicts how responsible pet ownership involves not only providing a nutritious and balanced diet but also ensuring regular exercise for the pet.