Woman Sentenced to Jail for Overfeeding Dog to Death in New Zealand

An individual from New Zealand was given a two-month prison sentence following the demise of her canine, who weighed 53 kilograms (118 pounds) and was extremely overweight, as stated in a report on Newsweek. As per a statement from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), the canine, known as Nuggi, was located by authorities in 2021 weighing approximately 54 kilograms (120 pounds) and was almost motionless.

Nuggi was taken from her owner’s residence in Auckland, where authorities found “numerous” canines, and entrusted to the SPCA.

Despite shedding 8.8 kilograms (19.6 pounds) or roughly 16.5% of her body weight within two months under the SPCA’s care, Nuggi succumbed to a liver hemorrhage. The organization revealed that an examination unveiled further health complications, including Cushing’s disease and liver issues.

As per the statement, the owner admitted to neglecting the medical, behavioral, and physical necessities of the canine. Consequently, the owner was sentenced to two months in prison and a fine of $1,222 NZD ($720) by the Manukau District Court in Auckland. Additionally, she is prohibited from possessing canines for a year.

Medical professionals, utilizing a stethoscope, were incapable of discerning Nuggi’s heartbeat due to her excessive weight, based on the SPCA’s statement. The canine also exhibited numerous skin growths, particularly in areas of contact like her elbows and abdomen, and her nails were overgrown. Moreover, Nuggi was afflicted with conjunctivitis.

Todd Westwood, SPCA Chief, remarked that the canine was “excessively overfed” and “obviously” lacked appropriate care. “Nuggi was among the most corpulent animals we’ve ever encountered,” stated Mr. Westwood.

“Regrettably, we encounter animals regularly that are underweight, malnourished, or starving, but it is equally disheartening to witness a vulnerable animal that has been excessively overfed,” he elaborated.

The SPCA disclosed that the pet canine was fed approximately 10 pieces of chicken daily alongside dry food. Allegedly, Nuggi struggled to journey around 10 meters to the vehicle when medical professionals took her from her owner, halting thrice to catch her breath. The SPCA mentioned, “Her legs could not sustain her massive body.”

“One component of being a responsible canine owner is furnishing your pet with a suitable diet and daily physical activity, which was evidently not the scenario here. Nuggi was being excessively overfed, and instead of seeking assistance or rectifying the behavior, her owner persisted in overfeeding her until she could hardly ambulate. This is inappropriate,” Mr. Westwood concluded.