A New Zealand woman has been sentenced to two months in prison after overfeeding her dog, leading to its death. The obese dog weighed nearly 120 pounds and suffered from several health problems.

Nuggi | Image: SPCA

Auckland: A New Zealand woman has been sentenced to two months in prison after overfeeding her dog to death. The dog, named Nuggi, was severely obese and weighed nearly 120 pounds (54 kilograms) when police found him in 2021. He was reportedly being fed up to 10 pieces of chicken a day, along with dry food.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said Nuggi was barely able to move. The dog was taken from his owner’s home. He struggled to walk even 10 metres to the car and had to stop three times to catch his breath.

Woman feeds dog too much

Police also found a number of dogs at Nuggi’s owner’s home in Auckland. Nuggi was placed in the care of the SPCA.

He was so obese that veterinarians could not hear his heartbeat because of the layers of fat. His claws were reportedly too long and he had several skin tumors, especially on his belly and elbows. Nuggi also had conjunctivitis.

Despite losing 19.6 pounds (8.8 kilograms) in two months, Nuggi died of a liver hemorrhage. His autopsy report revealed further health complications, including liver disease and Cushing’s disease.

The SPCA is used to caring for malnourished dogs and Nuggi was one of the most obese animals they have ever encountered.

‘Drastically overfed’

“Nuggi was drastically overfed and instead of seeking help or improving his behavior, his owner continued to overfeed him until he could barely walk. This is unacceptable,” said SPCA Executive Director Todd Westwood.

Nuggi’s owner pleaded guilty and was sentenced in the Manukau District Court in Auckland to two months in jail and a fine of NZ$1,222 (Rs60,000). She is also banned from owning dogs for a year.