Last Updated on July 25, 2024 by Dogs Vets
In a heartbreaking case of animal neglect, an Auckland woman has been sentenced to two months imprisonment for failing to meet the physical, health, and behavioral needs of her dog, Nuggi.
Nuggi, a dog who became morbidly obese under her care, weighed a staggering 53.7kg when he was taken in by the SPCA in October 2021.
The Discovery and Condition of Nuggi
Nuggi’s dire condition came to light after police executed a search warrant at the woman’s property in Manurewa. Several dogs were seized by animal control officers, but Nuggi’s state was particularly alarming.
Inspectors discovered that Nuggi was fed an unhealthy diet of 8-10 pieces of chicken daily. Tragically, Nuggi passed away two months later due to an acute hemorrhage from a ruptured mass on his liver. A subsequent necropsy revealed that Nuggi also suffered from liver disease and Cushing’s disease.
SPCA’s Findings
SPCA chief executive Todd Westwood expressed the shock of the inspectors, who are more accustomed to dealing with malnourished animals rather than those suffering from obesity. He described Nuggi’s condition as one of the most extreme cases of obesity they had encountered.
“Animal control officers noted that in the 10 meters Nuggi had to walk from the property to the car, he had to stop three times to catch his breath,” said Westwood. “His legs appeared to be collapsing under the weight of his huge body.”
A veterinarian who assessed Nuggi found he was “so obese that it wasn’t possible to hear his heart with a stethoscope because the sound couldn’t penetrate the fat.” Additional health issues included overgrown nails, multiple skin tags, conjunctivitis, and severe difficulty moving and breathing.
Legal Repercussions
The woman responsible for Nuggi’s care pleaded guilty and was sentenced at the Manukau District Court. Along with the prison sentence, she was ordered to pay $1222.15 in reparations and has been disqualified from owning dogs for 12 months.
A Call for Responsible Pet Ownership
Westwood emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership, which includes providing a balanced diet and regular exercise. “Nuggi was being drastically overfed, and instead of seeking help or amending the behavior, his owner continued to overfeed him until he could barely walk,” he stated.
Should Fast-Food company owners be jailed over ‘morbidly obese’ people?
Auckland woman jailed over ‘morbidly obese’ doghttps://t.co/huW1N6LZKs
— bruce hodgson (@brucehodgson3) July 24, 2024
The SPCA continues to advocate for the welfare of animals and reminds pet owners of their duty to maintain their pets’ health through appropriate feeding and exercise routines.
For more information and how you can support animal welfare, visit the SPCA website.
This tragic case highlights the devastating impact of overfeeding pets and the importance of balanced care. Nuggi’s story serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibilities that come with pet ownership.
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