A New Zealand woman has been sentenced to two months in prison following the death of her severely obese dog, Nuggi,
Nuggi, who weighed approximately 54 kilograms (120 pounds), was nearly immobile when police discovered him in 2021 at the owner’s residence in Auckland. Multiple dogs were found at the property, and Nuggi was handed over to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
Despite losing 8.8 kilograms (19.6 pounds) while in SPCA care, Nuggi succumbed to a liver hemorrhage. An autopsy revealed that he also suffered from Cushing’s disease and other liver issues.
The owner admitted to neglecting Nuggi’s medical, behavioral, and physical needs. Consequently, the Manukau District Court sentenced her to two months in jail, imposed a fine of $1,222 NZD ($720), and banned her from owning dogs for a year.
