NEWS
Auckland Woman Jailed for Two Months After Overfeeding Dog 10 Chicken Daily Until he Could Barely Walk
An Auckland woman has been sentenced to two months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to failing to meet the physical, health and behavioural needs of her dog, Nuggi, who became so severely obese that he could barely walk or breathe comfortably.
The case, which has drawn attention to the consequences of animal neglect and irresponsible pet ownership, was heard at Manukau District Court in New Zealand, where the defendant was also ordered to pay reparations of $1,222.15 and banned from owning dogs for 12 months.
Nuggi was taken into the care of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in October 2021 after police executed a search warrant at the woman’s property in Manurewa, Auckland. Several dogs were removed from the premises and initially taken to an Auckland Council animal shelter.
However, Nuggi’s condition immediately stood out to animal control officers, who witnessed the enormous difficulty he experienced while attempting to move even a short distance.
According to the officers, Nuggi had to walk just 10 metres from the property to a vehicle but was forced to stop three times to catch his breath. His legs also appeared to be collapsing under the weight of his massive body, raising serious concerns about the physical suffering he was enduring.
Later that day, Nuggi was transferred to the SPCA’s Māngere Centre, where a veterinarian conducted a medical assessment that revealed the extent of his deteriorating health.
Weighing 53.7 kilogrammes, Nuggi was so excessively overweight that the veterinarian could not hear his heartbeat through a stethoscope because the sound could not penetrate the thick layer of fat surrounding his body.
His condition was further complicated by overgrown nails, numerous skin tags, particularly around pressure points such as his belly and elbows, and conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the eye.
SPCA Chief Executive Todd Westwood said Nuggi’s condition came as a major shock to inspectors and staff, who regularly encounter animals suffering from neglect but were stunned by the severity of his obesity.
“Nuggi was easily one of the most obese animals we’ve ever encountered. He was so enormous that he could hardly walk and he was clearly suffering as a result of the significant amount of weight he was carrying.
“Sadly, we see animals on a daily basis that are underweight, starved or malnourished, but it’s equally heartbreaking to see a helpless animal that’s been severely overfed,” Mr Westwood says.
A veterinary assessment found that Nuggi struggled to move around, experienced breathing difficulties, could not cope with warm weather and suffered from general fatigue. The veterinarian concluded that the excessive weight he carried would have subjected him to severe long-term discomfort and distress.
During discussions with SPCA inspectors, the defendant reportedly admitted feeding Nuggi between eight and 10 pieces of chicken daily, alongside additional dog biscuits. She also claimed to exercise him by taking him for walks or allowing him to spend time outside on the property.
However, the dog’s physical condition indicated that his dietary and exercise needs had not been adequately managed.
Mr Westwood stressed that responsible pet ownership requires providing animals with appropriate nutrition, regular physical activity and proper attention to their health. He condemned the continued overfeeding that left Nuggi struggling to perform basic movements.
“Part of being a responsible dog owner is providing your pet with an appropriate diet and daily exercise, which was clearly not the case here.
“Nuggi was being drastically overfed, and instead of seeking help or amending the behaviour, his owner continued to overfeed him until he could barely walk. This is unacceptable,” says Mr Westwood.
Nuggi subsequently spent approximately two months receiving care at the SPCA facility, where staff worked to improve his condition and gradually reduce his weight.
During that period, he lost 8.9 kilogrammes, representing approximately 16.5 per cent of his initial body weight. The weight reduction marked significant progress in his recovery, offering hope that his physical condition could improve.
Tragically, however, Nuggi died suddenly before he could fully recover. The SPCA reported that he suffered an acute haemorrhage caused by a ruptured mass on his liver.
A post-mortem examination, known as a necropsy, revealed additional underlying health problems, including liver disease and Cushing’s disease, a hormonal disorder that can affect metabolism and other bodily functions.
Although Nuggi had begun making progress under professional care, his death highlighted the devastating consequences that severe obesity and other health complications can have on an animal’s wellbeing.
Following the court proceedings, the defendant was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment, ordered to pay $1,222.15 in reparations and disqualified from owning dogs for one year.
The case serves as a sobering reminder that animal welfare involves more than providing food and shelter. Pet owners are responsible for ensuring that their animals receive suitable diets, appropriate exercise and timely veterinary attention, as excessive feeding can be just as harmful as starvation and malnutrition.
Nuggi’s story has also reinforced the importance of recognising warning signs of animal distress and seeking professional assistance befo
re preventable health problems become severe.