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Nuggi, a beloved pet dog, met a tragic fate due to severe overfeeding by his owner, despite losing 8.8 kilograms (19.6 pounds) while under the care of the SPCA, Nuggi succumbed to a liver haemorrhage. An autopsy revealed additional health issues, including Cushing’s disease and liver problems.
Owner’s Neglect
Failure to Provide Necessary Care
- Nuggi’s owner pleaded guilty to failing to provide for the dog’s medical, behavioural, and physical needs.
- The Manukau District Court in Auckland sentenced the owner to two months in jail and imposed a fine of NZD 1,222 ($720).
Severe Health Issues
- Veterinarians struggled to detect Nuggi’s heartbeat due to his extreme weight.
- Nuggi had numerous skin growths on his elbows and tummy, enlarged claws, and conjunctivitis.
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SPCA’s Findings
Statements from SPCA
Todd Westwood, SPCA Chief, highlighted the severity of Nuggi’s condition:
- “Nuggi was drastically overfeeding and clearly did not have access to proper care.”
- “Nuggi was one of the most obese animals we’ve ever come across.”
Daily Struggles
- Nuggi was fed around 10 pieces of chicken daily, along with dry food.
- The dog struggled to walk even short distances, pausing multiple times to catch his breath.
Call for Responsible Pet Ownership
Heartbreaking Reality
Westwood emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership:
- “We see animals daily that are underweight, starved, or malnourished. It’s equally heartbreaking to see a helpless animal that’s been severely overfed.”
- Nuggi’s case highlights the consequences of neglecting proper diet and exercise for pets.
Final Thoughts
- “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. His owner continued to overfeed him until he could barely walk. This is unacceptable,” Westwood added.
Conclusion of Overfeeding Pet Dog Nuggi to Death
Nuggi’s tragic story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of proper pet care. Overfeeding pets can lead to severe health issues and even death, underscoring the need for balanced nutrition and regular exercise. The case also highlights the role of organizations like the SPCA in protecting and advocating for the welfare of animals.