A woman in New Zealand has been sentenced to two months in prison following the death of her severely obese dog, Nuggi, who weighed 53 kilograms (118 pounds). According to a Newsweek report, Nuggi passed away from a liver hemorrhage.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) stated that Nuggi, discovered by police in 2021 at around 54 kilograms (120 pounds) and nearly immobile, was removed from his owner's Auckland home. Police found several dogs at the property, and Nuggi was subsequently placed in the SPCA’s care.

Despite losing 8.8 kilograms (19.6 pounds) or about 16.5% of his body weight over two months with the SPCA, Nuggi’s condition was compounded by additional health issues, including Cushing's disease and liver problems, revealed by an autopsy.

The dog's owner admitted guilt for failing to meet Nuggi’s medical, behavioral, and physical needs, leading the Manukau District Court in Auckland to sentence her to two months in prison and impose a fine of $1,222 NZD ($720). Additionally, she has been banned from owning dogs for one year.

According to the SPCA, veterinarians had difficulty detecting Nuggi’s heartbeat due to his excessive weight. The dog also suffered from numerous skin growths, particularly on areas of contact such as his elbows and stomach, as well as enlarged claws and conjunctivitis.

SPCA Chief Todd Westwood described Nuggi as "drastically overfed" and one of the most obese animals they have encountered. He remarked, “It is heart-wrenching to see an animal that has been so severely overfed, especially when we regularly encounter underweight, starved, or malnourished animals.”

The SPCA noted that Nuggi was fed about 10 pieces of chicken daily in addition to dry food. He struggled to walk even a short distance to the car, needing to pause three times to catch his breath. "His legs could not support his massive body," the SPCA added.

Westwood emphasized that responsible pet ownership involves providing a proper diet and regular exercise, which was clearly neglected in this case. "Instead of addressing the issue or seeking help, the owner continued to overfeed Nuggi until he could barely move. This is unacceptable," he concluded.