Hungry Dalmatian Reports Owner for Neglect

LOS ANGELES – A 6 year old Dalmatian named Spotz has reported her owner for neglect. Animal control services is investigating allegations that the dog is not receiving enough food.

Dog submits photo evidence of being underfed

Thomas Mester, an animal control officer with Los Angeles city services, explained. “We don’t often get complaints from the actual animals when they feel they are being abused or neglected, so this one seemed to warrant an investigation,” he said.

The Dalmatian’s complaint stems from her owner’s, and veterinarian’s, belief that the rescue dog is overweight and needs to lose a few pounds. The dog disagrees.

“I suspected that she was not feeding me enough so I watched carefully when she doled out my miserable allotment of kibble,” said the Dalmatian. “She partially fills the so-called ‘cup’ and then puts some back in the container. I have seen her perform this routine on many occasions and protested vehemently, to no avail. To make matters worse, the alleged ‘food’ is actually reduced calorie kibble so where is the nutrition in that? I am just freaking hungry!”

Spotz’s owner, Ariel McMurtry, defended her actions on Tuesday before the investigation panel at the animal control office.

“I simply read the feeding directions on the dog food bag and complied with them,” McMurtry claimed. “I even put carrots in her dish because she likes them so much. Can I help it if the beast wants to eat the entire 30 pound bag for dinner?”

A spokesperson for the Dalmatian countered that the feeding directions are only suggestions and that owners may increase the portions at their discretion. “While Ms. McMurtry is, indeed, feeding the recommended amount of kibble, it is clear that my client feels that it is not enough. The portions should be at least tripled in order for her to feel satisfied.”

McMurtry pointed out that Spotz has lost about two pounds over the past year and still has one or two pounds to lose in order to be at her healthiest weight. “There isn’t enough food on the PetCo shelves to make that dog happy,” she said. “She will never be satisfied, no matter how much she eats. She actually stalks me when I’m in the kitchen, in the offchance that I will drop some morsel on the floor. And just try to keep her from counter surfing!”

The investigation is ongoing.