【2022 Archives】

When a (ridiculously cute) four-month-old chow-chow puppy named Bungle was seized by police after biting an officer022 Archives the internet couldn't handle it.

Bungle, the chow pup in question, was loose in a street near Towcaster, UK, on November 17th, when he bit an officer on the arm and hand as they tried to detain the dog. Under the Dangerous Dogs Act, this could cost Bungle up to 9 months in police custody.

But now, Bungle has been freed after only five days in custody – much to the joy of the thousands of people who had joined the large-scale social media campaign to free him.

The owners, David and Susan Hayes, told the sun that they thought the police's actions had been "disproportionate," since Bungle is just a puppy.

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After Bungle was first seized, his owners then took to social media to advocate for his release. Since, more than 10,000 people had signed a petition to free Bungle and a Facebook group dedicated to the pup's freedom got over 5600 members.

The campaign got picked up by UK newspaper The Sun, who put Bungle on the front page and advocated for the pup's release.

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After Bungle was returned to his owners on Friday, the Northamptonshire Police stood by their decision to seize Bungle. In a press release, Chief Superintendent Chris Hillery explained that despite the public outcry, he thinks that the officer's actions were proportionate.

"To be absolutely clear, I fully support the officers’ actions in this case, the dog was unattended in a live carriageway and was aggressive to those present resulting in the officer being bitten and receiving injuries that required hospital attention," Hillery said.

He also stated that the decision to release Bungle was "in no way [...] impacted by the media."

Welcome home Bungle, you fluffy little felon.