Outrage as police lock up fluffy chow-chow puppy 'for nine months' over minor nip

Police have been slammed for detaining a fluffy chow-chow puppy for up to nine months after it bit an officer.

The pup, named Bungle, has been locked away in a kennel by a midlands police force in move branded “draconian” and “callous”.

Furious dog lovers bombarded Northamptonshire Police with messages online calling for the furry pup to be released.

Bungle’s owners told how their son, 15, broke down in tears when he learned his pet has been caged under the Dangerous Dog Act.

In an emotional post on Facebook, owner David Hayes wrote: “He [my son] broke down at school and had to leave his lessons and be consoled by members of staff.

“Keeping a young puppy, that has not done anything unexpected or unacceptable in the circumstances, from a 15-year-old boy over Xmas seems callous.

“We are not lawyers, but we continue to hope that this case can be brought forward for common sense review and be resolved asap.”

Mr Hayes said he was informed the family are not likely to see Bungle again for up to nine months.

After hearing the dog had been caged, dog lovers took to social media to urge police to free it.

In a post on the force’s Facebook page, one wrote: “Show some compassion for this young puppy!

“Nothing that the holding kennels will do will replace the care and socialisation that his owners can.”

Another said: “Show some common sense let Bungle the Chow go home, cruel and unnecessary.”

The dog had escaped owners and walked in to traffic before an officer tried to catch it, police said.

When trying to pull the dog from the road, the officer was bitten on the hand and arm, according to the force.

The officer was not seriously hurt but went hospital for precautionary checks, antibiotics and tetanus vaccination, it added.

In a statement following the online to campaign to release the pup, chief inspector Willis said the force is investigating.

“Public safety is the priority concern in such situations,” he said.

“An officer from the East Midlands Operational Support Service attended and seized the dog which is currently being looked after in secure kennels.

“It will remain under the care of the Force’s Dog Legislation Officer while the full circumstances of the incident are investigated.”