A Farnham man who feared his dog would be destroyed following a controversial seizure and legal battle has been reunited with his best friend after a 14-month ordeal.

Zbyszek Molodziejok – Ziggy to his friends – finally got his Christmas wish as Chunky has been returned thanks to a charity founder and the help of a legal firm.

His American bulldog cross was seized in October 2024 following “multiple reports from concerned members of the public” about an American XL Bully being off the lead and without a muzzle.

Ziggy, who has always maintained the “calm and friendly” Chunky was registered with a local vets as an American bulldog and not the banned breed, was asked to give up his four-legged friend.

Chunky was in a kennel for more than a year with the dog’s ongoing absence and three frustrating court sessions taking a toll on Ziggy’s health.

Rachael Welch of the Dogs Walk This Way Rescue charity contacted Tuckers Solicitors after visiting the Get Chunky Home Facebook page.

The “absolutely incredible” Danielle arranged for an independent DLO to check the “well behaved” Chunky while more than 50 people and firms around Farnham provided character references for the November 18 hearing.

While the decision went in Ziggy’s favour, the saga may not be over yet amid concerns with the state of Chunky’s health following his protracted kennel stay.

“Chunky’s owner was represented by Tuckers at court and the judge ordered the dog to be released urgently back into his owner’s care and waivered the £11,000 kennel costs,” said Rachael, whose charity funded the following neutering that Gill at Windlesham Vets carried out.

“He is now home where he rightly belongs after 14 months behind bars. He finally got his happy ever after, but even after so long, this story is far from over.”