Youngster’s Stolen Therapy Dog Found Dead

A therapy dog stolen from the home of a 12-year-old girl with autism has been found dead.

Three-year-old Dalmatian Lottie was taken during a burglary at Chloe Hopkins house in Peatling Parva in early December.

Chloe with Lottie before she was stolen

Her Mum Gemma – who says her daughter is heartbroken – received the devastating news from a vet after the dog’s microchip was scanned when it was found in a layby on Peatling Road, Countesthorpe on Sunday morning.

An appeal to find Lottie went viral on social media and over £2,000 was pledged as a reward for the return of the dog including from an Hfm listener.

Following the theft, Mrs Hopkins described Lottie as her daughter’s “best friend”, saying she helped to keep her calm.

Updating the appeal page on the unhappy conclusion, she said: “Having to identify her was the hardest thing I’ve done. I’ve now got to break my 12-year-old’s heart tonight.

“We never wanted this ending. We kept hopeful. Goodbye my crazy bunch of spots.”

Hundreds of people have been sharing their condolences on social media in response to the announcement.

A Police investigation into the burglary and Lottie’s discovery is continuing.

PC Robin Bonell, the investigating officer, said: “Sadly, we have been told that Lottie has been found dead. We have spoken to her owner to offer support and they have asked to be left alone at this time.

“We are continuing with our investigation into the burglary. I would still like to speak to anyone who may have information but has not yet contacted police.

“I’m particularly keen to speak to anyone who was driving along Peatling Road on Sunday morning. Did you notice anyone in a layby who was acting in a manner that seemed unusual or that caught your attention? Do you have a dashcam installed in your vehicle?

“Any details you’re able to provide, no matter how insignificant you think they may be, could help with our investigation.”

Anyone with any information should call 101 quoting incident 19*643906.