Therapy dog stolen from autistic girl, 12, found dead in Leicestershire
A therapy dog stolen from a 12-year-old girl with autism has been found dead.
Leicestershire Police said the Dalmatian, named Lottie, was taken from Chloe Hopkins’s home in Ashby Road, Peatling Parva, on December 1.
The dog was found in a lay-by in Peatling Road, Countesthorpe, on Sunday morning.
Posting about Lottie’s death on the Facebook appeal group, originally set up to find the therapy dog, Chloe’s mother Gemma said: “This is something I’d never thought I’d have to post. In fact I’m not sure it has sunk in.
“Yesterday morning we got the call we didn’t want, Lottie has been found but passed away.
“Having to identify her was the hardest thing I’ve done by miles and I cannot thank everyone enough for the shares of posters via social media and I’ve now got to break my 12-year-old’s heart tonight.
“We are all heart broken, we never wanted this ending, we kept hopeful.
“Goodbye my crazy bunch of spots. R.I.P Lottie.”
Confirming the details of the case, 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 lay-by 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.”
Copyright (c) PA Media Ltd. 2020, All Rights Reserved. Picture (c) Gemma Hopkins / Facebook.
