Family of missing dog are still looking for answers

Saturday, 20 March 2021 10:54

The Bierer-Nielsen family brought a private prosecution against a suspect but have faced delays due to Covid-19.

Laura Bierer-Nielsen and her families dog Spillo went missing when on holiday near Midhurst last year.

The London based family suspected that he had been stolen after he hadn't been seen since their stay at a cottage in Ingrams Green Lane last year. They then hired a detective to try and find the missing animal, and brought a private prosecution against a suspect.

This story might seem to have a happy ending, but the family are still awaiting answers after their first hearing was delayed until July 2021. For them, and many other cases, they have been pushed back due to Covid-19.

Brighton Magistrates Court pushed back their original hearing from 26th February all the way to July, leaving the Bierer-Nielsen's in limbo for nearly 5 months to finally get some closure on their beloved pet.

The case delay has been pinned down to "a reduction in footfall" in Magistrates courts, with CPS (Crime Prosecution Services) cases taking priority.

While many of these delays may be understandable, the impact that it can have on the lives of those involved can be devastating.

It's also not an isolated case. Last week, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne conducted a survey which found 97% of people believe that dog theft is a serious problem.

When we interviewed her, she put this rise down to demand now exceeding supply, with a sharp rise in people buying pets over the lockdowns.

You can read more about that in our previous article: https://www.v2radio.co.uk/news/west-sussex/dognapping-fear-at-an-all-time-high/

Family of missing dog are still looking for answers

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