Barney disappeared while he was out on a walk before shots were heard
A family's pet dog may have been shot and then stolen, analysis of blood samples found at the scene suggest, Sussex Police say.
Barney, a black German shorthaired pointer was being walked with another dog in the Mayes Lane area of Warnham at about 07:00 BST on 20 July.
The dogs ran off together, then shots were heard followed by the sound of a whimpering animal, police said.
Barney's owner then found blood and some used shotgun cartridges.
DNA tests on the blood carried out for the owner showed the samples had come from a dog.
PC James Munden said: "It's not known what happened to Barney, but he is quite a valuable dog, so we are investigating the possibility that he has been stolen.
"He is a much loved family pet and his disappearance has been very upsetting for them."
