Zak, a 12-year-old Cairn Terrier-type dog, was being walked by owner Janet Collins’ son, Ryan, and is said to have been seized by three youths who then fled the scene
Police have launched a probe after a dog who was allegedly stolen while being walked by his owner was later found dead on a railway track.
The 12-year-old Cairn Terrier-type dog, named Zak, was being walked by owner Janet Collins’ son, Ryan, who is described as a vulnerable adult. The pair had travelled along the Taff Trail between Mountain Ash and Penrhiwceiber in Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales, when they were approached by three youths.
The youths allegedly seized the dog’s lead before fleeing the scene. Family friend Susan Grandon claimed the perpetrators later abandoned Zak on a railway line, where he was struck by a train and killed.
Within hours of the dog being found dead, the hashtag Justice4Zak was trending on Facebook, with local residents changing their profile pictures in a show of support.
A major search operation, attended by family and friends, was initially launched after Zak was allegedly stolen, reports Wales Online.
Owners Janet and Ryan have now requested privacy as they grieve their loss.
A South Wales Police spokesman said: “On Saturday, April 18, South Wales Police received a report of a dog being stolen from its owner in Penrhiwceiber, Mountain Ash. We have since learnt that Zak the dog was sadly found dead the following day.
“An investigation into the incident is ongoing.”
Anyone with information that could assist officers in their investigation into the theft and subsequent death of Zak is urged to contact South Wales Police directly through any of the usual channels.
