Stolen canine ‘thrown to demise’ on practice tracks after merciless thugs ‘snatch him from proprietor’
A police investigation is underway after a dog was allegedly stolen from its owner during a walk and then dumped on a railway track where it was hit by a train and killed
Ryan Collins was walking Zak when he was approached by three youths(Image: Susan Grandon)
Heartless thugs allegedly snatched a beloved family pet from a vulnerable man before leaving it to die on a railway line.
Police have launched an investigation into the sickening death of Zak, a 12-year-old Cairn Terrier-type dog, who was killed after being struck by a train. The incident unfolded on Saturday while Zak was being walked by Ryan Collins, the son of owner Janet Collins.
Ryan, described as a vulnerable adult, was exercising the dog along the Taff Trail in South Wales, between Mountain Ash and Penrhiwceiber, when he was targeted by a gang of three youths. The trio reportedly cornered Ryan before grabbing Zak’s lead and bolting from the scene.
A massive search operation was immediately sparked, with frantic family members and friends scouring the trail in a desperate bid to bring the dog home safely. However, the search ended in heartbreak.
Susan Grandon, a family friend who spearheaded the hunt, claimed the cruel group dumped the helpless terrier on the tracks, where he was hit by a passing train.
The senseless killing has shocked the local community, as well as sparking a wave of fury online.
The hashtag #Justice4Zak began trending across Facebook just hours after the tragic discovery as devastated residents changed their profile pictures to honour him.
Meanwhile, hundreds of tributes have poured in for Zak.
Owners Janet and Ryan have requested privacy while they grieve the loss
A spokesperson for South Wales Police 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 who has information that could aid the police in their investigation into the theft and subsequent death of Zak is asked to contact South Wales Police directly.
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