A family dog was found dead near railway tracks just hours after being stolen from a Cardiff home.
South Wales Police said a man dressed all in black, was seen on CCTV entering the back of a house on Sloper Road.
After forcing entry to the conservatory, the burglar then spent around 18 minutes in the house, before leaving with the family's two-year-old French Bulldog, Shadow.
The dog was found dead the following morning near train tracks on Penarth Road, "devastating his owners", police said.
A small grey safe was also taken from the house, which has yet to be found, during the burglary at around 1.05pm on Wednesday, September 25.
Detective Constable Alex Smith said: “Burglaries have a huge impact on victims, who are often left feeling unsafe and vulnerable in their own homes.
“Not only do the family in this case have to deal with this, but they have also been left utterly distraught at the theft and subsequent death of their beloved pet.
“We would appeal to anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area around the time of the incident, or anyone who has any information which may assist the investigation, to come forward.
"Officers are particularly interested in any private CCTV residents in the Grangetown area of Cardiff may have."
Information can be reported via 101, quoting occurrence 1900355004. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111.
