Sheriffs investigate after Salma Hayek's dog Mozart shot dead on her Washington state ranch

Star says she has been in mourning for a week over the pet's 'slow and painful death'

Actress Salma Hayek (Getty)

A “most loving and loyal” dog belonging to Hollywood actress Salma Hayek has been shot dead on her ranch in Washington state in the US.

The star posted a photograph of the pet, called Mozart, on her Instagram site, saying she had been in mourning for a week over his “slow and painful death”.

Deputy Lieutenant Cliff Ziesemer told the Associated Press that a vet had determined the dog was hit by a shot from a pellet gun. The pellet had nicked an artery and that the dog “slowly bled to death internally”, he added.

In her Instagram post, Hayek, who was away at the time, wrote: “I haven't posted for a week as I [have] been mourning the death of my dog, Mozart who I personally delivered out of his mother's womb.

“He was found dead in my ranch last Friday with a shot close to his heart. I am hoping that the Washington State authorities do justice to this wonderful dog whom in nine years never bit or attacked anyone.

“He loved his territory and never strayed away. He was the most loving and loyal companion. He didn't deserve a slow and painful death.”

A week ago last Friday, Hayek’s caretaker was riding a horse on the property, about 70 miles south of Seattle, with Mozart and another dog running behind, when they starting barking and ran off.

They came back and the caretaker carried on, but she then noticed one dog was no longer following.

She searched for him and found Mozart lying dead and called the local sheriff’s office.