Washington investigating after Salma Hayek's dog found dead

Washington — Washington state authorities are investigating after actress Salma Hayek's dog was found shot to death on her ranch about 70 miles (112 kilometers) south of Seattle.

A Thurston County Sheriff's spokesman says a deputy received a report on 19 February, has talked to the actress and is investigating.

Deputy Lt. Cliff Ziesemer says a caretaker was riding a horse around Hayek's property with two dogs following. He says the dogs barked and took off running at the end of the road but eventually came back, as was typical.

Later, when the caretaker returned home she realised one dog was missing. She found the dog dead and reported it to authorities.

Ziesemer says a veterinarian determined a pellet from a pellet gun had nicked an artery and that the dog "slowly bled to death internally."

Hayek posted on Instagram Friday that she was mourning the death of her 9-year-old dog named Mozart and that she hoped authorities would find justice.

I haven't posted for a week as I 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 9 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. #doglover #animalrights #dog #dogoftheday #rip #delivery #washingtonstateauthorities Hace una semana que no pongo nada ya que he estado de duelo por la muerte de mi perro Mozart. De quién fui la partera, lo encontramos el viernes pasado con un tiro cerca del corazón. Espero que las autoridades del estado de Washington le hagan justicia a este extraordinario perro que durante 9 años nunca mordió o atacó a nadie, adoraba su territorio y nunca se escapó. Era el compañero más leal y no se merecía una muerte lenta y dolorosa. #muerte #perro #justiciaporlosanimales

A photo posted by Salma Hayek Pinault (@salmahayek) on Feb 26, 2016 at 1:02pm PST