A CWMBRAN family is calling for fencing to be put up around parts of the Afon Lywd River after their beloved dog drowned on Friday.

Ozzy, who was 21-months-old, spotted a ball which had been left in the river near Llanyrafon and jumped in after it, but was quickly pulled under by the strong current.

Owner Sandra Stephens stepped onto the rocks to get down to the river, but was stopped by a passerby who urged her not to go further.

Now the family are calling on Torfaen Borough Council to put up fencing around that part of the river, which also claimed the death of dog walker Paul Savill last year.

David Stephens, who owns the family pet with his wife and children, Greg, 23, and Bethan, 21, said: “It’s been horrific. We just don’t know what to do with ourselves.

“We also want to thank Ryan Perry, who helped my wife, and then me and my son.”

The family have been urging dog walkers in the area to look out for the body of Ozzy so he can be given a proper burial. They have put up photos and have laid flowers.

But Mr Stephens also said the situation could have been a lot worse.

“If I had been walking Oz I probably wouldn’t be here now. I would have thought I would have been able to get him out.

A council spokes person said: “While we sympathise with the gentlemen concerned, it would not be practical to fence off all access points to the Afon Lwyd river.

We strongly advise anyone walking their dog near the river to keep them on a lead.”