An animal protection charity says the shocking discovery of a dog's body could be linked to organised dog fighting.
The torso and hind legs of the dog were discovered on land near a reservoir in Bury.
Police have been alerted.
The body is believed to be that of a female pug, although no age has been determined.
The dog wasn't micro-chipped, so an owner hasn't yet been traced.
The RSPCA, which was contacted, said the body was decomposed and may have been dug up by a wild animal.
But Animal Protection Services, a registered charity that investigates and prosecutes organised animal cruelty, says it is investigating and there were 'suspicions' the discovery may be linked to 'deliberate mutilation' or 'dog fighting'.
Photographs taken of the dog are too distressing for the Manchester Evening News to publish.
A dog walker found the dog's body at around 7.30am last Friday on land leading to Farm Lodge Reservoir in Radcliffe.
It's understood the discovery was made near a row of trees.
The path is accessed off Far Hey Close.
In a statement, the London-based charity said: "Animal Protection Services is currently investigating an incident where a dog walker found a deceased dog near Farm Lodge Reservoir in Radcliffe.
"We are aware of a number of similar incidents in the past few months and there are suspicions that it may be linked to a deliberate mutilation, or linked to dog fighting."
"We are appealing for any witnesses, who have seen anything relating to deliberate mutilation or dog fighting, to come forward by calling our incident line on 0330 120 0909 or by contacting us through our website."
The charity, which believes the dog may have been dumped there rather than dug up by an animal, sent volunteers to the scene on Sunday to look for any further evidence, but none was found.
The dog walker who found her is believed to have contacted a local rescue before the body was taken to a vet.
The RSPCA said it hasn't been able to find an owner or establish what has happened.
A spokesperson said: "This must have been such a distressing discovery for the person who found the dog, and we'd like to thank them for all they've done to help.
"We're not sure what happened.
"There is no microchip so we're not able to find out who is the owner.
"The dog was very decomposed so the dog may have been there for a while, or a wild animal could have recently dug up the body.
"If anyone knows where the dog may have come from, we would really like to hear from them.
"Our inspectorate appeal line can be reached on 0300 123 8018, and calls are treated in confidence."
Greater Manchester Police has been contacted for comment.
