A dog attacked and killed a flock of 16 sheep at a farm leaving the farmer "distressed", police have said.
The late night massacre took place between 1am and 4am on Friday, November 20 and officers are hoping someone may have witnessed it.
Police are also stepping up patrols near Pegden House Farm in Scaynes Hill, a small village in West Sussex, in a bid to track down the animal.
Sussex Police's Rural Crime Team have warned pet owners that farmers can legally shoot dogs that are chasing livestock and seek compensation.
Sergeant Jon Attfield,, from the RCT, said: “We want to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time of this incident.
"This appalling attack has left the sheep owner with a reduced livelihood, which is particularly distressing during the COVID-19 pandemic and national lockdown, and we need the public’s help in bringing the culprit to justice.
"Sheep worrying and attacking a sheep is a crime and we take it very seriously in Sussex.
"We urge people to keep their dogs under control and certainly on a lead while they are walking in rural areas and around livestock.
"So often in these incidents the owners are horrified by what their dogs have done, but they have to accept that even the most docile of pets can quickly turn into a killer given the opportunity.
"A farmer can legally shoot a dog that is chasing livestock and seek compensation from the person responsible for the animal, so please don't take the risk."
