Dogs could be killed if they are caught harassing farm animals police have warned after several sheep were mauled to death in Saddleworth.
Six sheep have been 'mauled to death' on land in Greenfield in the past fortnight, officers say.
They are now investigating but say it is not currently clear if it is one or more dogs that is responsible for the deaths.
The incidents all happened in the Wharmton Hill area of the Saddleworth village and left the animals with "horrendous" injuries.
A dark brown, stocky dog was seen in the same field as the sheep and another eyewitness reported seeing a ewe tumbling down the Greenfield side of the hill with a large brown dog attacking it.
Officers are now warning that land owners will use "lethal force" against any dog seen harassing their animals.
In a post on their Facebook page, GMP Saddleworth and Lees said: "The sheep are sustaining horrendous injuries which ultimately ends with not only their deaths but also of the lambs they are carrying.
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"Land owners will use lethal force against dogs worrying their animals.
"The dog/s carrying out these attacks will be coming back to their owners possibly with signs that they have been involved in some form of associated activity to the incidents as outlined.
"If you see dogs worrying livestock please record as much detail as possible and alert the Police on 101."
