A lamb was left bleeding from the neck in a ditch after being attacked by a dog, the RSPCA has said.
The animal was hurt on Marsden Moor in Saddleworth on Saturday (June 5).
A woman was walking with her dog, which was off its lead, when it saw a sheep and its two lambs.
Before the woman could get her pet under control, it started running towards one of the lambs.
The six-month-old animal suffered serious injuries. The woman reported the incident to the RSPCA.
Animal rescue officer Steve Wickham said: "The lamb was bleeding around the neck and was shaking and clearly frightened. She was down in a ditch area on the moor.
"I managed to get her over my shoulders and had to carry her about half a mile back to my van. I then rushed her to the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital where she was treated for her injuries.
"We really need to stress the importance to dog walkers of keeping your pet under control or on a lead in the countryside to avoid these devastating attacks and put on a drip.
"We have not been able to identify the farmer who owned her, so she has been taken in by my colleague inspector Angela Paxton-Taylor.
"Angela has named the lamb Elphine and she will be cared for on her smallholding in the Bolton area."
The lamb was lucky to survive, Mr Wickham said, adding: "While the vast majority of people take care as a matter of course, sadly accidents can happen and even the most docile and obedient dogs can get distracted and excited by grazing animals.
"Dog owners should remember it is lawful for farmers to shoot a dog to protect livestock which would be distressing for everyone involved and owners could face a police prosecution if their dog is caught worrying livestock.
"Even if you think your dog is placid and friendly, when faced with a field full of livestock they can be unpredictable. It’s simply not worth taking the risk – keep your dog on a lead and away from livestock."
