POLICE and animal welfare officers are hunting the sick killers of nine sheep and a pony.
The animals were shot dead just a few miles from each other.
North Wales Police and the RSPCA are now working together to find those behind the ‘sickening’ attacks.
The first of the killings was in a field between Bryneglwys and Llanelidan, when Shetland Pony - Minnie was found dead by its owner Gerallt Walker.
Three other horses and a donkey were also in the field on August 17 but they were unharmed.
RSPCA inspector Fred Armstrong said: “This is a remote area but it’s vital that we gain further information about this incident.
“The vet confirmed that the animal had been shot using a firearm although we are not able to specify what kind of weapon was used.”
In the same week, nine dead sheep were found at Carrog.
The animals, mainly lambs, were found dead over a period of 10 days in Ty Mawr.
Even though all of the lambs had been shot using an air gun pellet, they died of a number of causes including black leg, herniation and peritonitis.
“These animals suffered long and lingering deaths, over several days,” added Mr Armstrong.
“This is animal cruelty of malicious and premeditated nature and it’s vital that we find the perpetrator as soon as possible.”
Inspector Dewi Roberts said the police were anxious to speak to anyone who may have seen anything or have any information as to the identity of the offender.
“This is a particularly nasty incident as the lambs died a couple of weeks after being shot.
“I am now urging anyone who has any information to come forward.
“Inquiries are continuing and we are working closely with the RSPCA to try and catch the offenders.”
Mr Roberts said investigations into the killing of the Shetland Pony are also ongoing.
“These are concerning incidents of firearms offences and animal cruelty both of which are liable to prosecution and I would appeal for anyone who has information as regards the offender to come forward.”
Judi Hewitt, founder of Wales Against Animal Cruelty (WAAC), said the killings were ‘sickening’.
“It is very upsetting that there are people out there who can behave so callously towards a defenceless animal,” she said.
“To cause such suffering to these animals for sick perverted pleasure is very worrying.
“Somebody somewhere must know who they are, I hope with all my heart that they are caught, named and shamed.”
Both the police and RSPCA are investigating whether the shootings are linked.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact the RSPCA on 03001234999 or North Wales Police on 101 or 0845 6071001 (Welsh) 0845 6071002 (English) alternatively text 66767 or Crimestoppers on 0800555111.