A SERIOUSLY ill dog was found collapsed in a gully close to a Huddersfield beauty spot.

Now RSPCA inspectors have appealed for help to trace her owners as they believe she could have been a victim of cruelty.

A farmer spotted the female bull-mastiff trapped down the gully at Scammonden Water, off O’Cot Lane in Scammonden at around 9pm on Thursday.

He immediately called the RSPCA’s cruelty line.

RSPCA inspector Alison Wilkinson said: “The poor thing is extremely emaciated. She’s suffering from a pyometre – a potentially life-threatening womb infection – and has a huge tumour.”

They have nicknamed the dog, Cynthia. She is five or six years old, light grey and has a docked tail. She did not have a collar, ID tag or microchip.

The gully was almost a mile up a steep track near the reservoir and is a place popular with dog-walkers.

The farmer who found her had been there in the morning and she wasn’t there then.

Insp Wilkinson said: “Someone must have seen something.

“It’s possible she had the strength to walk there earlier on in the day, but whether she walked or was carried she’s in such a state she’s likely to have been noticed.

“I’d like to hear from anyone who saw her or recognises the dog’s description as soon as possible.”

It took an hour for two RSPCA inspectors and three members of the public to get her out of the hole and to safety. She was so weak she had to be carried back to the van.

“She’s been weaning puppies until very recently and is still producing milk,’’ said Insp Wilkinson. “Obviously we’re very keen to make sure they’re okay.’’

RSPCA Halifax and District Branch has agreed to care for the dog and will split her vet bills with the Huddersfield Branch.

Halifax animal centre will take her in once she’s well enough and the aim then is to re-home her.

Halifax animal centre manager Julie Cockroft said: “Cynthia needs an urgent operation which is expected to be very expensive and months of aftercare so any donations to help would be very much appreciated.”

Anyone wishing to make a donation should make cheques payable to RSPCA Halifax and District Branch and send them to the centre at Wade Street, Halifax, HX1 1SN.

Alternatively they can be dropped in at the centre or the Piece Hall in Halifax where the branch is holding its 13th annual RSPCA Animal Happening and Fun Dog Show between 11am and 4pm tomorrow.

The RSPCA 24-hour cruelty hotline is 08705 555 999. Calls are in confidence.