A dog found collapsed and near death in a Keighley churchyard may need to have a leg amputated.

Bobby, the name given to her by the RSPCA, is being nursed back to health, but faces a long road to recovery after being found in a terrible state late last week.

The animal welfare charity is appealing for information on where the animal came from and how she got to be in such a poor physical condition.

Bobby was found in the grounds of Keighley New Church at 7pm on Thursday by Braithwaite resident Shelley Hudson and her family, who heard howls of pain.

When they went to investigate they found the young dog with a rusty chain wrapped around her neck, her fur covered in faeces and with a recently-broken front leg. She was also dangerously emaciated. The family took her to Aireworth Vets and she is now being treated by the RSPCA.

The charity is looking into whether Bobby, a cross breed no older than three, was a victim of animal cruelty and urge anyone who might have information on her previous owner to get in touch.

Officer Charlotte Booker said: “She was in extremely poor body condition, had a broken front right leg and was matted with faeces and dirt. She’s a young adult and looks to have been kept as an ‘outside dog’. She had a metal rusty choke chain around her neck and has white markings under her neck and belly.

“It is likely that her leg will need to be amputated. When she was found she was howling and must have been in an extreme amount of pain.”

Mrs Hudson, 42, said: “She looked really thin, like she hadn’t been fed in months. I think she had definitely been dumped.”

Anyone with information should contact Charlotte on 0300 1234 999.