A starving dog was found barely alive, with one animal expert describing it as one of the most shocking cases he'd seen.

The Staffordshire-boxer cross was just skin and bone when a member of the public found her in Penrith and handed her into the care of nearby vets.

One RSPCA officer admitted she was the one of the thinnest dogs he'd ever seen which was still alive.

RSPCA inspector Chris Towler said inquiries followed the discovery on Inglewood Road on July 24, but unfortunately they were still unable to identify her owner.

"The dog was in a clearly emaciated body condition," he said. "On the scale - short of being emaciated and dead - this is probably one of the thinnest dogs I have seen that is still upright."

The dog, thought to be about five-years-old and given the name Ruby by inspectors, was cared for in private kennels for a couple of weeks and her condition started to improve.

She has since been found a foster home.

While in care, Ruby has significantly improved from the state she was in, although there are still signs of neglect with her boney rib cage still visible.

"She is now at a condition where [had she been found now] I would be giving advice to the owner rather than a court case," said Mr Towler.

"She has responded very well in care and is currently being fostered with a view to adoption.

"Although the RSPCA are extremely pleased with her welfare outcome, we would feel it fitting to ensure that the owner or owners are brought to justice for the horrendous condition that she was found in."

Mr Towler said it's possible that Ruby has been kept indoors, as he can't believe a dog of her condition would not be reported had someone looked out of the window and seen her.

She had no collar and has not been micro-chipped. It's thought she has suffered for about two months, according to Mr Towler.

Inquiries have been made in the north Penrith area but officers have been unable to identify the dog's owner.

"The RSPCA are keen to hear from anybody who has information regarding the whereabouts of the dog's owner," he said.

Last week the animal charity was appealing for information about a black cat that was trapped inside a container and dumped in woodland in west Cumbria.

The cat, which is now being cared for by the RSPCA, was found in a pet carrier beside a woodland path between Kiln Brown and Longlands Lake, in Cleator Moor, by a member of the public at 11.30am on Saturday, August 5.

Anyone with information or who can help with either of the investigations is asked to contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.