BRADFORD DOG ABANDONED TO STARVE: NIKKI AMBLER AND BILLY JOE HARTLEY'S HORRIFIC CRUELTY REVEALED
In a disturbing case of animal neglect that has shocked the local community in Bradford, two individuals, Nikki Ambler and Billy Joe Hartley, have been found guilty of leaving their dog, Raggs, in a state of extreme starvation and dehydration.The incident took place at their former residence on Luton Street, Keighley, where the RSPCA responded to an urgent call reporting a collapsed dog in a dire condition.
Upon arriving at the scene, RSPCA inspector Natalie Taylor approached the property and was greeted by Ambler, who was heavily pregnant at the time.
She was shown Raggs, a dog lying on the floor covered with a blue blanket.
Concerned, Inspector Taylor requested Ambler to remove the blanket, revealing a dog in a critically poor state.
Raggs was visibly emaciated, with ribs and bones protruding sharply through his skin.
The dog was unresponsive and unable to lift his head or stand unaided, indicating severe dehydration and malnutrition.
Inspector Taylor recounted that she immediately recognized the urgency of the situation.
She explained, “I asked Nicole to remove the blanket, and I was shocked at Raggs’ condition.
He was not very responsive, and I knew he needed urgent veterinary attention.” Ambler claimed that she had gone shopping the previous day and that her sister had found Raggs collapsed in the kitchen.
Despite the dog's condition, she did not seem to realize the severity of his suffering.
Due to Raggs’ inability to move or lift his head, Inspector Taylor had to physically wrap him in the blanket and carry him out of the house.
The dog’s condition was so critical that he could not access food or water, despite being just inches away from both.
The inspector described Raggs as being on the brink of death, with his head lolling lifelessly and his body extremely underweight.
His spine, ribs, and hip bones were painfully visible, and he was suffering from dehydration.
Fortunately, Raggs survived the ordeal and was taken to a veterinary clinic for treatment.
By the following day, Raggs showed signs of improvement; he was able to prop his head up, but he remained under medical care, including a drip, until January 13.
The vet, Dr.
Lara Clarkson, testified that Raggs was approximately 12 to 18 months old at the time and that his condition was so severe that any responsible person would have recognized the signs of neglect.
Dr.
Clarkson emphasized that if Raggs had not received immediate medical treatment, he likely would have died overnight.
She described him as being lifeless upon arrival, with a veterinarian’s receptionist questioning whether he was still alive.
In addition to Raggs, the RSPCA also examined another dog owned by the couple, known as ‘Mo’.
While Mo was found to be underweight, she was described as being “bright and active,” and she was subsequently signed over to the RSPCA for care.
Both Ambler and Hartley faced court proceedings and were sentenced to perform 150 and 200 hours of unpaid community service, respectively.
They were also banned from owning or keeping any animals until August 2025, a ban that will last for ten years.
The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of their neglect and the importance of animal welfare laws.
As of 2021, the two individuals have moved on from their previous relationship.
Ambler now resides in Thackeray Road, Ravenscliffe, Bradford, with the postal code BD10 0JN.
Meanwhile, Hartley, who now goes by the name Kaspa Hartley, has relocated to Bristol, with his last known address in Mow Barton, Bishopsworth, BS13 8DW.
The case remains a stark reminder of the cruelty that can occur behind closed doors and the vital role of animal welfare organizations in protecting vulnerable creatures.
