AN animal charity has welcomed the conviction of a Keighley couple who almost starved their dog to death.

Billy Joe Hartley, 23, and Nicole Ambler, 20, have been banned from keeping animals for ten years after their treatment of black and white crossbreed Raggs.

The RSPCA said its officers found the dog in a terrible condition in January this year after the couple, of Luton Street, had left him starved and dehydrated.

The alarm was raised through a phone call from a concerned member of the public.

It was feared the dog, which had to be put on a drip, may not survive.

RSPCA inspector Natalie Taylor, who dealt with the case, said: “I’m pleased at the ten-year ban on keeping all animals and I hope this sends an important message to all animal owners that if your pet is showing signs of illness, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

“There are laws that protect animals and failing to provide veterinary treatment when necessary may result in a visit from the RSPCA.

“I don’t think the couple in this case were intentionally cruel. I believe their actions were more down to ignorance and a lack of education. Even as the case went to trial they still believed they did enough by giving Raggs more food.

“Though he was still losing weight, they failed to seek veterinary advice, even though the nearest vets was just one mile away. This led to Raggs collapsing and being near to death.

“I carried Raggs out of his owners’ property lifeless and I didn’t think he would survive. He shocked us all by fighting for his life and making a full recovery. All he was given was food and water and he put weight on.

“I would like to thank Vets 4 Pets for saving Raggs, who is now in a loving new happy home.

"This was an emotional case but, unfortunately, these types of incidents are increasing and there are many animals that need our help.

“If anyone has concerns for an animal please call our 24-hour national control centre on 0300 1234999.”

Hartley and Ambler appeared before magistrates in Halifax last Thursday, in a case brought by the RSPCA.

Both were found guilty of three counts of causing unnecessary cruelty to Raggs.

Hartley was handed a community order with 150 hours’ unpaid work and ordered to pay £200 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

Ambler was fined £200 and ordered to pay £40 in costs and a £20 surcharge.

Both were disqualified from owning, keeping or taking care of any animal for ten years.

The charges were brought under the Animal Welfare Act.