A man has been charged following the shocking discovery of the remains of 37 dogs at a property in Crays Hill, Billericay, prompting renewed calls for urgent regulation of animal rescues in the UK.
Essex Police confirmed that two men were arrested on Tuesday 13 May following a joint visit with the RSPCA and Basildon Council, which led to the uncovering of the remains and the seizure of a number of live dogs to ensure their safety.
Following intensive overnight work by Basildon neighbourhood policing officers and the Crown Prosecution Service, Oaveed Rahman, 25, of Hope Road, Crays Hill, has now been charged with multiple offences including:
- Causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal
- Failing to ensure animal welfare under Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006
- Three counts of fraud by false representation
Rahman appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court earlier today, Thursday 15 May. A second man arrested at the scene has been released on bail until July, with stringent conditions attached.
‘Extremely Intensive Investigation’
Inspector Steve Parry of the Basildon neighbourhood policing team said:
“This has been an extremely intensive investigation – to have secured such significant charges within 36 hours of making an arrest is a real testament to the unwavering commitment of the officers here in Basildon.
“The public sentiment surrounding this investigation is not lost on us and I would continue to urge the public to be responsible when discussing this, both online and in person.
“We are also acutely aware there will be a number of people, potentially across the UK, who may have questions on the current situation or information which they want us to know about.”
A dedicated public portal has been set up for members of the public to share information directly with the investigation team, allowing officers to continue collating evidence. Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Around 20 Live Dogs Seized
In a statement issued the day after the arrests, Essex Police confirmed that alongside the remains, officers also seized about 20 live dogs, now being cared for in safe environments.
“The priority for all our partners is to locate their last-known owners,” said Inspector Parry. “This is likely to be a complex and potentially far-reaching investigation.”
Basildon Council echoed police calls for calm. Cllr Aidan McGurran, Cabinet Member for Environment & Leisure, said:
“We are currently working very closely with the Police and the RSPCA and as soon as we have more information we will share any further updates with you.”
Petition Calls For Rescue Regulation
In the wake of this case and others involving unregulated dog rescues, a new petition has been launched urging the Government to introduce mandatory licencing and regulation for all rescues and rehoming centres. The petition, which already has growing public support, highlights concerns over the lack of oversight, particularly for rescues operating privately or from residential properties.
You can view and sign the petition here:
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/718660
Campaigners say this case underlines the pressing need for better regulation, transparency, and enforcement mechanisms to ensure the welfare of animals in rescue settings.