Shocking Discovery of 37 Dead Dogs at Suspected Rescue Centre
A 25-year-old London woman has been arrested over suspected animal cruelty after police uncovered the remains of 37 dogs at a property in Crays Hill, near Billericay. The location was allegedly operating as a dog rescue centre.
The arrest happened on Wednesday afternoon (June 5) following a joint probe by Essex Police, the RSPCA, and Basildon Council.
Gruesome Find at Crays Hill Rescue Centre
Officers first stumbled upon the horrifying scene last month during an ongoing animal welfare investigation. Alongside the remains, they rescued 21 live animals from the property.
Although the initial search wrapped up on May 14, fresh information from a member of the public forced police back to the site on Wednesday. During further checks and the dismantling of buildings, the landowner discovered the remains of four more animals.
Another Man Already Facing Charges
Ovaeed Rahman, 25, from Hope Road, Crays Hill, is already charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, breaching the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and three counts of fraud by false representation.
Rahman appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court last month and is currently remanded in custody. His plea hearing is set for June 9 at Basildon Crown Court.
A second man was also arrested on suspicion of fraud relating to dog ownership transfers and animal cruelty offences. He has since been conditionally bailed until July.
Police Urge Public to Stay Calm and Come Forward
Inspector Steve Parry of the Basildon Neighbourhood Policing Team said:
“We understand the concerns of the local community. We ask people not to speculate and allow us to carry out our complex and thorough investigations.”
The investigation is ongoing. Authorities are carefully removing the animal remains and working to establish any links to the broader case.
If you have any information, please report it via the Major Incident Public Portal:
