Five-Year Prison Sentence for Animal Cruelty in Fake Rescue Centre Case
A man has been sentenced to five years imprisonment following the discovery of forty-one deceased dogs at a fraudulent animal rehoming centre in one of Essex Police's most extensive animal cruelty investigations.
Oaveed Rahman, aged twenty-six from Hope Road in Crays Hills, operated under the guise of an animal charity called Save A Paw, deceiving pet owners into surrendering their dogs, often with payments for supposed rehabilitation services.
Horrific Conditions and Deceased Animals Discovered
During police searches of Rahman's property, officers found the remains of forty-one dogs stored among live animals in what authorities described as inhumane conditions. The court heard that faeces filled the pens and cages, with many dogs severely underweight despite bags of open food being present at the address.
Superintendent Leigh Norris of Essex Police stated that the remains of several animals were unfortunately unidentifiable, adding that "we may never truly know the extent of his offending."
Multiple Charges and Lifetime Ban
Rahman pleaded guilty to eleven counts of fraud by false representation and one count of causing unnecessary suffering to twenty-two animals, comprising twenty-one dogs and one cat. He additionally admitted possession of a banned XL Bully dog breed.
Basildon Crown Court imposed a lifetime order prohibiting Rahman from owning any animals alongside his five-year custodial sentence.
Extensive Investigation and Community Impact
Officers from Essex Police, working alongside the RSPCA and Basildon Council, first received reports concerning the address in April 2025. The investigation involved speaking with individuals across the United Kingdom to gather evidence.
Superintendent Norris acknowledged the profound community impact, stating "It's hard to put into words the effect Rahman's offending has had, not just in Basildon and Essex, but across the country."
Rescue and Rehoming Efforts
The Dogs Trust and National Animal Welfare Trust collaborated with the RSPCA to rescue and rehome surviving animals from the property. A spokesperson for the RSPCA described the case as "extremely upsetting" and called for regulatory action regarding animal rescues and sanctuaries.
Ashley Petchey, Senior Crown Prosecutor, emphasized that Rahman "exploited the vulnerability of animal owners facing deeply difficult decisions, causing unimaginable suffering to animals placed in his trust."
Calls for Stronger Regulation
Adam Levy, Head of Rehoming Operations at Dogs Trust, highlighted the urgent need for stronger regulation of rehoming organisations, including licensing and regular inspections. He stated that without proper oversight, there can be no assurance that organisations operate in animals' best interests.
The RSPCA echoed this sentiment, noting that the current lack of regulation and oversight represents a major concern for animal welfare across the country.
