Rescue Centre Owner Jailed After Dozens of Dogs Found Dead at Essex Facility

An animal rescue centre in Crays Hill, near Billericay in Essex, became the scene of one of the most disturbing cases of animal cruelty in the area’s history. Save A Paw, run by 26-year-old Oaveed Rahman, was supposed to provide care and rehoming services for dogs whose owners could no longer keep them. Instead, when Essex Police raided the Hope Road property on 13 May following reports from concerned neighbours, officers discovered horrific conditions. They found 41 dead dogs and 21 others alive but severely neglected.

Police described the environment as squalid, unhygienic and deeply distressing. Officers later returned in June and uncovered additional remains, some buried underground. Superintendent Leigh Norris said the scale of abuse was unprecedented in his 30-year career. Investigators spent hundreds of hours searching the property and collecting evidence, including microchips, in an effort to identify the animals and notify their owners.

Rahman pleaded guilty to animal cruelty and 11 counts of fraud by false representation. He was sentenced to five years in prison at Basildon Crown Court. Authorities believe he misled owners into believing their pets would be rehomed safely, while allegedly being motivated by financial gain.

More than 200 people from across the UK have contacted Essex Police fearing their dogs may have been among the victims. Some owners, like Shannon Jade and Daryll Olde, remain uncertain about the fate of their pets and describe ongoing emotional anguish. Meanwhile, surviving dogs have been placed with animal welfare charities for rehabilitation and rehoming. Basildon Council has launched an inquiry into the case, pledging to strengthen oversight and animal welfare protections.