Overview

• Essex Police, the RSPCA, and Basildon Borough Council raided a Crays Hill property on May 13, uncovering 37 dead dogs and rescuing 20 others in poor condition.
• Ovaeed Rahman, 25, has been charged with causing unnecessary suffering to animals under the Animal Welfare Act and three counts of fraud by false representation.
• A second man arrested during the raid has been released on conditional bail pending further investigation, which authorities describe as complex and far-reaching.
• Authorities have launched a public portal to gather information and trace the last-known owners of the rescued dogs as part of ongoing efforts.
• The case highlights regulatory gaps in private animal rescue operations, with growing calls for stricter oversight to prevent similar incidents.