37 lifeless canines discovered at man’s house as neighbours ‘demand solutions’ after giving him cash
Oaveed Rahman, 26, of Hope Road, Crays Hill, admitted fraud by false representation and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal after the remains of 37 dogs were found
Police discovered the remains of 37 dogs at Save a Paw UK in Billericay(Image: Essex Police)
A man has pleaded guilty to charges linked to the grisly discovery of 37 dog carcasses in Billericay.
Oaveed Rahman, 26, of Hope Road, Crays Hill, confessed to fraud by false representation and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. He entered guilty pleas to 11 counts of fraud, whilst the cruelty charge encompasses his treatment of 21 dogs and a cat.
Essex Police launched their probe after officers, working alongside RSPCA colleagues and Basildon Council, responded to reports concerning a property in Crays Hill. A thorough search of the premises and surrounding land uncovered the remains of 37 deceased dogs, whilst several living animals were rescued from the scene, reports Essex Live.
Judge Samantha Cohen warned Rahman that immediate custody remained the most likely outcome. She said: “You have pleaded guilty to what are very serious offences. I don’t want you to think that I am promising that the sentence will be anything other than immediate custody.”
Hayley Lucas, 47, is one devastated owner who believes her dog is among the dead. She drove from Scotland believing she had found “the perfect” home for her dog Frank, but now believes he may be dead, reports MailOnline.
Ms Lucas said she began to get suspicious when the person who ‘rescued’ her dog at the kennels – operating under the name Save a Paw – failed to provide updates. Of Rahman’s guilty pleas, she said: “I’ve got mixed feelings, but it is good that he is going to be sentenced and will face justice.”
Inspector Steve Parry, who heads Basildon Neighbourhood Policing Team, stated: “I know this investigation, and the issues it revolves around, has caused a significant amount of concern within our local community. We understand the strong feelings of the local community, and people from further afield, who want answers.
“Rahman’s treatment of the dogs in his care was abhorrent and he defrauded members of his own community into giving him money to look after them. More information will be heard when Rahman is sentenced next month.
“My team’s investigation has left Oaveed Rahman with no option but to admit the offences against him. He has been on remand since his arrest and now faces a real prospect of a prison sentence.
“I would like to thank everyone who has shared vital information. Your help has been invaluable and has enabled us to build this case and, ultimately, secure this conviction.”
Essex Police have confirmed that the case against Greta Csikos, 25, of Sinclair Road, Chingford, has been discontinued. Rahman is set to be sentenced on February 20.
