Man Jailed for Five Years After Starving Dogs to Death at Essex 'Rehoming' Centre
Oaveed Rahman, a 26-year-old man, has been sentenced to five years in prison for what a judge described as the "prolonged barbaric mistreatment, cruelty and neglect" of dogs at a fraudulent rehoming centre in Essex. The case, heard at Basildon Crown Court, revealed horrific conditions where animals were left without food and water, leading to the deaths of 41 dogs.
Deceptive Charity Operation Uncovered
Rahman operated under the guise of an animal charity called Save A Paw in Crays Hill, Billericay. He deceived 11 victims into handing over their pets, often charging fees for rehoming or rehabilitation, and pocketed approximately £4,800. The court heard emotional testimony from pet owners who cried as prosecutors detailed the appalling state of the animals.
During a raid in May last year, officers discovered the remains of 41 dogs. While 21 dogs and a cat were rescued, three dogs were so severely ill they had to be euthanized, and a rescued poodle later went blind due to the neglect.
Courtroom Outcry and Sentencing
Veterinary surgeon Amy Cooper, who inspected the property, stated in a court-read statement: "I can honestly say what I smelt and saw was the most horrific thing I have ever seen. It was clear just from a general initial inspection that these animals were all suffering." The dogs were found confined to small, filthy pens with faeces, and many were severely underweight.
Judge Richard Conley, sentencing Rahman via video link from HMP Chelmsford, condemned the fraud as "an act of betrayal of epic proportions that has devastated many lives." He emphasized that many animals suffered prolonged abuse, with some dying directly as a result. After the sentencing, one victim shouted in court, expressing outrage at Rahman's actions.
Broader Implications for Animal Welfare
Charities including the RSPCA, Dogs Trust, and the National Animal Welfare Trust assisted in rehoming the surviving dogs, which are now reported to be thriving. An RSPCA spokesperson called it "an extremely upsetting case for everyone" and highlighted concerns over the lack of regulation and oversight in rehoming centres.
Adam Levy, head of rehoming operations at Dogs Trust, urged for stronger regulations, including licensing and regular inspections, to prevent such tragedies. Rahman previously admitted to 11 counts of fraud by false representation and one count of causing unnecessary suffering to 22 animals. On Friday, he also admitted an additional charge of possessing a banned XL bully dog breed.
In addition to the five-year jail term, Rahman received a lifetime ban from owning any animals, underscoring the severity of his crimes and the ongoing efforts to protect animal welfare in the UK.
