A man has been jailed for five years for what a judge described as the “prolonged barbaric mistreatment, cruelty and neglect” of dogs in Essex.
Oaveed Rahman, 26, claimed to be looking after pets at a rehoming centre called Save A Paw in Crays Hill, Billericay.
Basildon Crown Court heard the animals were left without food and water in filthy conditions. After a raid in May last year, officers found the remains of 41 dogs.
Twenty-one dogs and a cat were rescued, but three of the dogs were so unwell they had to be put down. A rescued poodle later went blind.
The court heard Rahman deceived people into handing over their dogs, often requesting payment for rehoming or rehabilitation. Owners of the pets were visibly upset in court as the conditions the animals endured were described.
Veterinary surgeon Amy Cooper stated in a court statement that what she smelled and saw at the property was “the most horrific thing I have ever seen,” and that the animals were “all suffering.” The dogs found alive were kept in pens or confined spaces.
Judge Richard Conley, sentencing Rahman – who appeared via video link from HMP Chelmsford – called the fraud “an act of betrayal of epic proportions that has devastated many lives.” He added that many animals “were subjected to prolonged barbaric mistreatment, cruelty and neglect” and that some died as a result.
Following the sentencing, a victim shouted at Rahman in court. Charities including the RSPCA, Dogs Trust and the National Animal Welfare Trust assisted in rehoming some of the rescued dogs – including a Dachshund, French Bulldog, Chow Chow and Staffordshire Cross – which are now reported to be “thriving.”
An RSPCA spokesperson described the case as “extremely upsetting” and highlighted “the current lack of regulation and oversight” of rehoming centres as a “major concern.” Adam Levy, head of rehoming operations at the Dogs Trust, stated the case “highlights the urgent need for stronger regulation of rehoming organisations, including licensing and regular inspections.”
Rahman previously admitted to 11 counts of fraud by false representation and one count of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, relating to 22 animals in his care. On Friday, he also admitted to possessing an XL bully – a banned dog breed.
He was jailed for a total of five years and given a lifetime order banning him from owning any animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Oaveed Rahman jailed for?
Oaveed Rahman was jailed for five years for the prolonged barbaric mistreatment, cruelty and neglect of dogs, as well as for fraud by false representation and possessing a banned XL bully.
How many dogs were found at the rehoming centre?
Officers found the remains of 41 dogs after raiding the site in May last year. Twenty-one dogs and a cat were rescued.
What did the veterinary surgeon say about the conditions at the property?
Veterinary surgeon Amy Cooper stated that what she smelled and saw was “the most horrific thing I have ever seen” and that the animals were “all suffering.”
Given the severity of this case, what further steps might be taken to protect animals in rehoming centres?
