Muslim man, Oaveed Rahman Jailed in Essex After Police Discover 41 Dead Dogs at Crays Hill Rescue Centre

What was supposed to be a safe haven for unwanted pets became something far darker. On Friday, 27-year-old Oaveed Rahman was jailed for five years after police uncovered the bodies of 41 dogs at his so-called rescue centre in Crays Hill, Essex.

Rahman ran “Save A Paw” from his own home, presenting himself online as a compassionate rehoming specialist. In reality, officers described a scene of overwhelming neglect and suffering — one that even seasoned professionals struggled to process.

The court heard that owners had trusted him with beloved pets they could no longer care for, often handing over hundreds of pounds in the belief their animals would be safe.

Instead, many never saw their dogs again.

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Inside Save A Paw: What Police Found

When officers from Essex Police raided the property on May 13 last year, the scale of what they encountered was staggering.

Thirty-seven dead dogs were discovered initially, with another four found later when a shed was demolished. Carcasses lay in bins, outbuildings and gardens.

The remains were so badly decomposed that post-mortem examinations could not be carried out — a grim detail that later fuelled criticism of the legal limitations in the case.

Veterinary surgeon Amy Cooper, who attended the raid, said the smell hit her before she had even reached the house — and her car was parked more than 100 feet away.

She described it as the worst scene she had witnessed in her professional career.

The site was infested with rats. Cages were smeared with faeces. Surviving dogs were emaciated, some too weak to stand properly. Open bags of food were left within sight and smell, yet out of reach. One traumatised animal had stopped barking altogether.

Police recovered 21 live dogs. Three were euthanised due to severe illness, and another lost its sight.

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The Man Behind the Operation

Rahman had previously worked as an estate agent and in hospitality before setting up the unregistered charity. He promoted rehoming and training services across Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, cultivating an image of dedication and care.

In court at Basildon Crown Court, appearing via videolink from prison, he admitted cruelty offences relating to 21 dogs and one cat that were left without food and water.

He also pleaded guilty to 11 counts of fraud by false representation, having taken thousands of pounds from desperate owners.

Judge Richard Conley did not hold back.

He called it an “act of betrayal of epic proportion,” telling Rahman he had used “personal charm and persuasion” to convince owners to hand over both pets and money — promises that were never honoured.

Rahman received a 38-month sentence for animal cruelty and a consecutive 22 months for fraud. A separate three-year sentence for owning an unlicensed XL Bully — a fighting dog type now tightly regulated in England and Wales — will run concurrently.

He was also banned from owning cats or dogs for life, though he may apply to lift the ban after 15 years.

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Grief in the Courtroom

The public gallery was heavy with emotion. Around 50 people gathered outside the court, and police initially restricted entry over crowd control concerns. Eventually, about 30 were allowed inside.

Throughout proceedings, victims sighed, muttered and in some cases wept openly. When Rahman’s defence barrister, Molly Pinkus, spoke of his remorse and depression, Judge Conley had to intervene to quieten the room.

One of the most heartbreaking statements came from Emma Thompson, who had given up her dalmatian-pointer cross, Lennon, while pregnant after he showed aggression. She paid Rahman £500 toward his care. Lennon was later found among the dead.

She said she is haunted by thoughts of how “confused, scared and sad” her dog must have felt — and that he would have smelled the deaths of other animals nearby.

Another owner, Tim Davis, never recovered his dog Chad’s remains. “I torture myself, wondering how much he suffered,” he said.

Police spoke to victims across 20 counties and as far as Scotland during what officers described as an unprecedented investigation.

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Legal Gaps and Unanswered Questions

Campaigners argue the punishment does not fully reflect the horror uncovered. Under current UK law, deliberate killing of animals is not recognised as a standalone offence unless specific criteria are met, meaning Rahman could only be prosecuted for cruelty and fraud.

The RSPCA and other welfare groups have long called for stronger protections and tougher enforcement in cases involving large-scale neglect.

Critics also fear the known deaths may represent only part of the story. Activists who reviewed Rahman’s social media accounts claim as many as 180 additional animals — including exotic species such as marmoset monkeys and even a llama — are unaccounted for. These figures were not tested in court and remain unproven.

The case has reignited debate about oversight of private rescue centres. Unlike established charities, smaller operations can function with limited scrutiny if not formally registered. Local authorities, including Basildon Council, described the case as “deeply distressing.”

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A Pattern Seen Before

Animal welfare experts say this tragedy follows a troubling pattern: individuals presenting themselves as rescuers while operating with little transparency or accountability. Social media has made it easier than ever to build trust quickly — but also to disappear when questions arise.

In several high-profile UK cases over the past decade, unregulated rescues have collapsed under scrutiny, revealing overcrowding, malnutrition and financial exploitation. The difference here was the sheer scale and the number of bodies discovered.

Inspector Steve Parry of Essex Police called it one of the most upsetting investigations officers had faced. One officer involved in the raid admitted he thinks about the dogs every day.

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What’s next?

Rahman will continue serving his sentence after being remanded at Chelmsford Prison since his arrest.

Animal welfare campaigners are expected to intensify calls for reform, particularly around:

• Stricter licensing and inspection of rescue centres

• Clearer criminal offences for deliberate killing or large-scale neglect

• Greater financial transparency for organisations soliciting rehoming fees

• Improved public guidance on verifying legitimate rescues

For grieving owners, however, legal reform offers little comfort. Many say they simply want answers — and assurances that no other animals will suffer the same fate.

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Summary

Oaveed Rahman, 27, has been jailed for five years after 41 dog carcasses were found at his Save A Paw rescue centre in Crays Hill, Essex.

He admitted multiple counts of animal cruelty and fraud after taking money from owners while failing to care for their pets.

Survivors were discovered severely underweight in squalid, rat-infested conditions.

The case has sparked national outrage, renewed debate over gaps in animal protection law, and left dozens of families devastated by betrayal.