Billericay man charged after remains of 37 dogs found during Essex Police raid
Essex Police officers worked alongside the RSPCA and Basildon Council after a number of reports regarding an address in the Crays Hill area of Billericay, Essex.
When they raided the property on Tuesday, officers found the bodies of 37 dogs and rescued another 20 dogs.
Two men were arrested on suspicion of fraud, relating to transfer of ownership of dogs, and animal cruelty offences.
Ovaeed Rahman, 25, of Hope Road, in Crays Hill has been charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, an offence under the Animal Welfare Act and three counts of fraud by false representation.
A second man arrested has been released on bail until July.
Insp Steve Parry said: 'This has been an extremely intensive investigation – to have secured such significant charges within 36 hours of making an arrest is a real testament to the unwavering commitment of the officers here in Basildon.
'The public sentiment surrounding this investigation is not lost on us, and I would continue to urge the public to be responsible when discussing this, both online and in person.
'We are also acutely aware there will be a number of people, potentially across the UK, who may have questions on the current situation or information which they want us to know about.
"We have now set up a dedicated public portal through which we would ask for people to make contact.
'This will allow is to continue to collate key evidence as the case progresses through the justice system and I would urge people to please use this method to get in contact.'
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