**Investigation Underway After Police and RSPCA Find Dozens of Dead Dogs in Essex**
Authorities have launched a wide-ranging probe following the discovery of over 35 deceased dogs at a property in Crays Hill, Billericay. The grim find was made during a coordinated visit by Essex Police, RSPCA officers and Basildon Council officials last month, with details only now coming to light as the investigation deepens and arrests are made.
Essex Police reported that a 25-year-old woman from London was taken into custody on Wednesday on suspicion of animal cruelty, relating to the shocking case. She remains in police custody while inquiries continue. Her arrest came as part of an expanding investigation into allegations of animal welfare violations at the premises.
In addition to these charges, Ovaeed Rahman, 25, from Hope Road in Crays Hill, faces prosecution over accusations of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, in breach of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Rahman has also been charged with three counts of fraud by false representation. He made an initial appearance before Southend Magistrates’ Court last month and is expected to enter a plea at Basildon Crown Court on 9 June.
A second man has also been questioned regarding possible fraud, believed to be associated with the transfer of dog ownerships and additional animal cruelty offences. He has since been released on conditional police bail pending further inquiries, with an initial date set for July.
As the investigation unfolds, officers confirmed that 21 live animals were recovered from the same address. The welfare of these animals is now being actively managed by the RSPCA, highlighting the dual aspect of this unfortunate situation: the rescue of surviving creatures alongside the ongoing criminal probe.
New developments occurred when Essex Police, responding to information supplied by a member of the public, returned to the Crays Hill property alongside the RSPCA on Wednesday for further searches. During this revisit, the remains of four more animals were reportedly found after the property’s buildings were dismantled by the landowner. Police have announced that respectful removal of the newly discovered remains is underway, and officers are working to determine whether these latest findings are linked to the same investigation.
Inspector Steve Parry of the Basildon Neighbourhood Policing Team addressed community anxieties, explaining, “We understand the concerns of the local community. We would ask people not to speculate and allow us to carry out our complex and thorough investigations.” Such comments reflect the heightened sensitivity in the area as residents process news of the case.
The incident has placed a spotlight on animal welfare and responsibility within the community. Both police and RSPCA representatives are encouraging anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist with the inquiry by submitting details through the police’s online reporting portal.
While investigations remain active, authorities are urging the public to refrain from drawing premature conclusions or fuelling rumour. Instead, they stress the need for a meticulous and evidence-driven approach to ensure that those responsible are held to account and that any surviving animals receive the necessary care and protection.
This distressing case underlines the essential roles both the police and animal welfare organisations play in safeguarding vulnerable animals and responding to public concerns. Updates will be issued as the case progresses and as court proceedings against those charged continue in the coming weeks.