Council investigating after 37 dead dogs found

A council is investigating after 37 dead dogs were found at a property believed to be a rescue centre.

The remains were found during a police raid at a property in the Crays Hill area near Billericay, Essex, on Tuesday.

Oaveed Rahman, 25, of Hope Road, Crays Hill, was charged with three counts of fraud by false representation and two animal cruelty offences.

Basildon Council said an internal inquiry would investigate the circumstances surrounding the raid at the property and determine what the council knew of the situation.

The scope of the council inquiry would include, but was not limited to, any communications or complaints it received regarding the organisation.

Officers said they found 20 living dogs in need of veterinary treatment alongside the deceased.

Since the creation of a dedicated portal through which the public, there have been a large number of reports submitted which are being reviewed by officers.

Aidan McGurran, Labour cabinet member for environment and leisure, said the council was "committed to understanding all aspects of this deeply troubling incident".

"I would also like to make it clear that neither the leader Gavin Callaghan, or myself, received any emails on this matter," he added.

"Obviously, checks will be made to see if any other councillors were contacted by concerned members of the public.

"We've seen comments from residents on social media suggesting they had raised concerns with the council previously.

"We are reviewing all complaints received in the past two years to determine if any information was overlooked."

McCurran added that the council would be conducting a comprehensive review of all kennels, animal rescue organisations, home boarders and dog breeders in the borough.

Mr Rahman appeared at Southend Magistrates' Court on Thursday and is next due to appear at Basildon Crown Court on 9 June.

Essex Police said the fraud offences related to the "transfer of ownership of dogs".

As well as this, Mr Rahman was also charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and failing in the duty to ensure an animal's welfare.

A second man arrested in the investigation was released on bail until July, Essex Police said.

Officers have been trying to locate the dogs' last-known owners.

Insp Steve Parry said it had been an "extremely extensive investigation" and urged people not to speculate on the case.

"The connection people had with their pets is obvious in each case and I promise that this is not lost on us."

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