Overview
- Oaveed Rahman, 26, admitted at Basildon Crown Court to causing unnecessary suffering to 21 dogs and one cat and to 11 counts of fraud by false representation.
- The case followed a joint visit last May by Essex Police, the RSPCA and Basildon Council that uncovered 37 deceased dogs at a property in Crays Hill, Billericay.
- Some reports cite remains of more than 40 dogs, while the charges relate to a smaller number, a gap that has drawn concern from affected owners and campaigners.
- Prosecutors said Rahman ran frauds over more than a year by falsely presenting a charity operation, claiming pets were rehomed and soliciting funds for kennels and vet care.
- An animal cruelty charge against his partner, Greta Csikos, was dropped as not in the public interest, and the judge warned Rahman that immediate custody is likely while he remains on remand.