PFCC underlines commitment to tackling all forms of animal cruelty after offender is jailed
Roger Hirst, MBE, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, has made clear his firm opposition to all forms of animal cruelty, after a man who admitted causing suffering to pets in his care was banned from owning animals for life and jailed.
Oaveed Rahman, of Hope Road, Crays Hills, admitted 11 counts of fraud by false representation and one count of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, which relates to 22 animals in his care, when he appeared at Basildon Crown Court in January.
The 26-year-old pretended to be running an animal charity, deceiving people into handing over their dogs which often included payment for rehoming and rehabilitation services. The dogs were in fact kept in inhumane and appalling conditions.
At the same court on Friday 20 February, he also admitted possession of a banned dog breed, relating to an XL Bully dog. In total he was jailed for a total of five years and given a lifetime order banning him from owning any animals.
The sentence follows one of the biggest animal cruelty investigations it is believed Essex Police has ever carried out.
Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “Essex Police takes reports of animal and wildlife crime very seriously, and my office strongly supports the service’s commitment to bringing offenders to justice.
“We have long supported a robust approach to tackling offences such as pet theft, animal cruelty and hare coursing, including working with all partners and local MPs to push for improved legislation and stronger protections for animals.”
The unnecessary suffering to an animal charge against Rahman incorporates behaviour to 21 dogs and one cat, which were in his care at his home address.
Through the searches carried out during the investigation, which began in May last year, officers found the remains of a total of 41 dogs.
Officers, working alongside colleagues from the RSPCA and Basildon Council, had first received reports relating to the address in April 2025.
Basildon Neighbourhood Policing Team led this investigation.
It was overseen by Superintendent Leigh Norris who said it has been one of the most impactful cases the force has ever investigated.
Supt Norris said: “It’s hard to put into the words the effect Rahman’s offending has had, not just in Basildon and Essex, but across the country.
“All the officers involved in this case, alongside our partners, worked tirelessly and meticulously to gather the vital evidence needed to ensure Rahman pays for his crimes.
“We know we cannot give everyone the answers they are looking for, but I hope they can be reassured that our extensive queries, which involved speaking to people across the UK, left Rahman with no option but to plead guilty.
“I want to thank everyone who shared vital information with us. It was invaluable and enabled us to build this case and secure a conviction and custodial sentence.
“This case has been felt throughout the community, but I hope today people feel like they have seen some justice for the animals people entrusted into Rahman’s care.”