The owner of an animal rescue centre in Essex where the bodies of 37 dead dogs were found appeared before magistrates this afternoon (thurs)

Ovaeed Rahman, 25, of Hope Road, in Crays Hill, Billericay,

appeared for a short hearing at Southend Magistrates' Court in Essex.

He is charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, an offence contrary to Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, the duty of person responsible for animal to ensure welfare

He was charged with three counts of fraud by false representation.

Rahman appeared in court wearing a grey sweatshirt and and grey joggers, only speaking to say "yes sir" to confirm his address and to indicate not guilty pleas to the charges he faces."

During the court case, it was confirmed that the charges relate to his care of 37 dogs between November 1, 2024, and May 14, 2025 - when police and RSPCA investigators carried out a raid in Billericay.

Rahman was remanded in custody to appear before Basildon Crown Court in Essex for a pre-trial hearing on Monday, June 9.

He was arrested along with another man following a raid on the 'Save a Paw' animal rescue centre in Billericay.

Another man who arrested at the time has been bailed pending ongoing investigations.