UK: Muslim accused of cruelty and fraud following discovery of 37 dead dogs at ‘Save a Paw UK’ rescue center

Image: Jihad Watch

A dog rescue centre owner appeared in court today facing serious charges, including four counts of animal cruelty and multiple fraud allegations, after the horrifying discovery of the remains of 37 deceased dogs at his property. The man, Oaveed Rahman, 25, who operated the organisation known as Save A Paw UK from his home in Crays Hill, Essex, stands accused of grossly neglecting the animals under his care, betraying the trust of pet owners, and misleading the public.

Authorities, including local police, officers from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), and council officials, conducted a raid at the premises last Tuesday. The investigation was triggered by mounting concerns over numerous missing dogs that had been entrusted to the rescue centre by owners unable to keep their pets. These owners believed that their animals would be rehomed responsibly, a promise that was allegedly never fulfilled.

At Southend Magistrates Court, it was revealed that Rahman accepted dogs from owners for a fee, assuring them that the animals would be cared for and eventually placed in new homes. However, prosecutors claim that between November 1, 2024, and May 14, 2025, Rahman failed in his duty of care, resulting in the unnecessary suffering and deaths of 37 dogs. This neglect constituted a serious violation of animal welfare laws, as he either knew or should have known about the detrimental consequences of his actions.

In addition to cruelty charges, Rahman faces several counts of fraud. One allegation states that between December 25, 2024, and May 1, 2025, he misrepresented the rescue centre as a charitable organisation to a woman, deceiving her into providing funds under false pretenses. Furthermore, two separate charges relate to instances where Rahman purportedly claimed to have successfully rehomed dogs, knowingly misleading individuals and causing them financial loss or the risk thereof. These fraudulent activities spanned from late 2024 through mid-May 2025.

During the court proceedings, Rahman, dressed casually in a grey tracksuit, pleaded not guilty to all charges. The prosecutor, Rebecca Debenham, described the rescue centre as an operation presented to the public as a charity dedicated to animal welfare, yet one that systematically accepted payments without fulfilling its core promise of rehoming. She highlighted the grim findings during the raid, which uncovered the bodies of 37 dogs at Rahman’s residence alongside other dogs still living in severely inadequate conditions in his garden.

This case underscores a disturbing breach of trust and a failure to uphold basic standards of animal care, raising serious questions about oversight and regulation within the dog rescue community. Animal rescue centres play a vital role in providing shelter and new opportunities for abandoned or unwanted pets. When individuals exploit this system for personal gain, it not only causes immense suffering to vulnerable animals but also damages public confidence in genuine rescue organisations.

Animal cruelty laws in the UK are designed to protect pets from harm and neglect, with severe penalties for those who violate these protections. Cases like this often prompt calls for stricter regulation, more thorough inspections, and greater transparency to ensure that rescue organisations operate ethically and effectively.

The court proceedings will continue as further evidence is examined, and the community awaits justice for the countless dogs who suffered under this alleged betrayal.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)