Essex MP demands tougher sentence for man who ran cruel fake dog rescue
The remains of 37 dogs were found at the 'rehoming centre' in Crays Hill in 2025
An Essex MP is calling for a tougher sentence for the man who ran a cruel fraudulent dog rehoming centre.
26 year old Oaveed Rahman was been sentenced to five years in prison for causing unnecessary suffering to animals and committing fraud on 11 occasions.
The remains of 37 dogs were found on the property n Crays Hill and some 21 dogs which were alive were kept in pens or confined to small spaces.
Rahman was sometimes paid a "surrender fee" and also accepted "donations" to his organisation, which he told victims was a charity.
Rahman took around £4,800 from his victims, telling them it would be used to rehome dogs, provide a new kennel block or train dogs to behave around children and other animals.
A number of people have since raised concerns about the adequacy of this sentence, considering the number of animals dead and abused, as well as the sheer volume of fraud offences.
Basildon and Billericay MP Richard Holden has requested the Attorney General to appeal for an extension to Rahman's sentence.
Holden said, "Dozens of constituents have been in touch with me expressing their dismay at the combined 5-year sentence given the number of animals dead and abused and the number of fraud offences."
Holden continued to express hopes that the Attorney General will act and refer the matter to the Court of Appeal, looking for a sentence that better represents the gravity of Rahman's offences.
Holden also intends to contact the Government, urging them to expedite legislation regarding the licensing of animal sanctuaries and removal centers to prevent future instances of cruelty.