Shock as remains of 37 dead dogs found by police and RSPCA at 'rescue centre' in Crays Hill

The remains of 37 dead dogs have been found during a joint police and RSPCA raid on a dog rehoming service.

Essex Police officers working alongside colleagues from the RSPCA and Basildon Borough Council attended the residential address in Hope Road, Crays Hill, on Tuesday following reports that several animals that had been taken there by owners who could no longer look after them appeared to have "gone missing".

An Essex Police spokesperson said the search was "in response to a number of reports in relation to an address in Billericay" and that officers "have uncovered the remains of 37 dogs and seized a number of others to ensure they are safe."

About 20 live dogs were removed from the premises and two men were arrested and remain in custody.

A force spokesman said: "The partners carried out a joint visit to the property, in the Crays Hill area, yesterday, Tuesday 13 May.

"Two men have been arrested on suspicion of fraud and failing to prevent unnecessary suffering to animals. They remain in custody. As part of the response, a police presence continued in the area overnight."

The raid came after several weeks of posts by a number of groups set up on social media raising concerns about the establishment.

The rescue centre, which did not charge for the service, but accepted donations, took in dogs from people who could no longer look after them with the promise that they would be cared for until they could be given a new home with owners able to look after them.

However, there were allegations that in several cases there was no evidence this was done or of where the animal was.

The centre owner, vehemently denied any wrongdoing in posts in response the claims made largely on Facebook.

The spokesman added: "All three organisations are aware of – and entirely understand – discussion of this investigation on a number of social media platforms.

"At this stage, we would urge the public to please refrain from speculation whilst our enquiries progress."

Inspector Steve Parry, of the Basildon neighbourhood policing team, said: “As a result of a number of reports relating to dogs which were made through the Action Fraud system, officers from our neighbourhood team have worked alongside colleagues in the RSPCA and Basildon Council to piece together actionable information.

“That work resulted in yesterday’s joint visit.

“At this stage, we believe we have found the remains of 37 dogs and about 20 live dogs which are now being cared for. The priority for all our partners is to locate their last-known owners.

“This is likely to be a complex and potentially far-reaching investigation, and we don’t plan on giving a running commentary on it – but we will endeavour to keep the public informed on this investigation when it is appropriate to do so.”

Cllr Aidan McGurran, Basildon Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment & Leisure, added: “I am aware of the distressing reports following a joint action between the Police, RSPCA and Basildon Council officers. This an ongoing police investigation and I would urge residents to refrain from speculating.

“We are currently working very closely with the Police and the RSPCA and as soon as we have more information we will share any further updates with you.”