At first glance, Oaveed R., 25, appears to be a perfectly normal and friendly neighbour. Better still, this man living in Essex, England, is considered a true animal lover. Everyone thinks he's dedicated to helping dogs in desperate need.
The 25-year-old even sets up his own private dog rescue, which he calls "Save a Paw UK". But many are now convinced that this was all just a front for something completely different and deeply abhorrent.
The Essex house of horrors
On social media, Oaveed R. presents himself as a caring animal protector who takes in "difficult dogs" and gives them a second chance. And no one has the slightest idea that this might all be a façade.
Many desperate dog owners believe him and entrust their four-legged companions to him, hoping they'll be safe. But once the animals are handed over, disillusionment comes quickly. After the handover, there's often radio silence, despite all the 25-year-old's promises. No photos, no updates, no information. Nothing.
Eventually, worried former dog owners alert the authorities and, in May this year, the terrible truth finally comes to light. What investigators find when they search his property in Billericay is difficult to describe.
"He promised love and left suffering"
The supposed rescue turns out to be a real house of horrors that day. Investigators discover a total of 41 dead dogs. And that's not all.
Officers are confronted with a horrific scene. Some bodies are in cupboards, others in bin bags, some are buried or frozen. Many animals had clearly died of starvation or thirst.
There are bones and cages everywhere. What's more, several living dogs are also discovered on the property, completely emaciated and neglected. Police later described it as one of the "most distressing call-outs" they'd attended.
The so-called "rescuer" in court
R., who also presented himself under other names, was arrested and charged with fraud and animal cruelty. Despite his attempts to protest his innocence, Basildon Court was uncompromising at a preliminary hearing: no bail.
Judge Samantha Leigh justified this decision with "serious concerns", particularly for the defendant's safety.
The 46 missing dogs
Besides the 41 dead animals found, 46 other dogs are missing. Many owners had made cash donations to Rahman, sometimes substantial sums, believing their dogs were in good hands with him.
But there's no evidence that he actually found new homes for the dogs, as the microchips were never updated. When former owners asked for proof, Rahman responded evasively or simply blocked them.
Some suspect the dogs were simply resold or used for illegal dog fighting. Others think he simply stopped caring for them, so they eventually starved to death. What exactly happened isn't yet clear, and the investigation continues.
A trial that leaves questions unanswered
Oaveed R. denies all charges. He claims he only wanted to help and that it's all a misunderstanding. The trial is expected to begin on 20th April 2026. Until then, the supposed saviour of "Save a Paw UK" remains in custody, and the question of what really happened to the missing dogs remains open.
Outside the court, candles will surely be lit for the dogs whose lives he claimed to be saving.
