Horror as bodies of 37 dogs found in major police raid on ‘rescue centre’ with two men arrested
TWO men have been arrested after the bodies of 37 dogs were found during a raid at a property believed to be used as a rescue centre.
Police discovered the dead animals alongside 20 living ones in Billericay, Essex, after responding to concerns from locals and dog owners.
Two men have now been arrested on suspicion of fraud and failing to prevent unnecessary suffering to animals.
Hayley Lucas had re-homed her beloved pooch Frank there but now fears he is no longer alive.
Hayley, 43, had driven all the way to Essex from Scotland after believing she had found "the perfect" home for Frank, and has now expressed her guilt at handing him over.
She said Frank, a Border Collie and Perro de Presa Canario mix, had developed behavioural issues after moving homes.
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As a result, she drove him to the home in Essex to try and find people to take care of him.
However, she began to get suspicious when the person who "rescued" her dog failed to provide the updates they had promised.
Hayley said: "It's been horrendous.
"I couldn't sleep last night and feel truly sick to my stomach - I trusted him to do the best for my Frank and this is what was happening.
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"I never went inside as he was taken from us into the building and I didn't get out the car because I was in bits.
"I no longer believe he is alive."
Essex Police raided the property with the RSPCA and Basildon Borough Council on Tuesday.
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."
'DISTRESSING REPORTS'
A spokesperson for the cops said: "Essex Police officers working alongside colleagues from the RSPCA and Basildon Borough Council in response to a number of reports in relation to an address in Billericay have uncovered the remains of 37 dogs and seized a number of others to ensure they are safe.
"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.
"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."
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.
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"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.
