Inside horror 'perfect home' centre where animal bodies were piled up

THE POLICE AND RSPCA FOUND 37 DEAD DOGS AND 20 ALIVE AT A PROPERTY PURPORTING TO BE A RESCUE CENTRE OPERATING IN CRAYS HILL, BILLERICAY, ESSEX UNDER THE NAME 'SAVE A PAW' 17:53, 15

May 2025 The grim discovery of 37 dead dogs at a so-called "rescue centre" has resulted in two men being arrested as images of the animal home emerged. Footage captured during the

raid of the Essex property left pet owners who had trusted 'Save A Paw' with their beloved furry friend heartbroken and grief-stricken. Hayley Lucas drove all the way from

Scotland believing she had found “the perfect” home for her beloved dog, Frank. However, she now believes he is dead. The rescue, which Hayley, 43, said was called Save a Paw, was raided by

Police on Tuesday. It had previously attracted criticism from dog owners who had no updates on their former pets with some going "missing", sparking a campaign page called 'Is

Save a Paw a Rogue rescue'. Essex Police officers working alongside the RSPCA and Basildon Borough Council found a further 20 dogs still alive at the property in Crays Hill, in

Billericay, Essex. Two men have been arrested on suspicion of fraud and failing to prevent unnecessary suffering to animals. Hayley drove to the rescue after arranging to drop off Frank, a

Border Collie Perro de Presa Canario mix, who had developed behavioural issues after moving house. She said suspicions were first raised when the person who “rescued” her dog failed to

provide updates that had previously been promised. The viewing agent 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. "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." Hayley said she was forced to give up her beloved dog after he developed behavioural issues as a result of moving house and was unable to find anywhere suitable

closer to home. She says she was given countless promises that her dog would be well cared for and supported by the owners of the Hope Road property. Hayley added: “I had been having

suspicions, because we gave over at the beginning of January and although we were promised updates and photos, we never received anything. “It was only when I looked on Facebook that I found

out we weren’t alone.” Inspector Steve Parry, of Essex Police, 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, of Basildon Council, said: “I am aware of the distressing reports following a joint action between the Police, RSPCA and

Basildon Council officers. Article continues below "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.” _FOR THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS AND STORIES FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE FROM THE

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