Man denies causing 41 dog deaths at rescue centre

Basildon Council launched an internal inquiry after the discovery of the animal remains

A man has denied causing the deaths of 41 dogs at a rescue centre he ran in Essex.

Animal remains and a number of dogs that were still alive were found when police raided a property in Crays Hill, near Billericay, on 13 May.

Oaveed Rahman of Hope Road in the village, pleaded not guilty to six counts of fraud by false representation, two animal cruelty offences and possession of a prohibited breed.

A judge at Basildon Crown Court said the 25-year-old would stand trial on 20 April.