Dog needs new home after rescue centre neglect

A "true survivor" saved from an animal rescue centre where 41 dogs were found dead is ready to find her perfect home.

Great Dane Nellie weighed about 35kg (77lb) and was four years old when she was rescued by the RSPCA and Essex Police from Save A Paw, in Crays Hill, near Basildon.

The force found animal remains and a number of dogs living in squalid conditions at the premises in May.

Sam Garvey, managing director at the RSPCA's Danaher Animal Home, in Wethersfield, where Nellie is currently living, said: "It's a joy to see how this poor shutdown dog has turned the corner."

The RSPCA said all of the other dogs from the centre had been signed over into its care, but the site's owner had refused to give up ownership of the great Dane.

Oaveed Rahman was sentenced to five years in prison in February after admitting animal cruelty and fraud offences.

A deprivation order was also made, which meant Nellie was legally allowed to be rehomed after the appeal period ended, the RSPCA added.

Garvey said: "We will never truly know what Nellie had to endure while at Save A Paw."

She said Nellie had been in poor condition and was nervous, but had slowly learned to trust people again and had put on 20kg in weight.

The RSPCA said the great Dane would need to be the only dog in her new home and would benefit from an experienced owner, specifically someone who knew the breed.

Supt Leigh Norris said: "Everyone at Essex Police is delighted to see Nellie in such good health and ready to find her forever home.

"The investigation into Save A Paw had a profound and lasting impact on all the officers and staff involved and we know how much this case affected the local community and people across the UK."

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