Unfortunately, I cannot link you this two page spread in the Echo (Essex) as it is not available online today which is a pity as it makes interesting but depressing reading.

Some may recall the kennels that operated from this site were equally notorious and were closed down by Basildon Council and the RSPCA. They were Noven Kennels who operated a boarding kennels and were also the local pound for dogs lost and found in Basildon and the surrounding area. Since this time the premises remained vacant and untouched until they were occupied by Hobo's.

Last September a person by the name of Vicky Webb also known as Vicky Watts opened the so called rescue rehoming centre. Mrs Webb charged a set donation of £150 to adopt a rescue dog and £60 to take in unwanted pets for rehoming.

Underweight dogs were kept in dirty conditions.
Animals were rehomed with no proof of vaccinations.
Puppies were illegally sold without a pet shop licence.
Dogs were kept in the cold because the heating system did not work properly.

A volunteer said (according to the report) that she had taken 20 dogs out of Hobos to help nurse them back to health. She said the kennels were filthy and in poor condition, with dog mess everywhere. There was no bedding and in some cases no water. There was no heating and this was during the snow.

There is much more over this two page spread. The reporter is asking readers if they have had an expereince with Hobo's to please call:- Jon Austin on 01268 469304 or email jon.austin@nqe.com

In addition puppies costing up to £600 were also on sale at Hobo's. The Echo reporters posing as customers were offered various breeds for commercial rates far above normal donations.

Rescue Centres it adds are not supposed to trade as businesses, with donations supposed to cover food and veterinary care, not generate profits. At the time of visit by reporters for sale were two labradors, three boxers, two springer spaniels and a sharpei, which are KC registered. The price for some breeds were later dropped to £300. Then in March Japanese Akita puppies were offered for £395.

Anyone selling puppies they have not bred themselves are required to obtain a pet shop licence. Basildon Council said a number of puppies were discovered in cages when officers visited to see if animals were being sold. Council investigations are ongoing and they state that rehoming centres do not normally require licensing but formal action could follow if sufficient verifiable evidence exists of unlawful pet trading.

I drive past it regularly but have never been in.  Didn't it used to be called something else?  I think its awful but people can take advantage a situation in this way.  People are always seeing the RSPCA and dogs trust etc. saying re-home don't breed so well meaning people think they are helping when all they are doing is lining greedy peoples pockets whilst the animals suffer.  These people are no better than puppy farms - no doubt where they get their puppies from.  I did know of another rescue in essex that was rehoming animals that were apparently chipped, spayed and had all their jabs only for the bitch to come into season - what makes it even worse is the adopter was charged £200 for the cost of the operation on top of the adoption fee.

Unfortunately there are still too many pet shops in essex selling dogs.  One in Romford was closed down after a selection of dead puppies, kittens and reptiles were found in the freezers.

I hope Basildon council get on top of this one.  It'll be interesting to see how it all pans out

I know the shop you are talking about in romford (im a local there) but there is still one in barkinside that sells pups both from the shop and through facebook, even selling docked pups and lot of silly crossbreeds

there's a shop on Chadwell Heath high street as well i just don't understand why people are willing to buy from a pet shop.  I even saw someone bring given the hard sell to buy a puppy.  To say i was disgusted is an understatement!

There's a place in Wiltshire that also trades under the guise of being a rehoming centre, but they too always have several litters of puppies up for 'Adoption'.

> There is much more over this two page spread. The reporter is asking readers if they have had an expereince with Hobo's to please call:- Jon Austin on 01268 469304 or email jon.austin@nqe.com

Pleased to see Jon is still active on the local papers defending dogs.

Yes Jon is just great when it comes to dogs we are very lucky to have him working for our local paper.