More than 1,000 animals have suffered from abuse and cruelty in Sussex so far this year – and the RSPCA says the worst is yet to come.
New figures from the animal welfare charity show that hundreds of cases have been reported to it in the first half of 2024.
It warned that the busiest period for animal abuse cases is on the horizon, with one report every five minutes expected nationally.
In Brighton, ten-year-old Buster was taken in after a cruelty incident. He weighed just half his normal body weight.
The Staffordshire bull terrier was described as “skin and bone” and was severely malnourished.
RSPCA Brighton manager Jenny Eden said: “Poor Buster was in a sorry state when he came to us, he had not been fed properly and his condition had suffered hugely because of this.
“It took a lot of vet care and ongoing treatment to get Buster back to full health but thankfully he’s now thriving.
“Buster is looking for an adult only, experienced home and will need his own garden.”
In total, 1,030 incidents of animal cruelty were reported to the RSPCA in Sussex up to June 2024.
These included 557 cases in East Sussex and 473 in West Sussex.
Read More: 5 pets from RSPCA Brighton who are on the lookout for their forever homes
The Horsham-based charity is warning that cases are likely to reach their summer peak in the coming weeks and are calling on people to help tackle the issue.
Karen Colman, who heads the RSPCA welfare oversight team, said: “Sadly, animal cruelty reports are on the rise this year and in the Sussex counties alone we’ve seen 1,030 animal cruelty reports already this year.
“Reports of intentional harm towards animals and beatings also rose sharply across the country last summer so we’re preparing for a difficult period ahead.
“But rescuing animals from cruelty, investigating harm caused to them and acting to prevent animal abuse, is a job no other charity does. We’ll always be here to pick up the pieces and show those animals the kindness and care they deserve.”
The RSPCA is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year.
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