Brighton and Hove is noted for being a city of animal lovers.

Whenever a pet needs a home or help is needed to protect some form of animal, the generous offers are always there.

Yet we are told by the RSPCA that animal cruelty goes on in Sussex more than anywhere else in the South East (The Argus, April 30).

It seems 2,534 complaints were investigated last year and 3,793 animals collected in Sussex.

Throughout April, The Argus highlighted many cases of animal cruelty to pets and wildlife. I am concerned about what is causing this disrespect for animal life.

Reports in The Argus have shown swans attacked on their nests in Worthing, Bexhill and Lewes, cats injured with air rifles at Worthing and Brighton, four horses trapped by flames when arsonists set fire to their stable - one of the horses being blinded and charred - fox cubs deliberately blocked in beneath a shed and left to die and a dog stolen, then thrown from a moving vehicle, causing its death.

Stronger laws need to be enforced to protect animals from such attacks.

Some of these cruel acts will have been committed by children and only education on the worth of animal life taught in children's early school years can register this.

Of course, most parents teach this at home - I am looking to educate those that don't get this home guidance.

I suggest anyone concerned about this growth in animal cruelty lobby their MP.

Who can help with that step forward to change the way animal attackers think?

-Gloria Wheatcroft, Hove