COUNTY NEWS: Dogs are biggest victims in RSPCA cruelty report

There have been more than 1,700 complaints in West Sussex of animal cuelty

The figures show that dogs are the most mistreated pets, with more than half of the complaints believed to be dog-related.

Dermot Murphy, assistant director for the Inspectorate, said: “People think of dogs as man’s best friend but these statistics tell a different story. They are by far the most abused animal in this country and we handle more prosecutions related to them than any other species.

“The stories in this report show a snapshot of the horrific level of cruelty we have seen in the last year, which have to be some of the most extreme cases I have ever heard of.”

One terrified kitten was found hiding in a tree

Cats were also affected with 20 per cent of the share of complaints.

One particularly bad case was reported in Bognor in September last year, when two kittens were thrown out of a car window in Regents Way.

The RSPCA found one on the roadside where it was taken to a vet, while the other was found terrified in a nearby tree.

Inspector Paul Stilgoe, chief superintendent for London and the south east said: “This year has seen some of the most distressing cases our inspectors have ever come across.

“The level of cruelty, neglect and abuse we see across the region on a daily basis is heartbreaking but thanks to the help of members of the public we have been able to make it a bit safer for these animals.”

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