The number of animal neglect reports received by the RSPCA has risen significantly across Sussex this year and is set to get even worse, the charity has warned.
The RSPCA believes the combination of more people getting pets during the pandemic and then being hit by the cost of living crisis has caused the spike.
In East Sussex, 604 incidents of animal neglect were reported to the charity from January to September this year – a 15% increase from the same period the previous year.
In West Sussex 492 incidents of animal neglect were reported – a 9% increase.
RSPCA Superintendent Jo Hirst said: “The increase in the number of pet neglect calls we are taking is a major concern during our busy winter period when many people are facing more financial difficulties, and we fear this upsetting trend will continue.
“Coupled with this we have also seen a startling increase in abandonment cases, up 30% nationally in just three years.
“Sadly we expect the crisis to worsen as more people tend to struggle with increased costs around Christmas time with presents to buy and extra food shopping – along with energy bills.
“But we can make a difference, which is why we are asking the public to support our appeal and help our rescuers, veterinary teams, branches and centre staff, who work tirelessly to give animals the urgent treatment and love that will save their lives.”
Among the reports made to the RSPCA was the case of two kittens who were badly injured and left neglected by a road and later died.
The kittens were found by members of the public in different locations along a stretch of the Main Road (A259) between the Co-op and the church in May last year.
The two injured kittens, thought to be about 8 weeks old, were taken to a nearby vet practice but sadly died before they arrived. The vet who saw them believed they had head injuries consistent with being thrown at speed from a moving vehicle and reported the matter to the RSPCA.
RSPCA animal rescue officer Marie Stevens attended the vet practice. She said: “This was a really upsetting incident which all took place very suddenly during rush hour on a busy stretch of road through the village.
“We believe they were thrown from a car as they were found in different locations along the stretch of road at around the same time.
“Some very kind members of the public collected the kittens and took them to a vet practice literally yards from where they were discovered.
“A vet has confirmed that their injuries are consistent with being thrown from a moving vehicle.”
Meanwhile, a happier ending was in store for Ayla, a terrier cross, who was rescued from a neglectful environment in East Sussex in February this year.
When she arrived at RSPCA Sussex North and Brighton Branch she was suffering with ear and eye infections that had been left untreated.
The poor canine had incredibly itchy skin and was in much discomfort before she was put on a lengthy course of treatment by staff at the branch’s animal centre in Patcham, Brighton.
After months of treatment her ear and eye problems have improved, although she is still on some treatment for her skin while she has been spending the last six months at the home of one of the charity’s foster carers.
She has been enjoying her time living by the sea and is fond of long walks by the seafront and exploring rock pools. Despite the problems she has endured in life she is an affectionate young dog with lots of personality and the branch is now looking to find her a permanent loving home.
To help the RSPCA rescue more animals visit rspca.org.uk/winterappeal
