Over 1,000 instances of cruelty against dogs were reported in Sussex last year, the RSPCA has confirmed.

New figures from the animal charity show that roughly three dogs were treated cruelly every day in 2022 across East and West Sussex.

The figures come as national figures rose by seven per cent compared to 2021 as dogs were beaten and neglected across the country.

In East Sussex, 572 reports of dog cruelty were received with 463 in West Sussex.

Included in the reports in Sussex were allegations of intentional harm, neglect and dogs being abandoned.

Among incidents of animal cruelty to dogs in 2022 were two emaciated dogs who were found at an address in Worthing.

Amy Page, from Worthing, later pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the two dogs in a case brought by the RSPCA.

Patrick Hanby, RSPCA chief inspector for Sussex, said: “For hundreds of years dogs have been known as man’s best friend - and if you share your home with one, you will know why, as they are so loyal and loving companions.

“But these awful statistics tell a different story. Dogs are the most abused animal in this country and we investigate more complaints about them than any other type of animal.

“Everyone who cares about animals will be sickened to know how many reports we receive about dogs being kicked, beaten, burned or worse. We need the public’s help to Cancel Out Cruelty. Their donations, no matter how small, help keep our frontline officers out on the road rescuing animals and investigating these terrible reports.”

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In Sussex, 227 of the reports received by the RSPCA were of intentional harm to dogs.

Nationally, 42,690 reports of cruelty were reported to the animal charity.

Dermot Murphy, RSPCA inspectorate commissioner, said: “Right now, animal cruelty is happening in England and Wales on a massive scale and rising. It is heartbreaking that we are seeing such sad figures which show animal cruelty is, very sadly, on the rise.

“While we don’t know for certain why there has been an increase, the cost-of-living crisis and the post-pandemic world we live in has created an animal welfare crisis.

“Each year, these reports reach its terrible annual peak in the summer months – when an animal is beaten on average every hour of every day. The cost-of-living crisis also means the cost of rescuing animals is at an all-time high and our vital services are stretched to the limit.”