A hosepipe ban across Sussex is causing concern for bosses at an animal rescue centre.

Julie Grant, from Cat Welfare Sussex, Brighton, is worried sanctuaries in private homes will be punished by hefty £1,000 fines if they hose down animal areas.

She is concerned rescued rabbits, hedgehogs, guinea pigs, dogs, cats and horses may suffer resulting health problems.

Mrs Grant said: "A lot of people foster animals in their own homes. I have a small cattery at the bottom of my garden and can have 20 to 30 cats at any one time. We need to hose common areas to keep runs clean and avoid infection. We use chemicals to clean these areas so we have to hose down afterwards."

Mrs Grant contacted the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for advice. She said: "They said we would probably be all right but couldn't say for definite.

"It's not so bad for commercial centres because they are registered. I am sure Southern Water would not want to cause death and disease to animals."

A spokeswoman from Southern Water said that under the drought order they would be asking people only to use hosepipes if essential.

She said: "We understand some cases, such as animal charities, may need to use a hosepipe for health, safety and hygiene reasons. If there is a clear case for using the hosepipe we would allow it.

"There may be confusion with some people noticing hosepipe use and feeling we should be made aware.

"Whenever we are advised someone is using a hosepipe during restrictions our first step is to send a very friendly letter reminding people of the regulations.

"At this stage, of course, people can contact us to discuss their requirements and we can advise if they are eligible to use a hosepipe or not."