RSPCA received more than 350 reports of abandoned animals in East Sussex last year

An RSPCA spokesperson said: “In East Sussex, there were 351 abandoned animals reported to the RSPCA in 2021, and 235 so far this year (January-July 2022) - a 15 per cent increase from January-July 2021.

“Heartbreakingly, the number of animals being dumped is also on the rise nationally with a 17 per cent increase from 2020-2021 and a 24 per cent increase in 2022.”

The charity said it fears a huge rise in pet ownership during the pandemic coupled with the cost of living crisis putting a strain on people’s finances means even more animals are being given up this year.

The animal welfare charity has released the figures as part of its Cancel Out Cruelty campaign which aims to raise funds to keep its rescue teams on the frontline saving animals in desperate need.

Dermot Murphy, chief inspectorate officer at the RSPCA, said: “The idea of putting your cat in a cat carrier and taking them to a secluded spot in the woods before walking away, or chucking your dog out of the car and driving off leaving them desperately running behind the vehicle, is absolutely unthinkable and heartbreaking to most pet owners - but sadly we are seeing animals callously abandoned like this every single day.

“We understand that sometimes the unexpected can happen - the pandemic and cost of living crisis proved that - but there is never an excuse to abandon an animal.

"There are always other options for anyone who has fallen on hard times and can no longer afford to keep their pet.”

In East Sussex, the RSPCA Sussex, Brighton and East Grinstead are caring for long-stay dog Nigel - who was found straying and abandoned last April by another charity.

An RSPCA spokesperson said: “Nigel has since been waiting for a home for more than a year and is yet to find his paw-fect match.

"If you are interested in rehoming him and are an adult-only home please get in touch with the animal centre [email protected]”