The RSPCA investigated more than 100 reports of cruelty to animals in Kent every WEEK last year.

But despite a total of 5,304 cases of dogs, cats and other animals reportedly being mistreated in the county in 2015, just 39 people were convicted.

Figures released by the animal charity today give Kent the dubious title of the 5th cruellest county in England.

Warning: distressing images below

One of the most shocking cases is that of Chihuahua cross Chunky, who was stolen, beaten, burnt and drugged in a vicious attack lasting several hours in Margate in February.

Described as the most disturbing case an RSPCA inspector has ever known, the tiny dog was kicked and punched before having his leg and neck broken.

VIDEO: RSPCA says Kent is the 5th cruellest county in England.

He was left for dead near a rubbish tip in Manston Road, before being picked up by the charity, nursed back to health and returned to his owners.

RSPCA inspector Caroline Doe said: "This was the most disturbing case I have ever dealt with - by an absolute mile.

"Chunky was found with a broken leg and neck, and with burns all over his face and eyes, caused after he had been set on fire by a deodorant aerosol can. He had been fed drugs, kicked and punched, and then dumped.

"The whole thing sends shivers down my spine - the little dog must have suffered horrendously for hours.

"It is a miracle he survived. I will never forget how terrified and depressed he was when I first saw him.

"Thankfully, he has now been restored to health and returned to his loving owners, though I fear he will always be timid and nervous as a result of his ordeal, and imagine his owners will never quite be able to come to terms with what was senseless and needlessly inflicted on their beautiful family pet."

Owner Bonnie-Lee Fittall said: "It is so amazing to have Chunky home with us - I still can't quite believe he survived such an ordeal.

"He will always be a little nervous after all that he went through, but he is doing so well - such a little star.

"It sends shivers down my spine to think about what happened but I am trying to instead focus on how well he is doing now."

Four youths aged 15 and 16 at the time - who we are legally banned from naming - were disqualified from keeping animals for five years after pleading guilty to charges under the Animal Welfare Act.

Although justice was served in this case, animal cruelty convictions are depressingly rare.

Just 0.7% of cases investigated in Kent last year resulted in the person responsible being punished.

And despite there being more cases the previous year, when a total of 6,075 reports were looked into, there were even fewer people convicted. Just 35, or 0.5%, were successfully prosecuted.

Other cases that have infuriated animal lovers include blind springer spaniel Delphine who was tied to a pallet of bricks and abandoned with no food, water or shelter in Maidstone last May.

RSPCA staff subsequently launched an appeal to help pay for surgery to restore her sight, and she has since been rehomed.

And in August, Ashford woman Fiona Dorman was banned from keeping animals for seven years after her black cat Sweep was found "half dead".

The 31-year-old admitted causing unnecessary suffering by allowing the animal to become emaciated, dehydrated and covered in fleas.

Another disturbing story is that of Staffordshire bull terrier Buster, who was found in Ramsgate last January so starved, his ribs were clearly visible.

The neglected dog sparked a swell of anger among Facebook users, some of whom were moved to tears by pictures posted on the Thanet Animal Group page.

The figures show dogs are the most abused species in Kent, accounting for 2,742 reports, followed by cats with 1,232 cases.

Dermot Murphy, assistant director for the RSPCA 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 investigate more complaints related to them than any other species.

"The stories we are telling today show a snapshot of the horrific level of cruelty we have seen in the last year, which have to be some the most extreme cases I have ever heard of.

"Particularly shocking for me was the story of the little Chihuahua cross who was subjected to unimaginable torture for nearly 48 hours, including being set on fire and having his neck broken. It is harrowing to think of the amount of suffering caused to this dog."

Dermot added: "It is encouraging that some of the figures are down on last year and that the numbers of complaints being dealt with by education and advice are going up, as we would always much rather improve animal welfare by giving advice to owners if at all possible.

"Yet even if some of the overall numbers are lower, the level of depravity we have seen in 2015 cases are up there with some of the most extreme we have ever known."

Visit the RSPCA's website for more information about how to rehome rescued pets.