‘MIRACLE dogs’ - which were not expected to survive after being mistreated - are now thriving.

The RSPCA has released pictures of the dogs as they recover from their ordeal, along with a plea to the public to support their fundraising.

Members of the West Cumbria branch are asking for donations and potential adopters to support the upkeep of their “Miracle dogs”.

Recently a man was jailed for the neglect of the four dogs, and due to the severity of their condition, the vets believed they would not pull through.

But the carers at the RSPCA were astonished to find that Bailey, Rocco, Denver and Mia have continued to fight. “We’ve all called them miracle dogs” said Diana Beattie, a carer at The Whitehaven branch.

This time of year is already the most difficult period for the charity. Puppies are often bought as Christmas gifts but are then abandoned when the families decide they cannot take care of them. This led to an alarming admission last year that inspectors had rescued 120 dogs in the space of two weeks.

The animal welfare organisation is entirely not for profit, and given the resources it took to nurse Bailey and Rocco, Mia and Denver, who have since been rehomed, the west branch is asking for direct donations. As well as veterinary treatment, the animals have to be re-socialised due to the psychological impact of their abuse.

Diana Beattie said: “Instead of buying Christmas cards this year how about supporting the care of the dogs?”

Donations can be made via the RSPCA West Cumbria’s Go Fund Me Page. To see the impact donations will make on the dogs’ lives, supporters can visit their Facebook page where a blog is being kept for the animals. The blog chronicles their journey with before and after pictures to illustrate how far they have come.

The RSPCA encourages other fundraising campaigns such as ‘My Big Walkies.’ The sponsored walk sees owners and their dogs aiming for 10,000 steps a day with funds going towards the organisation.

To report cases of neglect, call the RSPCA National Cruelty Line on 03001234999.