CUTE puppy Nicholas the Staffie is having a real dog’s life – after his callous owners abandoned him on Christmas Eve.

Found dumped and starving in Crayford, the four-month-old bull terrier spent the festive season in pain and suffering.

Sadly, he is just one of hundreds cast off by owners this Christmas who either grew bored or “upgraded” their pets.

Luckily Nicholas was rescued from Maiden Lane by the RSCPA and is being cared for by big-hearted charity workers, who decided to name him.

Although vets are treating him for a cocktail of conditions caused by malnutrition, he is still feeling weak and has a long way to go before he’s back to full fitness.

The cheeky pup is getting on well with RSPCA officers – who reckon he can’t be licked for adorability.

A spokesman said: “Nicholas is a lovely, friendly dog and our staff have really taken to him. He’s still quite poorly so we need to get him back to health before he’s ready for a new home.

“It’s heart-wrenching to see how someone could just dump a dog like this one or any animal. It really beggars belief.”

This Christmas, the RSPCA received almost 130 calls about abandoned cats and dogs across London – not including those dumped outside its centres.

Overall, the South East clocked up almost 300 mercy calls, up on just 237 the previous year.

RSPCA superintendent Paul Stilgoe is frustrated some people just aren’t getting the message that a dog is for life.

He said: “Christmas is supposed to be a time of goodwill, which should apply to animals as well as humans. Pets should not be forgotten or thrown out with the rubbish because we’re bored with them or have acquired a 'better’ model.

“Despite repeated pleas to the public not to abandon pets, our animal centres are full and we have seen more abandoned animals in the South East this Christmas than ever before.”