This is the heart-stopping moment a train driver makes an emergency stop to save a petrified dog chained to a railway.
The driver has been hailed a hero after halting the massive locomotive, climbing down from his cab and freeing the defenceless animal.
Authorities say they are ‘shocked’ at the cruelty of those responsible and have launched a full investigation.
A video taken by the train driver shows him saying: ‘How can there be people so bad? Who leave little dogs tied up on the tracks.
‘You cannot do that. I hope someday the human race changes.’
The panicking dog can be heard barking and growling as it tries to escape.
Local media say the dog ran from the scene as soon as the driver freed it.
Authorities in Llay-Llay, Chile, say a criminal investigation has been launched into the video which has fetched over 137,000 views online.
The town’s Mayor Edgardo Gonzalez said: ‘We are shocked by the cruelty seen in our society.
‘We condemn and reject this incident against a defenceless animal, and we are thankful for the behaviour of the driver who saved its life.
‘As a municipality, we are taking the actions that need to be done [and are filing] a criminal complaint against the culprits and we also contacted the driver to offer our help to give this little dog the veterinary attention and other things it needs.
‘We will also find a way of putting the little dog up for adoption.’
People on social media questioned how anyone could be so cruel and praised the train driver for ‘helping this beautiful animal’.
It is unclear what has happened to the dog and if the rescuer was driving a cargo or passenger train.
