A train driver has been hailed a hero after rescuing a terrified dog chained to railway tracks in Chile.
Dramatic footage shows the driver of the massive orange locomotive pulling an emergency stop before climbing down from the cab and heading towards the panicked dog.
The driver can be heard saying: "How can there be people so bad, who leave little dog tied up on the tracks.
"You cannot do that. I hope someday the human race changes."
The black and brown dog is barking and growling as it struggles to run away and breaks free of the chain.
According to local media, the driver released the pooch and it ran away from the scene straight away.
The incident took place in the town of Llay-Llay, in the central region of Valparaiso, it is reported.
Edgardo Gonzalez, mayor of Llay-Llay, has confirmed that an investigation has been launched and that they will file a criminal complaint for animal abuse against those who tied the dog up.
He 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."
The video has been shared online with over 137,000 views.
People online praised the driver for his good act, with one saying: "Poor little dog, how can anyone be so cruel?
"Thanks sir for stopping the train and helping this beautiful animal, God bless you."
It is unclear what happened to the dog and whether the train was a cargo train or a passenger train.
