Story By: John Feng, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Asia Wire Report

Video Credit: AsiaWire

This footage shows a puppy being dragged behind its owner’s car through heavy traffic in a clip that has sparked a police probe.

The poor young pooch ends up limp and hobbling, and is eventually pulled backwards as its legs give way while the vehicle hauls it across the asphalt.

The video was filmed by witnesses in Jiangmen’s Xinhui District in South China’s Guangdong Province on 5th June.

Pictures Credit: AsiaWire

The clip shows the black puppy fastened to the back of the car by a collar and lead.

The dog is able to run behind the black car whenever it slows down, but it can be seen collapsing on the ground and panting heavily as the vehicle stops at the lights.

As the car drives off away, the poor dog struggles to keep up and is eventually dragged backwards along the ground.

Witnesses filming the cruel scenes let out audible gasps, but no one appears to intervene to try and stop the owner.

The whereabouts and the condition of the dog are currently unknown, with local authorities said to be investigating.

However, China lacks strict laws protecting domestic pets such as cats and dogs from abuse at the hands of their.

This means the owner may get off with a warning or at most face a small fine for a public order offence.

Keith Guo, PETA’s media officer for China, told Asia Wire in a statement: “Authorities in the city of Jiangmen should learn from those in Dalian, where dog ownership regulations have been introduced.

“Those found to have abandoned or abused their pets are punished and their pet licences revoked for five years.

“In the absence of such a law, traffic police should find and punish the motorist for dangerous driving – and suspend their licence.”