A hapless dog was rescued after its head was stuck in a cage while hunting chickens in Thailand.

The mangy stray pooch with white and brown fur was found trapped in a hole after poking its head inside the coop in Ang Thong province on December 14.

Concerned neighbour Jamras Tinmaoro called rescue volunteers for help fearing the mutt might cut itself on the rusty metal while struggling to free itself.

The officers arrived to the dog whining in pain while laying in a dirty puddle next to the enclosure. Its loud cries had also thrown the chickens inside into a panic.

Using a pair of metal cutters, they forced part of the cage open and freed the frightened canine, which fled without looking back.

Jamras said: ‘The house was around 10 metres away from mine, but the dog's cries were so loud I could hear them. Upon seeing it, I knew it needed help since my neighbor was out of town.

'I believe the dog came to eat the chickens. After what happened, I'm sure it has learned its lesson and would not return.'