This is the dramatic moment a brave mother protects a toddler from a vicious pet dog in India.

CCTV footage shows the ferocious German Shepherd pouncing on the boy while his mum was carrying him outside their home in Vishwas Nagar in Delhi on January 22.

The demon hound bit the youngster's leg as the woman was knocked over while bravely trying to fend it off.

The boy's father later stepped in and scooped his son up in his arms as other residents dragged the rabid animal away.

The dad, Tanuj Narang, told police the family were returning from the temple when one of the neighbours allegedly opened the gates, with the pet dog rushing out and attacking the boy.

The child suffered injuries but is now in a safe condition.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdara) Surendra Choudhary said violations under sections 289 and 337 of the Indian Penal Code were filed against the pet owner and her husband. The couple were under investigation.

The attack was reportedly the third such incident in Delhi in three weeks.