A British husband and his wife saved a hapless puppy being choked by its abusive owner in Thailand.

Ian Rodman and his Thai wife Ratchanok Hluengsitong, 36, were opening their restaurant when they noticed a man outside allegedly strangling a dog on the street in Udon Thani province on July 11.

Seeing the puppy gasping for breath as it was crushed against the pavement, Ian rushed over to confront the cruel owner, before scooping up the animal into his arms and taking it back into the restaurant.

Police Captain Wittaya Sirithep, Deputy Chief of Investigation at the Mueang Udon Thani Police Station, said officers went to the scene after receiving a report about the alleged animal abuse at 11:20 am.

He praised the Brit for his bravery in confronting the alleged dog attacked.

Thai wife Ratchanok said she saw the man walking out of the alley carrying a small animal, which she initially mistook for a cat.

However, he started choking the creature, prompting her and Ian to intervene.

Ratchanok said: 'He is a drug addict and enjoys causing trouble with his family members. All of his neighbours are tired of him.  

‘He has previously thrown items, including tree pots and bricks, at my shop. 

'We have reported him to the police multiple times, but they said there is little they can do because of his habit.'

Another local, Chalida Thamchaikun, 56, said she had also witnessed the man torturing the puppy by pressing it against the ground.

She said: 'I was driving by on my motorcycle and saw the man holding the puppy's neck and crushing it against the pavement.

'It was crying out in pain. I asked him whose dog it was, and he pretended not to know. I tried to adopt it, but I learned it was his dog, because it ran into his house when he let go of it. I didn't want to be involved anymore so I rode away.'

Police confirmed through CCTV footage that the alleged attacker had tied a rope around the puppy's neck and kicked it out onto the street.

The rescued pooch, which they named Lucky, is now under Ian and Ratchanok's care until they can find a suitable forever home for it.