This is the moment an angry father attacks a dog for allegedly scaring his child in a shopping mall in China.

Footage shows the heartless man beating the small pooch in Hongshan District on November 9.

Women are heard screaming as the helpless canine is mercilessly beaten, with its owner attempting to shield her pet.

The dog yelps in agony before she sits down with it in her arms while witnesses hold the man back.

Local reports indicated that the animal was not on a leash and had scared the child, with the woman apologising and admitting that she was wrong.

This reportedly angered the dad further, leading to the attack on the tiny canine.

It is unclear whether authorities are investigating the incident.