A disabled stray dog trapped in a storm drain was rescued by kind passersby just moments before rising rainwater filled the channel.

The brown canine with paralysed legs had fallen into the ditch and was unable to climb out on its own until workers at a nearby sports complex noticed it during a downpour.

Footage shows the pup chest-deep in water as volunteers carefully tied a rope around its body to lift it out in Sabah, Malaysia, on July 7.

Once pulled to safety, the exhausted dog laid motionless on the ground, unable to move from hunger.

The Good Samaritans quickly fed and comforted the animal which could only move by dragging itself forward.

Fazella Nazeera, who works at the complex, said: ‘It was heartbreaking. The dog could not even bark. It seemed to be in severe pain and starving.'

She said the animal had visible wounds on its legs and chest.

Fazella added: ‘We were worried that carrying it might worsen the injuries, so we chose to gently pull it out using a rope.'

The dog was later taken to a local animal shelter where it is now receiving proper care and treatment.