This is the shocking moment a dog was hoisted inside a lift after its leash became trapped in the doors.

An elderly woman was about to enter the elevator with her Border Collie when the doors suddenly closed, leaving the dog inside in Anhui, China.

CCTV footage shows the hapless pooch dangling in the air as the lift began to descend on August 27.

Moments later, a couple arriving at the machine saw the animal struggling to breathe, its limbs flailing.

The man in a blue shirt quickly grabbed the dog and held it up while his partner worked to unfasten the leash.

After removing the collar hook, they gently placed the shaken dog safely inside the lift.

The dog did not sustain any injuries and was later returned to its owner.