SHOCKED commuters saw a dog chew off its own leg after becoming trapped in train tracks.

The dog, a Mastiff called Bailey, was eventually rescued by animal control officers and rail staff.

He is now recovering at home after having the rest of his back leg amputated.

The drama unfolded when the dog was being walked by his owners, in Pitsea.

He spotted a fox and broke loose of his lead, giving chase and disappearing off into the distance.

While his owners frantically tried to find him, the dog got on to the train track at Pitsea station, off Station Lane.

But the hound’s leg became stuck in the tracks.

The dog frantically tried to free himself and eventually began chewing off his hind leg to get free.

Commuters, desperate to help the stricken dog, called for aid.

Basildon Council’s animal control team, staff from Benfleet Vets and C2C, and some passers-by then launched a rescue operation to free Bailey. Sarah Moran, Basildon Council’s animal control officer, said: “By the time we got there, Bailey had got away and was hiding in some brambles.

“He was in shock, losing a lot of blood and still chewing at his leg.

“Unfortunately, he has had the remainder of his back leg amputated, but it could have been much worse if we had not had so much support and care from those at the scene.”

Bailey was microchipped and wearing an ID tag, so he was reunited with his frantic owners.

The dog is now recovering at home following his ordeal, which happened last Monday.

Richard Moore, Basildon Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for animal control, said: “Although Bailey was lead trained, unfortunately accidents do happen.

“The only saving grace was that he was microchipped and wore an ID tag, which meant we could trace the owners quickly and arrange the emergency treatment he needed.

“This incident acts as a stark reminder of the importance of pet insurance and microchipping.”

Pet charity the PDSA covered the £700 cost of Bailey’s veterinary treatment.

Basildon Council is offering free microchipping as part of its Care for your Canine campaign, at the Wickford Memorial Park pavilion in Rettendon View, Wickford on Saturday and Sunday, December 7 and 8, from 10am to 3pm.