Bollywood actor Imran Khan has been awarded a Hero to Animals Award by animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India for stopping a trainer from hitting a canine on his film set.

Reportedly, Imran Khan was shooting for his movie ‘Gori Tere Pyaar Mein’ when he saw a trainer hit a dog on the sets. Imran Khan immediately rushed to the trainer and pushed him aside saving the dog from further abuse.

“This dog would have been terrified and endured more abuse were it not for Imran's compassionate and quick action," PETA India manager of Media and Celebrity Projects Sachin Bangera, said in a statement.

“We encourage everyone to stop and speak up for animals who are subjected to pain or suffering, because if you don't, maybe no one else will," Bangera added.

PETA has sent Imran a Hero to Animals Award and a basket full of dog-shaped vegan gourmet chocolates prepared by Pune's Ambrosial Chockies as a mark of appreciation for his deed.

Imran Khan had previously appeared for a PETA ad urging people to adopt homeless animals.

Other recipients of PETA's Hero to Animals Award include Zarine Khan for rescuing a cat from the streets, Cyrus Broacha for refusing to perform a stunt that involved riding a bull and Rani Mukerji for helping a dog in distress on her film set.