The malnourished toddler, who is said to have been suffering from a skin infection and lice infestation, was rescued by Chilean police from a mechanic's workshop almost 1,000 miles from the country's capital of Santiao before being immediately transferred to hospital.
According to police reports, the child's mother arrived at the hospital while under the influence of alcohol, but was not placed under arrest as it was ruled the boy had not suffered physical harm.
Despite this, Chile's National Service for Minors is understood to have filed a complaint for neglect, with the organisation's director, Marcela Labrana, dubbing the shocking incident 'reprehensible and inhumane'.
According to police reports, the toddler was released from hospital on Friday while a family court hearing is due to take place on September 22nd in order to ascertain who will care for the little boy.
Ms. Labrana thanked the witness for coming forward and alerting the authorities following their devastating discovery.
