Grey kangaroo
Eastern grey kangaroo
A man has been injured and a beloved family dog killed after a kangaroo jumped over a fence into the backyard of a Melbourne home.

Gloria Lewis and her family woke on Saturday morning to the sound of her Husky crying in the backyard of her Keilor residence.

After rushing downstairs, Ms Lewis found a two-metre tall eastern grey kangaroo attacking her other dog, a Pomeranian named Monty.

In an attempt to save her dog, Ms Lewis called police and Wildlife Victoria for advice.

"Wildlife Victoria recommended we make loud noises with objects to distract the animal and send a photo to rangers," Ms Lewis told 9NEWS.

"Even after an hour, no-one came."

Her brother, Justin Lewis, followed the advice in the meantime and began using a broom in an attempt to scare away the animal.

"The kangaroo stood on its tail, accepted the challenge and charged after my brother," Ms Lewis said.

Mr Lewis was unable to save Monty and sustained claw marks from the attack and was taken to hospital soon after.

"He's still in pretty bad shape," she said.

Mr Lewis suffered severe scratch marks from the attack.
© 9NEWSMr Lewis suffered severe scratch marks from the attack.
The kangaroo fled the backyard during the time Ms Lewis and her family were warning their neighbour.

Ms Lewis' partner, Harley Reid, said the incident highlighted the need "for better support system" when similar situations occur.

"There needs to be something in place to protect people".

Manfred Zabinskas, owner of Five Freedoms Animal Rescue, said kangaroos only attack when they feel "threatened".

"Especially in that circumstance they're in an absolute panic. They're terrified so they're going to react quite quickly because they're in fear of their life," Ms Zabinskas said.

The kangaroo responsible for the attack has not been located.