MELBOURNE, Australia (November 23, 2009)--An Australian man who tried to save his dog from an attacking kangaroo is hospitalized northeast of Melbourne after the kangaroo turned on him.

Chris Rickard said he was walking his dog near a dam Sunday morning when he surprised a sleeping kangaroo.

His dog chased the animal into the water but the kangaroo then turned and pinned the pet underwater.

When Rickard tried to pull his dog free, the kangaroo attacked him with its hind legs, tearing a deep gash into his abdomen and across his face.

Rickard told The Herald Sun newspaper, "It was a shock."

Rickard said he ended the attack by elbowing the kangaroo in the throat.

Kangaroos do not normally attack humans but will fight if they feel threatened.

Dogs often chase kangaroos, which have been known to lead the pets into water and then pin them under as a means of defense.