SYDNEY, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- A type of giant lizard known as goanna has attacked and badly injured two elderly people in Australia's northeast State of Queensland, with the reptile also killing the couple's pet dog.

Goannas are a type of predatory monitor lizard, native to Australia and surrounding areas, which can grow to over two metres long with razor sharp claws and teeth.

According to local media reports Friday, the couple were in their backyard Thursday, attempting to stop the goanna from attacking their dog when instead they became the focus of the attack.

"The reptile suddenly turned on them, latching onto the man's right arm and leg as well as biting the woman's leg," the reports quoting CQ Rescue as saying in a statement.

"The man suffered a very serious laceration and possible fracture of his right forearm as well as severe bleeding from his leg wound. He was in considerable pain."

Both victims were transferred to hospital for treatment and are now stable, although the man suffered serious blood loss and required surgery.

CQ Rescue said that the dog died in the incident.

Goanna attacks are not common in Australia, however the reptiles can become aggressive if threatened.