Image: Sky News

Three pet dingoes are behind a vicious attack on their owner, who was trying to save a fourth dog in Sydney’s west.

The 78-year-old woman had to undergo immediate surgery after being mauled by her three pets on a Greendale property late yesterday afternoon.

The dingoes pounced on their owner when she attempted to stop them from attacking her smaller dog, a pug, which was killed.

The woman suffered severe injuries to her arms, legs and back by the time emergency services arrived.

She’s now recovering in hospital.

Chief Inspector Guy Hamberley says the animals were caught and locked in kennels overnight while their future is decided.