A deer kept as a pet killed its owner and left his wife critically injured in an attack as they went into the animal’s enclosure.

Police in Australia said the 46-year-old man died at the scene at the family home in Moyhu northeast of Melbourne, Victoria.

“His wife and son heard the commotion and went out to see what was going on,” said Sergeant Paul Pursell.

“His wife entered the enclosure to assist her husband and she was also attacked.”

Police shot the deer dead before a paramedic treated the couple.

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The woman was flown by helicopter to hospital, where her condition was described as critical.

The family had kept the animal – thought to be an American elk – for about two years, officers said.

David Voss, of the Australian Deer Association, a hunters’ lobby group, said deer usually run away when humans approach but this one “had nowhere to run so he just attacked instead”.

He said farmed deer tended to be more aggressive than wild, but he had only heard of attacks very occasionally.

Australia’s ABC News identified the couple as Paul and Mandi McDonald.

Deer were introduced to Australia by British settlers in the 19th century and have established wild populations.

It is the first known attack in many years although it occurred during mating season when the animals can become aggressive.

In the nine years to 2017, Australia has not logged any deaths directly caused by deer, but 77 deaths were linked to cows and horses, the Australian Broadcasting Corp reported, citing the national statistics agency.

Additional reporting by agencies