A police officer was forced to shoot a dog during an arrest in Western Australia

A police officer and a man were taken to hospital after the dog attacked them before a policeman shot the pet.

Police have shot dead a dog after it attacked an officer and a man during an arrest in Perth early on Tuesday.

West Australian Police said the dog attacked the man and a female officer about 9.30am while taking a man in his 30s into custody at an address in Stratton.

The dog, which belonged to someone else, was shot dead by a male officer during the chaos in order to “prevent further injury”.

Dog shot dead by a police officer during an arrest in Perth. Photo: ABC/ Supplied

The man who was arrested is believed to have been bitten on one of his legs and the female officer received injuries to her hand and her legs. Both were taken to Midland Hospital.

A “Beware of Dog” sign was on the door of the Stratton property police attended, according to a report by the ABC.

Neighbours and residents in the area defended the dog, claiming it was gentle but had been trained to defend the family.

“He doesn’t attack people … just wants cuddles,” a man, who wished not be identified, told the ABC.

“Kids used to play with him, no dramas.”

He said it was not the dog’s fault and it had unfortunately got the “raw end of the stick” by trying to do its job.