Bangkok - Two Rottweilers purchased by a Dutch man to protect his house in north-east Thailand mauled his 2-year-old daughter to death Thursday, police said.

The dogs attacked and bit Romklao Ploo, nicknamed Nina, in Nakorn Ratchasima city, 200 kilometres north-east of Bangkok, the Daily News website reported.

Jintana Ploo, 42, the girl's mother, told police she had placed Nina on the ground to unlock her front door when the two dogs dashed out and attacked her daughter.

Jintana also sustained bites to her legs when she tried to save the child.

She said her Dutch husband, whose name was not given, had bought the dogs to protect their house after it had been burglarized several times. (dpa)