Bangkok - A woman who released three pit bull terriers from their cage for the night was pounced on by the dogs who mauled her to death, said police in the central town of Nakhon Sawan Saturday.

The woman went out at about midnight Friday to free the dogs who guarded the family house but she did not return, prompting her mother-in-law to go out to investigate.

She found her daughter-in-law, 37, in a terrible state. Nearby was the dead body of a small pet dog.

The terriers then attacked the mother-in-law, a granddaughter, and her son who came out to help. The dead woman's father eventually shot two of the terriers, although the third escaped, reported the Nation.

Thai families living in stand-alone houses often used dogs to deter thieves. (dpa)