Dogs to be euthanised after man dies following suspected animal attack at rural Sydney property

A group of dogs has been taken to a shelter to be euthanised after a young man died following a suspected dog attack at a rural Sydney property.

Authorities were alerted to the discovery of the 23-year-old’s body at a rural property in Sydney’s south-west on Wednesday. Police found the body with what they described as significant injuries and established a crime scene.

“Initial inquiries indicate the man may have been attacked by animals prior to his death,” New South Wales police said in a statement.

Campbelltown investigators and council rangers attended an Eschol Park property on Friday morning and seized five dogs, who were taken to the animal shelter to be euthanised, police said.

According to Sydney radio station 2GB, none of the animals were registered or microchipped.

NSW police said a 53-year-old man was also treated at the scene for a minor hand injury.

The NSW police commissioner, Mal Lanyon, said the reasons behind the 23-year-old’s presence at the house was unclear.

“We don’t know the circumstances by which the male was on the premises,” he told reporters.

“He certainly doesn’t appear to be a resident of that location.”

Guardian Australia understands the incident occurred at a house on Badgally Road known as Saturn’s Rings or the Universal Power House.

Based on the rings of Saturn, the circular building was designed by Stefan Dzwonnik in the 1970s and intended to serve as a home for him and his family, according to the Campbelltown City Library.

But Saturn’s Rings was never completed, and Dzwonnik died in 2018, according to the library.

The Campbelltown council said it was assisting police.

“Council is supporting police inquiries and will continue to assist as required, in accordance with its legislative responsibilities, including determining the registration and ownership status of the dogs,” a spokesperson said.

Inquiries are ongoing and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

Achol Arok contributed reporting