Local authorities have launched a major investigation after a 23-year-old man was found dead following a suspected dog attack at a landmark rural property in Sydney's south-west.

Emergency services were called to the distinctive "Saturn's Rings" property on Badgally Road in Eschol Park, near Campbelltown, at approximately midnight on Wednesday. Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of the young man, who had sustained severe injuries consistent with a violent animal mauling.

Police Investigate Potential Intrusion

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed that detectives are treating the investigation with high priority, focusing heavily on why the deceased was on the premises. Authorities have confirmed the man did not live at the address.

"It's a terrible set of circumstances," Commissioner Lanyon said. "He certainly doesn't appear to be a resident of that location."

The Commissioner added that a "very key line of inquiry" for detectives is whether the deceased man was an intruder. "We need to understand why that male was at the location," he said.

Dogs Seized by Local Council

Following the discovery, local police and Campbelltown City Council officers returned to the property on Friday. Multiple dogs were seized from the premises and loaded into specialized animal care vans to be taken to a local holding facility.

A spokesperson for Campbelltown City Council confirmed they are actively assisting police with the ongoing investigation.

"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," the spokesperson said. Authorities indicate that if the investigation confirms the seized animals caused the fatal injuries, they will be euthanized.

The History of 'Saturn's Rings'

The incident has cast a dark shadow over one of the region's most unusual architectural landmarks. The "Saturn's Rings" property features conjoined circular buildings inspired by the rings of the planet, comprised of three concentric units.

According to local historical records, the complex was built by the late Polish immigrant Stefan Dzwonnik during the late 1970s and 1980s. Designed to be the centerpiece of a utopian movement focused on a better life on Earth, the largest top level was intended as family living quarters, while the lower two levels were designated for community use. Despite offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, the ambitious project was never fully completed. It remains unclear whether anyone was legally residing at the site at the time of the incident.

A crime scene has been established at the property, and local detectives are appealing to anyone with information to come forward. A report will be prepared for the coroner.