Sydney man dies in suspected dog attack at Saturn's Rings property

A 23-year-old man has died in what police believe was a dog attack at a landmark south-west Sydney property known as "Saturn's Rings", where the body was discovered in a paddock on Wednesday. Officers were called to the estate on Badgally Road in Eschol Park just after midday, after the victim was found with severe injuries close to the roadway.

Investigation and removal of dogs

Police have not yet confirmed the man's identity but say he was not a resident or worker at the property, which spans more than 40 hectares. Several dogs were present on the site when emergency services arrived, and it remains unclear whether they were registered or microchipped. The severity of the injuries suggests the man was attacked before his death.

On Friday, three utility vehicles carrying caged dogs were seen leaving the gated estate, sparking further attention. Campbelltown Council officers attended the property at the request of police to assist in the investigation. A council spokesperson said the council is supporting police inquiries and would help determine the registration and ownership status of the dogs in line with its legislative responsibilities.

A landmark with a utopian vision

The property, also known as "Mount Universe", has long been a curiosity in the local area. Built in 1979 by Polish immigrant Stefan Dzwonnik, the estate was envisioned as a "Universal Power House" that would become a mecca for a worldwide movement aimed at improving life on Earth, according to archival material from Campbelltown Library. Its unusual circular design, comprised of concentric units, earned it the nickname "Saturn's Rings". Dzwonnik intended the property to serve as a home for his family and a gathering place for distinguished guests.

Following Dzwonnik's death in 2018, the property has remained in the hands of the Dzwonnik family. It sits adjacent to rural paddocks and near St Gregory's College, a local independent school. Staff at the school said they were unaware of the suspected attack until Friday morning, and reported no unusual activity near the campus on the day of the incident.

Legal and community implications

The case has drawn attention to dog ownership laws and safety in rural areas. While the dogs' fate is not yet determined, the council's involvement suggests a thorough review of the animals' legal status. The police are preparing a report for the coroner, which will examine the circumstances surrounding the man's death.

Local residents have expressed shock that such an iconic property has become the scene of a tragedy, with many waiting for more details about what happened. The investigation continues, and the council is expected to provide further information once the ownership and registration of the dogs have been confirmed.

What happens next

As the report goes to the coroner, authorities will determine whether any charges are warranted and whether the dogs will be seized or returned. The case highlights the need for responsible pet ownership and the importance of ensuring that potentially dangerous animals are properly contained and supervised. The community has been left mourning a life lost far too young, and the coming weeks may bring more answers about this tragic event.