A Nowra man found dead in his home on Monday was mauled to death by his pet dog after he suffered a fit, police believe.
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The horrific nature of the injuries to the 51-year-old man's mid-section first prompted investigating officers to treat the death as a homicide.
But further forensic testing at the Douglas Street unit, and an examination of the staffordshire bull terrier, changed their mind.
Sources say the man was likely unconscious at the time of the attack which saw him lose a large amount of blood.
A NSW Police Media Unit spokesman confirmed on Thursday that while the death was horrific, it was no longer being treated as suspicious.
The man was found dead around midday on Monday after neighbours called police when they became concerned for his welfare.
That afternoon Shoalhaven City Council rangers took the dog from the unit.
Murder was ruled out after a post-mortem was carried out and two days of investigation by forensic teams scouring the unit.
A full report will be prepared for the NSW Coroner.