Dog chews dead owner in Victoria

A starving dog is believed to have chewed the legs of its Victorian owner who had been dead for up to four weeks.

Neighbours in Geelong reported persistent barking from the dog, which led to police making a welfare check on the man on Tuesday.

Geelong Council says its officers, who went to the Norlane home with police, were shaken by what they saw and would be offered support.

The dog has been detained by the council, who will determine its future.

The man's death is not being treated as suspicious.

While police will not confirm his identity or age, the Geelong Advertiser reports that he was 49.

Local shopkeepers and business owners expressed their shock at the gruesome news, but said they did not know the man.

Councillor Kylie Fisher said it was a timely reminder to check on elderly neighbours.

"Geelong is a friendly community. Let's make sure we continue to check up on our neighbours especially our elderly," Ms Fisher said on Thursday.

In 2013 the body of Phyllis Kelly, 82, was found in her Fitzroy home 18 months after she died in Melbourne.