Animal rescue worker dies from dog attack

The Manitoba First Nations Police Service (MFNPS) is investigating the death of a woman found near several aggressive dogs while volunteering for a non-profit animal rescue organization on Sandy Bay First Nation.

Amanda Nobiss, 37, of Winnipeg, was killed by strays while volunteering to manage the overpopulation of dogs in the community, and an autopsy will be done, both the Global News and the Winnipeg Free Press reported.

MFNPS said it received a call around 12:45 a.m. on July 18 from a person seeking help locating a friend who had "attended Sandy Bay First Nation on behalf of a non-profit animal rescue organization," according to a report from CTV News. 

Officers pinged the woman's cellphone but the search radius was too large for the service's remote aircraft system to narrow her location. 

A local maintenance worker found her body around 6 a.m. 

MFNPS said "the circumstances surrounding the death are not believed to be suspicious at this time," while noting "several aggressive dogs had been observed in the area she was found." 

Organizations respond to the loss

Save A Dog Network Canada, the non-profit the woman was volunteering with, said in a Facebook statement that she regularly travelled to northern Manitoba communities with its veterinary team.

The group called Nobiss "one of the best volunteers we have ever had the privilege of working with" who "fought tirelessly for preventative spay and neuter programs and worked passionately to end dog shootings across the province." 

The organization said it would withhold further details "out of respect for her family, and because the circumstances surrounding her death are still under investigation." 

Meanwhile, K9 Advocacy Manitoba said in its own statement it was "with heavy hearts that we share our grief over the loss of one of our dedicated K9 Advocates," adding that "we cannot provide any information or specific details" while the investigation continues.

Police are investigating the incident.