Worker entered the property alone
An autopsy has determined that injuries suffered by a 37-year-old animal rescue volunteer who died in Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation earlier this month are consistent with a dog attack, according to a report.
The Manitoba community – located about 70 kilometres northwest of Portage la Prairie on the western shore of Lake Manitoba – said in the Tuesday release that the woman's death followed a visit to collect puppies on behalf of K9 Advocacy Manitoba.
"We extend our condolences to [her] family and loved ones," the First Nation stated, as cited by CBC News.
CBC News has not named the woman at the request of her family.
What led to the incident?
According to the release, the woman travelled to Sandy Bay on July 16 to pick up several puppies from a home in the community on behalf of the rescue organization. She attended the property alone while the homeowner was away, and it is suspected she encountered the occupant's dogs, described in the release as "protective and aggressive."
A friend of the woman, concerned for her welfare, contacted police shortly before 1 a.m. on July 17, prompting a ground and aerial search by the Manitoba First Nations Police Service, CBC News reported. The woman's body was found later that morning by a community maintenance worker outside the home.
Manitoba First Nations Police Service had earlier confirmed the discovery of a body in an area where aggressive dogs were also present, ahead of this week's autopsy findings, according to CBC News.
Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation's band government has ordered that two male dogs connected to the incident be destroyed, the release said. K9 Advocacy Manitoba separately rescued a female dog and several puppies from the property.
No further details on the woman's employment or volunteer status, or on any prior arrangements for the visit, have been released.
