‘A dark and heartbreaking day’: Dog rescue mourns volunteer

The Manitoba First Nations Police Service logo. (MFNPS Facebook)

An investigation is underway after a woman’s remains were found near “several aggressive dogs.”

A social media post from Manitoba First Nation Police (MFNP) said they were called Friday around 12:45 a.m. about a missing woman.

“A caller was requesting assistance locating her friend who had attended Sandy Bay First Nation on behalf of a non-profit animal rescue organization,” the post said.

They were able to “ping” the woman’s cell phone, but the radius was too large for its remote aircraft system to find it. However, around 6 a.m., a local maintenance worker found a deceased woman, the police service said.

“The circumstances surrounding the death are not believed to be suspicious at this time. Several aggressive dogs had been observed in the area she was found.”

MFNP has not released any details about the woman’s identity but did offer condolences to her family and loved ones in the statement.

Save a Dog Network Canada said the woman was “one of Manitoba’s most dedicated animal rescuers” who travelled to northern communities with its veterinary team.

“It is a dark and heartbreaking day for all of us in the rescue world today,” Save a Dog Network Canada wrote in a social media statement.

“She was truly one of a kind. She fought tirelessly for preventative spay and neuter programs and worked passionately to end dog shootings across the province.”

The organization said it would not be sharing any further details out of respect for her family.

“Our hearts are with her family, her friends, and everyone at K9 Advocacy as we mourn this unimaginable loss.”

The cause of her death is under investigation. MFNP said it will release an update in the coming days.