Woman Dies While Attempting to Rescue Stray Dogs in Northern Manitoba

A 37-year-old Winnipeg animal rescuer, Amanda Nobiss, was found dead while volunteering in Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation in northern Manitoba, where she was helping address the community’s stray dog population.

According to the Manitoba First Nations Police Service (MFNPS), Nobiss was reported missing by a friend at approximately 12:45 a.m. last Friday. Her body was discovered around 6 a.m. by a local maintenance worker.

Police Investigation Underway

Police said the circumstances surrounding the death are not believed to be suspicious.

Authorities reported that several aggressive stray dogs were seen in the area, and investigators believe Nobiss may have been fatally attacked while volunteering. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

Community Addresses Stray Dog Concerns

Amanda Nobiss was volunteering with K9 Advocacy Manitoba, a non-profit organization that helps Indigenous communities manage dog overpopulation.

Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation acknowledged the longstanding issue of stray and aggressive dogs, stating it has been actively working to improve the situation.

The First Nation also said that, based on the information currently available, Nobiss entered the community after regular business hours and attempted to retrieve dogs.

Rescue Groups Call for Greater Support

K9 Advocacy Manitoba declined to comment publicly out of respect for Nobiss’ family.

Debra Vandekerkhove, managing director of the Manitoba Animal Alliance, described the incident as a devastating loss for Manitoba’s animal rescue community.

She emphasized that managing stray dog populations in northern communities requires long-term funding and coordinated support, noting there is currently no national or provincial strategy dedicated to animal management in many Indigenous communities.

Vandekerkhove added that successful solutions must focus on both community safety and responsible animal care, rather than relying solely on spay and neuter programs.

Province Responds

Manitoba’s Chief Veterinary Office (CVO) stated that the province supports community-led veterinary services and public education initiatives.

The office also noted that responsibility for animal control remains with local municipalities and communities.

Amanda Nobiss’ death has deeply affected Manitoba’s animal rescue community and has renewed attention on the challenges of managing stray dog populations in northern Indigenous communities.

The incident also highlights ongoing calls for increased funding, volunteer safety measures, and long-term animal management strategies.