A 37-year-old animal rescue volunteer was found dead on Sandy Bay First Nation in Manitoba on July 17, 2026, after what police describe as an apparent encounter with aggressive dogs. The Manitoba First Nations Police Service is investigating, but says the circumstances are not considered suspicious at this time.
The victim has been identified by family as Amanda Nobiss, a volunteer with K9 Advocacy Manitoba, a registered charity that helps rural First Nations manage stray dog populations. Police received a call from a friend shortly before 1 a.m. on July 17 reporting Nobiss missing. Officers searched through the night using drone and cell phone location data.
A local maintenance worker found Nobiss’s body around 6 a.m. in an area where several aggressive dogs were seen. The exact cause of death is awaiting autopsy results, but police say the circumstances are not believed to be suspicious.
Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation Chief and Council expressed condolences for what they called a “heartbreaking loss.” In a statement, leadership said outside groups are not allowed to retrieve animals in the community without prior approval and police oversight. They added that based on current information, Nobiss entered the community after regular business hours to attempt to retrieve dogs.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew also offered sympathy on July 18, saying he had been in contact with Sandy Bay leadership. “This is a heartbreaking tragedy, and I want to extend my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved her,” Kinew said.
Nobiss’s mother, Sherri Nobiss, remembered her daughter as a caring person with a deep passion for animals and the people she met. Her brother, Matthew Nobiss, said she “put these animals before her own life.” The community has been working to address longstanding issues with stray and aggressive dogs through humane and sustainable solutions, according to Chief and Council.
