Woman Dead For Weeks Was Eaten by Her Two Dogs After They Became Desperate for Food

An Alabama woman’s remains were eaten by her dogs after she died, authorities said.

Rita Thomas’ body was found at her home in the small town of Remlap after the Blount County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) performed a welfare check around 4 p.m. local time on Oct. 4, according to reports from WBRC, the Independent and ABC 33/40. 

The woman, who was in her late 60s, is believed to have died of natural causes, according to ABC 33/40. Investigators suspect Thomas may have experienced a medical event on the exterior stairs of her home, as her body was found outside.

According to ABC 33/40, deputies found human remains across the property, and Blount County District Attorney Pamela Casey told the outlet the incident was “not a dog attack.” 

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Thomas had two dogs and one cat, ABC 33/40 reported. The dogs, which were restricted to the property by wireless perimeter collars, were euthanized due to the biohazard of consuming human remains, the outlet said.

Thomas’ cat, who had been inside the home, was also euthanized after it was found lethargic and malnourished, according to ABC 33/40.

The outlet reported the woman’s body was also suspected to have been eaten by other wild animals while it was in the yard. 

Deputies were sent to Thomas’ home after neighbors said they hadn’t seen her in weeks and her mailbox was full, the Independent reported. 

Per WBRC, the woman’s body was found outside her home in an area that was not visible to her neighbors. 

The incident is actively under investigation. 

The BSCO did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on Sunday, Oct. 12.