The details of this story are disturbing.
A welfare check in the small town of Remlap, north of Birmingham, uncovered a grim scene this past Saturday when authorities found the remains of a woman who investigators believe had been dead for up to two months.
The remains of Rita Thomas, reportedly in her late 60s, were discovered after concerned neighbors, noting her absence and an overflowing mailbox, called the Blount County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies who arrived at her home found her body, which had been tragically consumed and dismembered by her own dogs and wild animals.
A Natural Death Led to an Unnatural Aftermath
Investigators currently believe Thomas suffered a medical incident on a staircase just outside her home and died of natural causes. Foul play is not suspected in her death. However, the subsequent scene points to a horrific instance of animals reverting to instinct when faced with extreme starvation.
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Thomas had two dogs outside with her when she died. Crucially, the dogs were restrained by wireless perimeter collars that prevented them from leaving the property to seek food or water once Thomas was deceased.
With her decaying body being the only available food source, the two dogs, along with wild animals, consumed her remains over the course of the estimated seven to eight weeks she lay undiscovered.
Authorities have been clear that they do not believe Thomas died from an animal attack; rather, the consumption occurred post-mortem, a desperate measure taken by starved, confined pets.
Biohazard Forces Euthanasia
The dogs’ consumption of human remains created a significant biohazard, making them impossible to place in standard animal shelters. Due to this factor, the two dogs were regrettably euthanized by authorities.
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Thomas’s cat, found inside the home where food was accessible, was also discovered to be malnourished and unhealthy and was also euthanized.
The Blount County Coroner’s Office and sheriff’s deputies continue to investigate the details of the incident.
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