The Nueces County Medical Examiner determined that 64-year old Rita Woodard, known to many as Rita Ross, died from a heart attack after multiple dog bites. One of her dogs was put to sleep after being severely injured by the attacking dogs.
Ross, who spent much of her time rescuing stray dogs, was discovered around 6:30 p.m. Monday. Several dogs were found feeding on her remains.
The Medical Examiner released a report late Tuesday stating that Ross had died from coronary artery atherosclerosis following multiple dog bites. Corpus Christi Police Department Commander John Houston, who supervises Animal Care Services, said it appeared that five of the 17 dogs found at Ross's home were responsible for the attack.
Those five will likely be euthanized.
Many of the dogs were in cages at Ross's home, and four have already been turned over to the group For the Love of Strays for adoption. The remaining eight dogs will be turned over to Ross's son, who lives out of state.
Ross's Facebook page was devoted to helping find forever homes for stray dogs, and she spent much of her time helping the rescue group. There have already been several posts of condolences from friends, like Melissa Rizzo, who operates the rescue group.
"She is a very caring woman. Always there for the animals whether it be day or night. She's always there," Rizzo said. "She is a very big asset to our organization. Very dedicated woman. Every weekend, we have our pet adoptions. She is there faithfully with the animals, working hard with training dogs, making sure everyone gets into a loving home."
Houston said state law calls for any dogs that attack humans to be euthanized, or a judge can order their destruction. A final determination has yet to be made.
Rizzo said For the Love of Strays needs money and food to take care of the dogs that were turned over to them, and they hope to see the remaining eight dogs put up for adoption, either through them or Animal Care Services.
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