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NBC News has picked up on the story of human remains found on the property of an Ohio County woman who hadn't been seen for several days at the time of the discovery.

When Ohio County sheriff's deputies visited the home of Patricia Ritz on Saturday, they found bones and as many as 50 dogs on the property. The deputies told WFIE that they did not suspect foul play in the death.

Investigators suspect that Ms. Ritz's dogs -- which appeared malnourished -- may have consumed her remains after she fell ill and passed away.

Records show that Ritz had charges of and convictions for animal cruelty which date back some 25 years. Ohio County animal control officers have working hard to rescue the animals -- many of which are puppies, with some described as "extremely pregnant."

The Ohio County coroner continues to work to determine the cause of death.

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