Dogs cleared in Lansing woman's death. Cause likely accidental, police say

MASON — What began as a possible dog attack is now being investigated as an accidental death.

Lansing police acknowledged Monday that two dogs seized after a 36-year-old woman was found dead on the city's south side on Friday night were not responsible for the woman's death.

"There was no foul play found," police said in a news release Monday. "As of right now, this is being ruled an accidental death."

Police said they were called to the 3400 block of West Mt. Hope Avenue about 8 p.m. Friday for a possible stabbing, but “there is reason to believe this was a possible dog attack,” according to their initial news release.

Officers found a dead woman, they said. Ingham County Animal Control took custody of the dogs.

On Monday morning, dogs were cleared to be returned to their owner and were not involved in the death, Ingham County Animal Control Deputy Director Dan Verhougstraete said.

"The dogs are being held at the request of the Lansing Police Department," Verhougstraete said "We do not have an active role in their investigation. The dogs are just being housed."

Police officials did not respond to phone messages left for them on Monday, but emailed a brief update on Monday afternoon, acknowledging a dog attack had been ruled out.

The woman’s name has not been released.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Dogs cleared in Lansing woman's death, investigation continues