Over 100 Dead Dogs Found at California Animal Rescue

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) recovered 117 intact dead dogs, many with gunshot wounds, from dig sites at Miranda’s Rescue in Fortuna this week, according to a June 26 press release.

Authorities searched the property and buildings associated with the rescue and its founder, Shannon Miranda, for evidence related to animal cruelty and fraud. The operation included excavating open fields where deceased dogs were believed to be buried in mass graves, per HCSO.

Investigators recovered 117 intact canine remains from two dig sites, as well as 21 additional canine skulls, hundreds of bones, and six loose microchips at a nearby dig site linked to the rescue. Seventy of the intact dogs were X-rayed on site, and many showed evidence of bullet fragments, the sheriff’s office said.

Examinations conducted on site by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and forensic veterinarians led investigators to preliminarily determine that many of the dogs died from gunshot wounds. The remaining 47 dead dogs were not examined on site due to time constraints, but all 117 were taken into evidence.

Analysts are currently reviewing data to identify any microchipped dogs.

Investigators also located additional dead dogs in the same field but did not remove them due to advanced decomposition. An area inside a barn was identified as a likely location where the dogs were killed, and more than 600 dog collars were found there.

“This investigation is just getting started. There is a tremendous amount of data to process, witnesses to interview, and evidence to examine,” Sheriff William F. Honsal said in a statement. “The determination all of these professionals showed while working through this horrific scene is something we will not forget,” he added.

The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact HCSO. “Upon completion of the investigation, and after a thorough review of all evidence, if there is sufficient evidence to support violations of animal cruelty, fraud, or other applicable laws, the case will be submitted to the prosecution team for review and consideration of criminal charges,” HCSO stated.

Previously, on April 22, the sheriff’s office received credible information alleging felony animal abuse, animal cruelty, fraud, and conspiracy connected to Miranda’s Rescue, per an earlier press release. On May 1, investigators served a search warrant and seized evidence. They have since interviewed other animal shelters, witnesses, and victims, and have received hundreds of tips from the public.

“Through the investigation, it has been determined that hundreds of dogs were transferred or turned over to Miranda’s Rescue by private citizens and animal shelters. A significant number of those animals have not been accounted for,” HCSO said.

The California Attorney General’s Office, California Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Agriculture, FBI, Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office, Cal Poly Humboldt Anthropology Department, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, and private forensic veterinarians have all assisted in the investigation. PEOPLE reached out to Miranda’s Rescue on Sunday, June 28, but did not receive an immediate response.

Prior to the recent findings, Miranda released a statement addressing the allegations. “Miranda’s Rescue is a no-kill rescue. We do not euthanize animals simply to make space. However, as we state on our website, there are rare circumstances in which euthanasia may be necessary—when an animal is suffering from a terminal condition or when it poses a serious, ongoing danger to people or other animals. In those situations, we make the most humane and responsible decision we can, always with public safety and animal welfare in mind,” Miranda claimed in a June 18 statement on the rescue’s website.

“My staff, volunteers, and I love the animals we serve. We work tirelessly to rehabilitate them and find safe, appropriate homes whenever possible,” the nonprofit founder added, stating that they have notified local authorities whenever an animal was euthanized.

The City of Stockton Animal Shelter stated on Saturday, June 27, that it has shared information regarding animals transferred from their shelter to Miranda’s Rescue with HCSO. “The information that has recently come to light is deeply concerning and is being taken seriously. Whenever possible, the Stockton Police Department and City of Stockton Animal Services actively oppose animal neglect, cruelty, or any actions that jeopardize the health and well-being of animals,” the shelter wrote on Facebook.

Source: People