Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Finds 117 Dead Dogs With Gunshot Wounds at Miranda’s Rescue Animal Sanctuary

Investigators in Fortuna, California, found the remains of at least 117 dogs on the grounds of Miranda’s Rescue Animal Sanctuary, a purported “no-kill” animal shelter, with many of the animals showing gunshot wounds.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office said it excavated open fields at the 50-acre facility for evidence of animals believed to be buried in mass graves, and it also located about 600 dog collars.

ABC7 Bay Area

Authorities said the 117 sets of canine remains were found in “various states of decomposition,” and they reported that 70 of the bodies were X-rayed and found with bullet fragments.

The sheriff’s office said it also discovered an additional 21 dog skulls and hundreds of other bones during searches at the sanctuary, and it found six loose microchips in another dig location near where the remains were discovered.

The investigation began in April after the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received “credible information” regarding allegations of felony animal abuse, animal cruelty, fraud, and conspiracy associated with Miranda’s Rescue.

Authorities said they were granted a warrant that included excavation of the property for evidence that dogs had been buried in “mass graves,” and an initial search warrant was executed May 1 when officials seized evidence.

Associated Press

Sheriff William Honsal said the investigation is “just getting started,” and he described the recovery as a “horrific scene” that the determination by professionals was “something we will not forget.”

NBC News reported that no charges were announced and that the case had been assigned to the Major Crimes Division, with investigators working to identify dogs that were microchipped and to process evidence and witness interviews.

Shannon Miranda, the shelter’s owner and operator, asked the public to “consider all the facts before reaching conclusions,” and she said in an online statement that media coverage and online commentary “have presented an incomplete and, in some cases, inaccurate picture.”

“117 dead dogs found at California 'no-kill' animal rescue - many with gunshot wounds Investigators have found the remains of 117 dogs in various states of decomposition - many of which were found with gunshot wounds - on the grounds of a purported "no-kill" animal shelter in northern California”

BBC

Miranda said in a statement posted June 18 that “Miranda’s Rescue is a no-kill rescue,” and she wrote that euthanasia is not done “simply to make space,” but only in rare circumstances involving terminal conditions or serious, ongoing danger.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office said it started investigating after receiving “credible information” in April and that, 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.”

The BBC reported that Miranda is not facing any criminal charges in the probe, while NBC News said the sheriff’s office cautioned that the investigation is expected to be lengthy and complex as evidence is processed and constitutional and legal rights are protected.