A horrifying animal cruelty investigation in California has uncovered more than 100 dead dogs at an animal rescue, with many of the remains showing signs of gunshot wounds, authorities said.
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office said investigators recovered 117 intact dead dogs this week from dig sites at Miranda’s Rescue in Fortuna, California. The discovery was announced in a June 26 press release as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged animal cruelty and fraud tied to the rescue and its founder, Shannon Miranda.
Authorities said they searched buildings and grounds connected to the animal rescue while looking for evidence related to “animal cruelty and fraud.” That search included digging up open fields where investigators believed dead dogs had been buried in mass graves.
What they found was grim.
Investigators recovered 117 intact canine remains from two dig sites. At another nearby dig site connected to the rescue, they found 21 additional canine skulls, hundreds of bones and six loose microchips.
Seventy of the intact dead dogs were X-rayed at the scene, and many showed evidence of bullet fragments, according to the sheriff’s office.
The United States Department of Agriculture and forensic veterinarians examined the remains on site. Investigators said they preliminarily determined that many of the dogs likely died from gunshot wounds.
The remaining 47 dead dogs were not examined at the scene because of time constraints, but all 117 intact remains were collected as evidence.
Authorities said analysts are now reviewing microchip data in an attempt to identify the dogs.
Investigators also found more dead dogs in the same field, but they were not removed because they were in an advanced stage of decomposition.
Inside a barn on the property, authorities located an area where they believe dogs were likely killed. More than 600 dog collars were found in that area, according to investigators.
“This investigation is just getting started,” Humboldt County Sheriff William F. Honsal said in a statement. “There is a tremendous amount of data to process, witnesses to interview, and evidence to examine.”
He also praised the investigators and specialists who worked through the disturbing scene.
“The determination all of these professionals showed while working through this horrific scene is something we will not forget,” Honsal said.
The investigation into Miranda’s Rescue began earlier this year. On April 22, the sheriff’s office said it received “credible information” involving allegations of felony animal abuse, animal cruelty, fraud and conspiracy connected to the rescue.
On May 1, investigators served a search warrant and seized evidence. Since then, authorities have interviewed animal shelters, witnesses and victims. The sheriff’s office said it has received hundreds of tips from the public.
Officials said hundreds of dogs had been transferred or surrendered to Miranda’s Rescue by private citizens and animal shelters. A significant number of those animals have not been accounted for, according to the sheriff’s office.
The investigation has now drawn help from several agencies, including the California Attorney General’s Office, California Department of Justice, United States Department of Agriculture, FBI, Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office, Cal Poly Humboldt Anthropology Department, the Animal Legal Defense Fund and private forensic veterinarians.
Authorities said that once the investigation is complete, prosecutors will review the evidence to determine whether criminal charges should be filed for animal cruelty, fraud or any other applicable laws.
Before the latest findings were announced, Shannon Miranda released a statement on the rescue’s website denying that the organization killed animals simply to make room.
“Miranda’s Rescue is a no-kill rescue,” Miranda claimed in the June 18 statement. “We do not euthanize animals simply to make space.”
Miranda said there were rare circumstances where euthanasia may be necessary, including when an animal has a terminal condition or poses a serious ongoing danger to people or other animals.
“My staff, volunteers, and I love the animals we serve,” Miranda added. “We work tirelessly to rehabilitate them and find safe, appropriate homes whenever possible.”
Miranda also claimed the rescue notified local authorities whenever an animal was euthanized.
The City of Stockton Animal Shelter said on Saturday, June 27, that it had shared information with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office about animals transferred from its shelter to Miranda’s Rescue.
“The information that has recently come to light is deeply concerning and is being taken seriously,” the shelter wrote on Facebook. “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 case remains under investigation, and authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office.
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