Miranda’s Rescue in Fortuna, California describes itself as a “no-kill rescue, adoption & sanctuary facility”. Their site underlines that “There’s no type of animal that we won’t rescue” and that “Many of the animals are adopted out to loving homes while others live permanently on the rescue grounds as sanctuary residents.”
Now the Humboldt County sheriff’s office has been digging up the grounds around the rescue facility as part of a months-long investigation into Miranda’s Rescue, which they say was accepting “hundreds” of dogs from San Francisco Bay shelters in exchange for hundreds of thousands of dollars of funding.
ABC7 News reports that the investigation began after a suspicious neighbor admitted to trespassing on the property in April. They then dug up some dead dogs, with the affidavit reporting that they were found with suspected gunshot wounds to their heads.
The Sheriff’s office has now confirmed a grisly discovery that appears to be a dog mass grave. In a press release, the Sheriff’s office said they “recovered 117 intact canine remains from two dig sites. An additional 21 canine skulls, hundreds of bones, and six loose microchips were located in another dig location near where the intact animals were discovered.”
Preliminary necropsies were done on site, revealing bullet fragments inside the dogs’ bodies and confirming that “most” of them were microchipped, indicating that these were once pets rather than strays.
Further excavations uncovered more dead dogs in an “advanced stage of decomposition”, but it was deemed to be best to leave them there “in their final resting place”. Additionally, in the barn where they believe the dogs were killed, investigators discovered more than 600 dog collars.
“We make the most humane and responsible decision we can”
On June 18, Shannon Miranda, founder of Miranda’s Rescue, put up a statement on their page. She says that “recent media coverage and online commentary have presented an incomplete and, in some cases, inaccurate picture of our work” and that it’s important for us to know the “context” for the “difficult decisions” that need to be made:
“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.”
She says, “Unfortunately, not every animal can be safely rehabilitated or placed in a family environment,” and that, “Whenever euthanasia has been necessary, I have notified local authorities in advance, even when told that reporting is not required. I believe it is important to maintain a clear record of these difficult decisions.”
As of writing, no criminal charges have been filed, but the sheriff’s office says:
“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.”
They also confirm that, due to significant attention to this case, a press conference is to be held tomorrow, where further details about the case will be revealed.
Published: Jun 28, 2026 02:24 pm