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The remains of more than 100 dogs were discovered buried at an animal rescue shelter in California, according to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office.
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation into Miranda’s Animal Rescue Sanctuary in Fortuna in coordination with local, state and federal authorities after receiving a tip in April about allegations of animal abuse, animal cruelty, fraud and conspiracy, according to deputies.
Last week, the sheriff’s office announced that 117 intact dog remains had been found at two dig sites. An additional 21 dog skulls, hundreds of bones and six loose microchips were found at another dig site near the site where the intact animals were found. Authorities later said they were continuing to review microchip data and other evidence at the scene.
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The remains of more than 100 dogs were found buried in an animal shelter in California. (Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle)
The intact dogs were in various stages of decomposition, the sheriff’s office said, adding that 70 dogs were x-rayed at the scene and many had evidence of bullet fragments. Forensic veterinarians initially determined that most of the dogs examined in the area died from gunshot wounds.
“Many of the rescued dogs were microchipped. Analysts are currently reviewing data from the microchips and attempting to identify dogs associated with these chips. All items were collected as evidence and will be subject to further review as part of the ongoing investigation,” the sheriff’s office said. he said.
Authorities also discovered an area inside the barn where dogs were believed to have likely been killed. More than 600 dog collars were seized in this area.
Investigators found that at least 918 dogs had been transferred to the rescue since January 2025, but only 116 dogs were confirmed for adoption. Authorities said that 71 dogs were found in the region during the investigation and more than 700 dogs were missing.
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The intact dogs were in various stages of decomposition, officials said. (Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle)
“This investigation is just getting started,” Sheriff William Honsal said. “There is a tremendous amount of data to process, witnesses to interview, and evidence to examine. The Major Crimes Division remains focused on this case and will continue to work with our state and federal partners to investigate every lead.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to Miranda Animal Rescue Sanctuary for comment.
The company’s owner and founder, Shannon Miranda, posted a statement on the rescue team’s website disputing the claims.
“For over 30 years, I have dedicated my life to rescuing and caring for animals through Miranda’s Rescue. Recent media coverage and online comments have presented an incomplete and, in some cases, inaccurate picture of our work. I want to share the facts and provide context so the public can better understand our work and the difficult decisions we sometimes have to make,” the June 18 statement said.
Miranda said rescues have euthanized animals in the past, but only in rare cases “when an animal is suffering from a fatal condition or poses a serious, ongoing danger to humans or other animals.”
There have been no arrests or charges yet in connection with the investigation. (Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office)
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“In one case, a dog named Zora arrived heavily drugged, then killed a feral cat while on a walk with its potential adopter, then broke free and attacked another dog,” said Miranda. “In another case, a dog transferred to us became entangled in a stroller carrying a baby, attacked it and attacked it before staff could intervene. In both cases, given the behavior observed and the risks to staff, volunteers, visitors and other animals, I made the difficult decision to euthanize the dogs.”
Authorities have not yet arrested or charged anyone in connection with this incident, but the sheriff’s office said the evidence review process will require a significant amount of time due to the nature and complexity of the investigation.
