The owner of Miranda's Rescue in Northern California has accused the Humboldt County Sheriff of "Gestapo tactics" as an investigation into allegations of dozens of dead dogs on his property continues. Shannon Miranda stated that Sheriff William F. Honsal has failed to provide an itemized list of seized items from raids on his rescue and has selectively released information for publicity.
The Sheriff's Office reports that 117 dead dogs, 21 canine skulls, and hundreds of additional bones have been discovered on the property. No criminal charges have been filed against Miranda at this time.
Miranda asserted that he has fully cooperated with the investigation, providing records, computers, and phones. He claims that inaccurate information and lies circulating about the case have led to threats and hostility toward him and his family. He believes that neighbors Jenna Moore and Jennifer Raymond are spreading falsehoods and that their followers are posting death threats.
Miranda denied allegations that he euthanized dogs to create space, stating any such decisions were made after careful evaluation of each dog's medical condition, behavioral history, and public safety considerations. He also contends that a bin of dog collars found on the property was mischaracterized by the sheriff's office, explaining they were donated for incoming dogs.
Sheriff Honsal responded by stating that inventories of seized items were completed and provided at the scene as required by law, and these are part of the public court record. He indicated that the Sheriff's Office is committed to releasing only limited, factual information appropriate for an active criminal investigation and denied any personal vendetta against Miranda. The Sheriff emphasized the investigation is active, complex, and being handled with seriousness, involving a comprehensive review of evidence and witness interviews.
Investigators with the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) executed a secondary search warrant in June as part of the ongoing animal cruelty and fraud investigation. During the excavation, authorities recovered 117 intact canine remains from two sites. An additional 21 canine skulls, hundreds of bones, and six loose microchips were found in another location near the intact remains. The team also discovered a dead horse and a dog-sized animal, with some dogs exhibiting gunshot wounds.
Honsal previously stated that Miranda's Rescue received over 900 animals from shelters between January and April of the current year. Of these, only about a hundred have been accounted for through adoptions, leaving approximately 730 animals unaccounted for.