Investigators have uncovered the remains of at least 117 dogs at a California animal sanctuary, along with hundreds of dog collars and evidence suggesting a burial site on the property. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office stated Friday that searches at Miranda’s Rescue Animal Sanctuary in Fortuna revealed 21 canine skulls, numerous bones, and other remains.
During searches initiated on Thursday, authorities identified an area within a barn that they believe was used for killing animals. More than 600 dog collars were found in the vicinity. Sheriff William Honsal described the scene as "horrific" and indicated that the investigation is in its early stages, with a significant amount of evidence to process and witnesses to interview.
The shelter, a 50-acre facility owned by Shannon Miranda, has been under investigation since April 2026 for alleged felony animal abuse, animal cruelty, fraud, and conspiracy. An affidavit related to the property search indicated that the sheriff’s office was alerted by two animal advocates, one of whom was a neighboring landowner. These individuals reportedly used trail cameras near a suspected burial site on the edge of the shelter grounds.
According to the affidavit, the advocates later entered shelter property and excavated dog remains. Investigators utilized ground-penetrating radar to locate 117 canine bodies buried in an open field, in varying stages of decomposition. X-rays of over 70 of these remains revealed bullet fragments, suggesting gunshot wounds as the likely cause of death for many of the animals.
Miranda's Rescue issued a statement on its website on June 18, asserting that recent media coverage presented an incomplete and sometimes inaccurate view of their operations. The statement emphasized their mission to save animals while balancing compassion with public safety. The shelter collects fees from transfers and donations to cover operational costs. Records indicate that shelters paid Miranda's Rescue between $400 and $1,450 per dog.
The shelter's website states it is a "no-kill rescue" that avoids euthanasia unless an animal is terminally ill or poses a serious, ongoing danger to people or other animals. In such rare circumstances, they claim to make the most humane and responsible decision possible.
In early June 2026, several Bay Area shelters began taking back dogs previously placed with Miranda’s Rescue, following the commencement of the investigation. Three dogs—Blanche, Gus, and Clem Smith Jr.—returned to a Napa County Animal Shelter were reportedly thinner and bruised. These dogs are now available for adoption.