Humboldt County animal shelter found with remains of more than 100 buried dogs
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The remains of more than 100 dogs have been found buried at an animal rescue in California, according to the County Sheriff's Office.
The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, in cooperation with local, state and federal authorities, began investigating Miranda's Rescue Animal Sanctuary in Fortuna 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 the remains of 117 dogs had been found at two excavation sites. Another 21 canine skulls, hundreds of bones and six loose microchips were found at another excavation site near where the unchained animals were found. Authorities later said they were still reviewing microchip data and other evidence from the scene.
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The remains of more than 100 dogs have been found buried at 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 showed evidence of bullet wounds. Forensic veterinarians determined that most of the dogs examined at the scene had died from gunshot wounds.
“Most of the recovered dogs had microchips. Investigators are currently reviewing the information obtained from the microchips and are working to identify the dogs associated with those chips. All items have been collected as evidence and will be further examined as part of the ongoing investigation,” the sheriff's office said.
Authorities also found an area inside the barn that is believed to be where the dogs were killed. In that area, more than 600 dog collars were found.
Investigators have identified at least 918 dogs that have been turned in for rescue since January 2025, but only 116 have been confirmed to be children. Authorities say 71 dogs were found in the area during the search, leaving more than 700 dogs unaccounted for.
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The intact dogs were in various stages of decomposition, officials said. (Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle)
“This investigation is just beginning,” said Sheriff William Honsal. “There is a lot of information to process, witnesses to interview, and evidence to evaluate. The Major Crimes Division is very focused on this case and will continue to work with our federal and state partners to investigate all leads.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to Miranda's Rescue Animal Sanctuary for comment.
The owner and founder, Shannon Miranda, posted a statement on the rescue website retracting the allegations.
“For more than 30 years, I have dedicated my life to saving and caring for animals through Miranda Rescue. Recent media coverage and Internet comments have given an incomplete and, in some cases, incorrect picture of our work. I want to share the facts and provide context so that the public can better understand our work and the sometimes difficult decisions we have to make,” the June 18 statement.
Miranda said her rescue has helped animals in the past, but only in rare cases “when the animal has a terminal illness or poses a significant, ongoing risk 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 another incident, a dog named Zora came and ate, and killed a cat on the cheek when they were walking with someone who was going to raise it, then it broke free and attacked another dog,” said Miranda. “In one incident, a dog that was referred to us focused on a cart carrying a child, jumped on it, and attacked it before the staff could intervene. In both cases, given the observed behavior and the risks to the staff, volunteers, visitors and other animals, I made the difficult decision to release the dogs.”
Authorities have not made any arrests or charges in connection with the case, but the sheriff's office said the evidence review process will require more time due to the nature and complexity of the investigation.
