Hundreds of dog remains discovered at Humboldt County animal sanctuary
Investigators in Humboldt County, California, found the remains of at least 117 dogs, many showing evidence of gunshot wounds, at the Miranda’s Rescue Animal Sanctuary. The sheriff's office is continuing a criminal investigation.
Humboldt County investigators uncovered the remains of at least 117 dogs on the grounds of Miranda’s Rescue Animal Sanctuary, a 50-acre facility in Fortuna, California. The sheriff’s office reported that many of the bodies displayed bullet fragments, indicating gunshot injuries, and that additional skeletal remains and hundreds of dog collars were also recovered.
Sheriff William Honsal said the discovery was a "horrific scene" and noted that the investigation had begun after the office received "credible information" in April alleging felony animal abuse, cruelty, fraud and conspiracy. The agency used ground-penetrating radar and X-ray equipment to locate and examine the remains, finding evidence of gunshot wounds in many cases.
The sanctuary’s founder, Shannon Miranda, declined to comment directly but posted a statement on the organization’s website asserting that recent media coverage had presented an incomplete and sometimes inaccurate picture of its operations. Miranda emphasized that the rescue’s policy is to avoid euthanasia except in rare circumstances where an animal is terminally ill or poses a serious danger to people or other animals.
According to the sheriff’s office, the investigation was prompted by a tip from two animal-rights advocates, one of whom owned adjacent property and used trail cameras to monitor activity near a suspected burial site. Those advocates later entered the sanctuary’s property and uncovered canine remains.
Sheriff Honsal said the inquiry is ongoing, with extensive data to review, witnesses to interview and evidence to analyze.