Northern California rescue stays open after investigators find remains of 100+ dogs

Northern California authorities said Monday they have recovered the remains of 117 dogs during a criminal investigation at Miranda’s Rescue Animal Sanctuary, where investigators are also trying to determine what happened to hundreds of other dogs transferred to the North Coast facility.

Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal said investigators believe 731 dogs transferred to the rescue remain unaccounted for and are continuing to review evidence before deciding whether to seek criminal charges.

Miranda’s Rescue describes itself as a no-kill animal sanctuary where rescue organizations can transfer animals for adoption or lifelong care.

“I understand the public’s cry for justice. I understand the public’s cry for transparency,” Honsal said. “However, we must balance the public’s right to know with the constitutional and legal rights of everyone involved. This case will not be solved in the public forum, it will be handled through the criminal justice system and if appropriate, a court of law.”

The investigation began April 22 after two residents reported what they believed was a mass burial site on the property near Fortuna, Honsal said. The residents turned over the remains of eight dogs they said they recovered from the site, prompting the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office to open a criminal investigation.

Records seized during a May 1 search warrant showed that at least 918 dogs were transferred or surrendered to Miranda’s Rescue between January 2025 and April 2026. Of those, investigators determined 116 were adopted, 71 were listed as available for adoption and 45 remained at the facility, leaving 731 dogs unaccounted for, Honsal said.

Investigators executed a second search warrant June 23, using ground-penetrating radar to identify suspected burial sites before excavating the property. They recovered the intact remains of 117 dogs from two burial pits, and many of the animals showed evidence of gunshot wounds or bullet fragments, Honsal said.

Investigators also recovered 91 microchips, which they are using to identify the dogs and trace them to shelters, rescue organizations and former owners.

Miranda’s Rescue has continued operating during the investigation because California does not require animal rescues to be licensed or regulated under a specific state law, Honsal said.

Animal control officers have been visiting the facility three days a week to monitor the remaining animals. Honsal said the dogs, cats and birds still at the rescue appear healthy and have adequate food and water.

Shannon Miranda, founder of Miranda’s Rescue, said in a statement that although the organization is a no-kill rescue, there are “rare circumstances in which euthanasia may be necessary.”

Honsal said the number of dead dogs found on the property appears far beyond what investigators would expect at a legitimate animal rescue. He also called for changes to California law, saying the state should establish oversight and reporting requirements for animal rescue organizations.

The Humboldt County investigation also has prompted action in Sacramento County. Sacramento County’s Bradshaw Animal Shelter said it ended its relationship with Miranda’s Rescue in March 2025 after determining the organization no longer met the shelter’s standards and stopped authorizing dog transfers to the rescue.

The shelter said one dog transferred from Sacramento County to Miranda’s Rescue has been recovered safely, while two others remain unaccounted for. Sacramento County has demanded the return of any remaining Bradshaw dogs believed to be at the rescue and has initiated legal action to recover them, according to the shelter.

Investigators continue to analyze digital evidence, financial records and witness statements. If sufficient evidence is found to support allegations of animal cruelty, fraud, conspiracy or other crimes, the case will be submitted to prosecutors for possible charges, Honsal said.