At least 117 dogs were found buried on the grounds of Miranda's Rescue, a so-called 'no-kill' animal shelter in Fortuna, California, with many showing signs of gunshot wounds. Police also recovered more than 600 dog collars near the burial site, describing the discovery as a 'horrific scene.'
Investigation Details
Police began investigating the shelter in April after receiving 'credible information' alleging felony animal abuse, animal cruelty, fraud, and conspiracy. Using ground-penetrating radar, investigators uncovered 117 intact dog remains in a mass grave in an open field, along with additional remains in advanced stages of decomposition. X-rays of 70 remains revealed bullet fragments, confirming the dogs were shot.
Chilling Discoveries
On Friday, police found 21 canine skulls, hundreds of bones, and other remains on the property. The previous day, investigators identified a spot inside a barn believed to be where the dogs were likely killed. Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal called it a 'horrific scene.'
Shelter Operations
Miranda's Rescue collects fees from shelter transfers and donations for food, housing, veterinary care, and staffing. The shelter's website states it is a 'no-kill rescue' that only euthanizes animals in rare circumstances, such as terminal illness or dangerous behavior. Owner Miranda denied killing animals except as a last resort, calling media coverage 'incomplete and inaccurate.'
Ongoing Investigation
No charges have been filed. Sheriff Honsal said, 'This investigation is just getting started. There is a tremendous amount of data to process, witnesses to interview, and evidence to examine.' The sheriff's office noted that hundreds of dogs were transferred or turned over to the shelter by private citizens and other shelters, raising questions about their fate.
