FORTUNA, CALIFORNIA — The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office uncovered the remains of 117 dogs and evidence of mass killing at Miranda's Rescue Animal Sanctuary in Fortuna, California. The discovery followed an investigation initiated in April 2025 into allegations of felony animal abuse, animal cruelty, fraud, and conspiracy at the facility.

Investigators located the intact remains of the 117 dogs in two excavated areas on the rescue's 50-acre property. Ground-penetrating radar was used to identify subsurface irregularities before excavation. Additionally, 21 dog skulls and hundreds of other bones were found in a dig location near where the intact remains were discovered.

Seventy of the recovered dog bodies were X-rayed, and bullet fragments were found within them. Six loose microchips were also discovered in a dig location. Analysts are reviewing data from the microchips found in most of the deceased dogs to identify them. More than 600 dog collars were located in a barn on the property, which investigators identified as a likely killing site.

Sheriff William Honsal stated that the rescue had brought in 900 animals since the start of 2025 and reported only 116 adoptions. He indicated that over 700 animals were unaccounted for at the facility, which is located approximately 288 miles north of San Francisco.

Shannon Miranda, the owner and operator of Miranda's Rescue Animal Sanctuary, maintained that "Miranda's Rescue is a no-kill rescue." Miranda added, "We do not euthanize animals simply to make space." She also stated that whenever euthanasia has been necessary, she has notified local authorities in advance, even when told that reporting is not required.

No criminal charges have been filed against Miranda or any staff members of the rescue organization. The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office stated that if sufficient evidence supports violations of animal cruelty, fraud, or other applicable laws, the case will be submitted to the prosecution team for review and consideration of criminal charges. The initial investigation was launched after a neighbor admitted to entering the property without permission in April and digging up what they believed were buried dogs.