‘Horrific’: At least 117 dead dogs found at California ‘no-kill’ shelter
The discovery of at least 117 dog remains, many with gunshot wounds, at a California “no-kill” animal shelter has shocked authorities and animal advocates alike. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office revealed that they found 21 canine skulls, hundreds of bones, and other remains during searches at Miranda’s Rescue Animal Sanctuary in Fortuna, California.
The investigation uncovered an area in a barn where dogs were believed to have been killed, with over 600 dog collars found nearby. Sheriff William Honsal described the scene as “horrific,” but no charges have been filed as of yet.
Shannon Miranda, the founder of the shelter, has been unreachable for comment. In a statement on the shelter’s website, Miranda defended their mission, stating that they strive to save as many animals as possible while balancing compassion for animals with the responsibility to protect families, children, other pets, and the public.
The sheriff’s office began investigating the shelter after receiving credible information about allegations of animal abuse, cruelty, fraud, and conspiracy. Miranda’s Rescue collects fees from shelter transfers and donations to cover expenses such as food, housing, veterinary care, medications, facility costs, and staffing.
An affidavit from an earlier search revealed that the sheriff’s office was alerted by animal advocates who used trail cameras to monitor activity near an alleged burial site on the shelter’s property. During a subsequent search, investigators found 117 intact remains buried in an open field, with evidence of bullet fragments in many of them.
Miranda maintained that the shelter is a no-kill rescue, only resorting to euthanasia in rare circumstances where an animal is suffering from a terminal condition or poses a danger to people or other animals. Public safety and animal welfare are always top of mind when making such difficult decisions, Miranda stated.
As the investigation continues, there is a significant amount of data to process, witnesses to interview, and evidence to examine. The sheriff’s office is committed to uncovering the truth behind this heartbreaking discovery and ensuring justice for the innocent animals who lost their lives at Miranda’s Rescue Animal Sanctuary.
