Investigators say many of the animals found at Miranda’s Rescue in Fortuna showed evidence of gunshot wounds.
FORTUNA, Calif. — Authorities investigating a self-described no-kill animal rescue in Northern California say they found the remains of at least 117 dogs, many with evidence of gunshot wounds, during searches at the Fortuna property.
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office said the discovery came during a second search warrant operation at Miranda’s Rescue Animal Sanctuary, a 50-acre facility at 1603 Sandy Prairie Road. The case began after investigators received credible information in April about possible felony animal abuse, animal cruelty, fraud and conspiracy. No criminal charges had been filed as of the latest public update.
Investigators said the search, completed June 25, uncovered two dig sites containing 117 intact dog remains in various stages of decomposition. A separate nearby area held 21 canine skulls, hundreds of additional bones and six loose microchips. Sheriff William Honsal called the property a “horrific scene” and said the work of investigators, veterinarians and forensic specialists would not be forgotten.
The sheriff’s office said investigators used ground-penetrating radar to help locate buried remains. Seventy of the dogs were X-rayed at the site, and many showed evidence of bullet fragments. Federal veterinarians and forensic specialists made a preliminary finding that many of those dogs died from gunshot wounds. The remaining 47 dogs were collected as evidence but were not examined at the scene because investigators ran out of time.
Inside a barn, investigators found an area where they believe dogs were likely killed, the sheriff’s office said. More than 600 dog collars were found nearby. Authorities also collected evidence from buildings and grounds tied to the rescue and its founder, Shannon Miranda. Officials said the evidence review will take significant time because of the number of animals, records, microchips and physical items involved.
Miranda’s Rescue had described itself as a no-kill sanctuary. In a June 18 statement posted before the latest search results were announced, Miranda said the rescue did not euthanize animals simply to make space. Miranda said euthanasia happened only in rare cases involving terminal illness, serious behavioral danger or threats to public safety. Investigators have not announced whether they accept or reject those claims.
The investigation involves several agencies, including the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Division, the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office, the California Department of Justice, the California Attorney General’s Office, the FBI, the United States Department of Agriculture, Cal Poly Humboldt Anthropology Department, the Animal Legal Defense Fund and private forensic veterinarians.
Authorities said the case will be submitted to prosecutors only if investigators find enough evidence to support violations of animal cruelty, fraud or other laws. The sheriff’s office said the investigation must remain complete, impartial and legally sound while protecting the rights of everyone involved. The office also said public interest in the case is high, but evidence must be reviewed before any charging decision is made.
The case remains active and ongoing. Officials said investigators are still working to identify recovered dogs through microchips and records connected to animal transfers. The next major step is the continued review of physical evidence, financial records and animal records before any possible prosecution decision.
Author note: Last updated June 30, 2026.