Authorities in Northern California say they found the remains of more than 100 dogs, many showing signs of gunshot wounds, during a search at an animal rescue already under investigation for alleged abuse and fraud.
Deputies with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office made the disturbing discovery Thursday while serving a search warrant at Miranda’s Rescue in Fortuna, California.
Sheriff William Honsal described the property as a “horrific scene,” saying investigators found 117 canine remains, along with skulls, hundreds of bones and six loose microchips at multiple excavation sites, according to a department release.
California deputies discovered the remains of 117 dogs at an animal rescue amid an investigation into alleged animal cruelty and fraud. (AP Images: Lost Coast Outpost)
The warrant allowed investigators to search buildings and grounds tied to Miranda’s Rescue and Shannon Miranda for evidence connected to alleged animal cruelty and fraud. It also authorized crews to dig in open fields where officials believed dead dogs may have been buried in mass graves.
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Many of the dogs’ remains were found in different stages of decomposition. Deputies said X-ray examinations later showed that several of the animals had evidence of bullet fragments.
Investigators also discovered an area inside a barn on the property where they believe the dogs were killed. More than 600 dog collars were recovered from that same location.
Deputies are investigating an animal rescue in Fortuna, California where more than 100 remains of dogs were discovered. (AP Images: Lost Coast Outpost)
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Currently, no charges have been filed. However, the sheriff’s office said, “If there is sufficient evidence to support 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 Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office is investigating Miranda’s Rescue in California, where the remains of 117 dog bodies were found. (Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office)
In a recent public statement posted to the rescue’s website, founder Shannon Miranda said in part:
“Allegations made without a full understanding of the circumstances can harm not only my reputation but also the future of an organization that has served this community for decades. At Miranda’s Rescue, our mission is to save as many animals as we safely can—always balancing compassion for animals with our responsibility to protect families, children, other pets, and the public.”
Miranda’s Rescue in Fortuna, California is under investigation for alleged animal cruelty and animal abuse. This is a screenshot of the rescue’s website. (Miranda’s Rescue website)
News Agency has reached out to Miranda for comment.
The investigation is ongoing.
