117 dead dogs found at California 'no-kill' animal rescue - many with gunshot wounds
Investigators have found the remains of 117 dogs in various states of decomposition - many of which were found with gunshot wounds - on the
Investigators have found the remains of 117 dogs in various states of decomposition - many of which were found with gunshot wounds - on the grounds of a purported "no-kill" animal shelter in northern California. Authorities excavated open fields at Miranda's Rescue Animal Sanctuary for evidence of animals believed to be buried in mass graves, the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office said. About 600 dog collars were also located.
Officials had been investigating potential fraud or animal cruelty after hundreds of animals were discovered missing from the facility. The sanctuary owner has asked the public to "consider all the facts before reaching conclusions". The shelter's owner and operator Shannon Miranda has said in an online statement before the discovery on the property that media coverage and online commentary about the case "have presented an incomplete and, in some cases, inaccurate picture" of the facility.
The BBC has reached out to the rescue. Miranda is not facing any criminal charges in the probe. The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office began investigating the rescue in April after receiving "credible information" regarding allegations of felony animal abuse, animal cruelty, fraud, and conspiracy associated with Miranda's Rescue. Local media outlets report the probe was launched after a neighbour admitted to entering the property without permission in April and dug up what they believed were buried dogs.
The investigation led to findings that the rescue had brought in 900 animals since the start of 2025 and only had 116 adoptions, Sheriff William Honsal said. More than 700 animals were unaccounted for.
The BriefWire