The remains of 117 dogs – many with bullet fragments in their bodies – have been unearthed at a purported ‘no-kill’ animal rescue in northern California, as investigators say more than 700 animals remain unaccounted for.
Authorities began digging at Miranda’s Rescue Animal Sanctuary in Fortuna, 288 miles north of San Francisco, after a neighbour admitted entering the property without permission in April and dug up what they believed were buried dogs. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office said it had received ‘credible information’ regarding allegations of felony animal abuse, cruelty, fraud and conspiracy.
“117 dogs found dead at California 'no-kill' shelter, many with gunshot wounds; 700+ animals missing.”
Since opening at the start of 2025, the shelter had brought in 900 animals but recorded only 116 official adoptions, Sheriff William Honsal said. More than 700 were missing.
Two excavated areas on the 50-acre site yielded the intact remains of 117 dogs, plus 21 dog skulls and hundreds of other bones. About 600 dog collars were also located. Six loose microchips were found near another dig site. Investigators X-rayed 70 of the bodies and discovered bullet fragments; initial examinations determined gunshot wounds as the cause of death for many. The sheriff’s office said it also found a barn where ‘the dogs were likely killed’, and another area with dogs in advanced stages of decomposition.
Most of the dead dogs were microchipped, and analysts are reviewing the data to identify them.
The shelter’s owner and operator, Shannon Miranda, has not been charged. In an online statement before the mass grave was discovered, she said media coverage and commentary ‘have presented an incomplete and, in some cases, inaccurate picture’ of the facility. She asked the public to ‘consider all the facts before reaching conclusions’. Days later, the website of Miranda’s Rescue stated: ‘We do not euthanise animals simply to make space. However, as we state on our website, there are rare circumstances in which euthanasia may be necessary—when an animal is suffering from a terminal condition or when it poses a serious, ongoing danger to people or other animals.’ The statement added that they had ‘notified local authorities in advance, even when told that reporting is not required’ for any necessary euthanasia.
The sheriff’s office has asked for patience as the investigation continues. ‘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 department said.