At least 117 dead dogs found in ‘horrific scene’ at Humboldt, California, ‘no-kill’ shelter

Key Points:

• Authorities discovered the remains of at least 117 dogs, many with gunshot wounds, at Miranda’s Rescue Animal Sanctuary, a 50-acre no-kill shelter in Fortuna, California, during an ongoing investigation into alleged animal abuse and cruelty.
• The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office found 21 canine skulls, hundreds of bones, over 600 dog collars, and a suspected killing site in a barn while searching the property, with evidence suggesting many dogs were shot.
• The investigation began after credible tips and animal advocates uncovered remains on the shelter’s grounds, leading to the use of ground-penetrating radar and X-rays revealing bullet fragments in many of the dog remains.
• Shelter founder Shannon Miranda defended the organization’s mission, stating that euthanasia is rare and only performed when necessary for terminal illness or public safety, denying accusations of wrongdoing amid incomplete media coverage.
• No charges have been filed yet as the sheriff’s office continues processing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and examining data related to allegations of felony animal abuse, cruelty, fraud, and conspiracy.