Over 100 dogs found dead, many with bullet holes at Northern California rescue, authorities say

Key Points:

• Investigators recovered 117 intact canine remains, 21 skulls, and hundreds of additional bones during a second search of Miranda's Rescue in Humboldt County, California, expanding an ongoing investigation into alleged animal cruelty and fraud.
• Many of the recovered dogs showed evidence of gunshot wounds, with USDA veterinarians preliminarily determining that several died from gunshots; investigators also found an area in a barn believed to have been used to kill dogs and over 600 dog collars.
• Since January 2025, about 900 dogs were sent to the rescue, but adoption records exist for only around 100, leaving over 700 dogs unaccounted for, raising concerns about the rescue's treatment and handling of animals.
• The investigation began after a neighbor reported digging up suspected dead dogs on the property, and multiple Bay Area shelters have since cut ties with the rescue amid allegations that dogs were killed to make room for more animals despite payments made for their care.
• No charges have been filed yet, but legal experts note that animal cruelty cases are complex and may involve additional allegations such as fraud and breach of contract; the investigation remains active with a news conference planned for Monday.