A second search warrant executed at Miranda’s Rescue and excavation of the property led to the discovery of more than a hundred dead dogs, many with gunshot wounds

- California, USA -

On April 22, 2026, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received credible information regarding allegations of felony animal abuse, animal cruelty, fraud, and conspiracy associated with Miranda’s Rescue, owned and operated by SHANNON MIRANDA (pictured via Facebook), located at 1603 Sandy Prairie Road in Fortuna.

Due to the serious nature and complexity of the allegations, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Division assumed the investigation and a search warrant was obtained for Miranda’s Rescue, including the residence and business property.

On the early evening of May 1, 2026, investigators served the search warrant and seized evidence related to the investigation. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office said in its press release that since then, “investigators have interviewed dozens of animal shelters throughout California, as well as some shelters outside of the state. Investigators have also interviewed witnesses and victims and have received hundreds of tips through phone calls and emails.”

From the investigation it came to light that since January 2025, at least 900 dogs were transferred or turned over to Miranda’s Rescue by private citizens and animal shelters. However, only 116 adoptions have been confirmed, leaving more than 700 dogs unaccounted for.

In view of the large number of dogs that remain unaccounted for, investigators served a second search warrant at Miranda’s Rescue.

The warrant authorized the excavation of the property in an effort to locate additional deceased animals believed to be buried on site and it was executed on the early morning of June 23, 2026, in collaboration with the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office, California Attorney General’s Office, California Department of Justice, United States Department of Agriculture, and Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The sheriff’s office said that private forensic veterinarians also assisted with the excavation operation.

During the excavation, investigators recovered from two dig sites the remains of 117 intact canines. Humboldt County Sheriff William F. Honsal said the 117 dogs were in various stages of decomposition. On another site investigators found an additional 21 canine skulls, hundreds of bones, and six loose microchips.

Sheriff Honsal also said that 70 of the dogs were x-rayed on site, and many of them showed evidence of bullet fragments. Investigators said that initial examinations found that the cause of death for many of those dogs was gunshot wounds.

In a nearby barn, where investigators believe the dogs were likely killed, they found 600 dog collars.

According to the sheriff, most of the dogs were microchipped so analysts are reviewing microchip data to identify the dogs associated with those chips.

Sheriff Honsal said that no one has been arrested in connection with this case and the investigation is “just getting started.”

The sheriff’s office said the public’s desire for accountability and justice is understandable but the evidence review process will require significant time given the complexity of the investigation. Sheriff Honsal said once the investigation is completed, the case will be submitted to prosecutors for review.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707)-445-7251. Thank you!

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

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