A raid on an animal rescue centre in California has uncovered a mass dog grave, with dozens shot dead and hundreds missing.
Investigators uncovered the remains of 117 dogs, 21 dog skulls and hundreds of bones at Miranda’s Rescue Animal Sanctuary in Fortuna, southern California.
X-rays carried out on 70 of the dogs showed that many contained bullet fragments, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office said.
Detectives also discovered what they believed was a barn where the animals had been killed, along with around 600 dog collars.
The grim discovery forms part of an expanding investigation into the fate of about 730 animals believed to have passed through the sanctuary.
Since January 2025, about 900 dogs had been transferred to the shelter, said William Honsal, the sheriff.
Investigators conduct excavation work at at the shelter – Ryan Burns
William Honsal, the sheriff said he was ‘thinking worst-case scenario’ – Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office
Investigators have, however, been able to verify only 116 adoptions during that period, leaving more than 700 animals unaccounted for.
The sheriff’s office said the sanctuary, self-described as a “no-kill” rescue, charged fees to pet owners ranging from $500 to several thousand dollars, promising to rehome the animals.
“We are thinking worst-case scenario,” Mr Honsal said. “We are here to look and uncover whatever evidence that we can possibly find.”
Investigators also found additional canine remains scattered across a field on the property, many in advanced stages of decomposition.
“Investigators documented the location and observations, and the site was covered, leaving the animals in their final resting place,” the sheriff’s office said.
The investigation into the shelter began on April 26 after the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received a tip alleging felony animal abuse, animal cruelty, fraud and conspiracy at the rescue run by Shannon Miranda.
Shannon Miranda said he had ‘devoted my life to rescuing and caring for animals’
Jennifer Raymond, an animal rights activist, said she heard rumours of animal cruelty at the shelter. In April she and another activist trespassed on the property and dug up eight dead dogs with bullet wounds in their heads.
She handed the remains to the sheriff’s office, prompting investigators to obtain a search warrant.
Despite the findings, the sanctuary remains open and continues to house about 50 dogs, as well as cats and birds.
Mr Honsal said California law did not allow authorities to shut down the operation while the investigation continued and no criminal charges had yet been filed.
“He’s allowed to have animals on his ranch, on his sanctuary, and operate his business at this time,” the sheriff said.
Responding to the allegations in a lengthy statement published on the sanctuary’s website, Mr Miranda said his organisation cared for animals that other shelters were unable or unwilling to accept.
“For more than 30 years, I have devoted my life to rescuing and caring for animals through Miranda’s Rescue,” he said.
He insisted the shelter was a no-kill rescue but acknowledged that animals may be euthanised in rare cases involving terminal illness or serious safety threats.
Miranda’s Rescue Animal Sanctuary has been contacted for comment.