(FOX40.COM) — The investigation into Miranda’s Rescue in Humboldt County is raising broader questions about how animal rescues are regulated in California.
Last week, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office announced investigators found the remains of 117 dogs buried on the Miranda’s Rescue property as part of an ongoing criminal investigation.
Investigators have also said hundreds of dogs that were transferred to the rescue remain unaccounted for. During a recent press conference, Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal said California does not require a specific state license or permit to operate an animal rescue.
That revelation surprised many Californians and prompted questions about what oversight currently exists.
According to Jill Tucker, CEO of the California Animal Welfare Association, while animal rescues must still comply with state animal cruelty laws, California does not have a statewide licensing and routine inspection program specifically for private animal rescues.
The California Animal Welfare Association is advocating for the creation of a Bureau of Companion Animal Welfare within the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The proposed bureau would license companion animal organizations, conduct annual inspections and establish additional accountability measures.
The organization is also supporting increased transparency through reporting requirements that would track the number of animals entering and leaving shelters and rescues.
Supporters say those measures could help identify potential problems earlier and improve oversight statewide. However, some shelters say the burden of tracking and reporting to a state agency would be too cumbersome. Also, some lawmakers think more regulation would be to costly.
The Miranda’s Rescue investigation remains active. No criminal charges have been announced.
Related resources
Search for adoptable pets at local shelters and rescues and learn more about the adoption process.
Learn more about the organization’s work and its proposal to create a statewide Bureau of Companion Animal Welfare.
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