FORTUNA, Calif. — Allegations that animals were intentionally killed at Miranda’s Rescue have prompted a criminal investigation in Humboldt County and led at least one Bay Area shelter to cut ties with the organization.
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office obtained a search warrant for Miranda’s Rescue on May 1, following allegations that animals were intentionally killed in a case investigators have linked to financial misconduct.
According to an affidavit, Oakland Animal Services was among the shelters that transferred nearly 450 animals to Miranda’s Rescue between 2023 and 2025. Oakland Animal Services Director Joe DeVires said the partnership with Miranda’s Rescue dates back years.
“Originally, we signed an agreement with Miranda’s back in 2016. Last year, we transferred 205 dogs,” DeVires said.
One of the dogs mentioned in the affidavit was Zora, who was sent to Miranda’s Rescue from Oakland Animal Services in March 2026. Investigators said Zora was found dead a few weeks later after seven other dogs were discovered buried on Miranda’s property.
DeVires said Oakland Animal Services was told a different outcome for Zora.
“The weekend before we learned the truth, Miranda had sent our transfer coordinator a text. Good news, Zora has been adopted,” DeVires said.
The owner of Miranda’s Rescue, Shannon, released a statement online disputing the allegations and asking the public to wait for the legal process to play out.
“Humboldt friends and colleagues, Many of you, like me, have been appalled by allegations we’ve read in the media and online. Not everything we’re seeing is true. A legal process is now underway to sort the facts from the lies, and I’m asking you to please hold fire until that process works its way through. I have cared for thousands of animals and devoted 31 years of my life to the rescue, and I intend to vigorously defend myself and continue this important work. I have been advised by counsel not to comment further at this time. With love, Shannon,” the statement said.
DeVires said Oakland Animal Services has stopped all services with Miranda’s Rescue and is relying on other partners.
“We’re committed to finding the best outcome for every animal that we have to take in in the Oakland jurisdiction. We are taking steps to review all of our agreements and to see that we have better reporting requirements to avoid something like this happening again,” DeVires said.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office.
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