Investigators recovered 117 intact canine remains from two dig sites at Miranda’s Rescue, the Northern California animal sanctuary under investigation for alleged animal cruelty and fraud, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office said Friday.
Many of the dogs had apparent gunshot wounds, authorities said.
The dogs were found during a three-day search warrant operation that ended Thursday at the Fortuna property. Investigators also found 21 canine skulls, hundreds of bones and six loose microchips in another location near where the intact dogs were discovered, the sheriff’s office said.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and forensic veterinarians examined 70 of the dogs at the scene and preliminarily determined that many died after being shot and wounded, according to the sheriff’s office. The remaining 47 dogs were not examined on scene because of time constraints, but all 117 were collected as evidence.
Most of the recovered dogs had microchips, and analysts are reviewing the data to identify the animals.
Investigators also located additional canine remains in advanced stages of decomposition in the northern area of the same field. After consulting with prosecutors, investigators determined that removing those animals was not justified because of their condition and the limited evidentiary value, the agency said.
The site was documented and covered, leaving the animals in place.
Inside a barn, investigators found an area believed to be where dogs were likely killed, the sheriff’s office said. More than 600 dog collars were found in the same area.
In an aerial view, investigators search for animal remains while executing a second search warrant at Miranda’s Rescue as part of an active investigation into alleged animal cruelty, fraud and theft in Fortuna on Tuesday. Humboldt County investigators recovered 117 intact dog remains from Miranda’s Rescue during a three-day search warrant operation. Officials said many of the dogs showed evidence of bullet fragments, and more than 600 collars were found in a barn. (Stephen Lam/S.F. Chronicle)
The operation was the second search warrant served at Miranda’s Rescue, a self-described “no-kill” sanctuary at 1603 Sandy Prairie Road that received dogs from shelters and private owners across California, including the Bay Area.
The sheriff’s office said the warrant authorized investigators to search the grounds and buildings associated with Miranda’s Rescue and founder Shannon Miranda for evidence related to animal cruelty and fraud, including the excavation of open fields for dogs believed to be buried in mass graves.
The property was surveyed with ground-penetrating radar, and specialized teams excavated sites where anomalies in the soil were found.
“This investigation is just getting started,” Sheriff William Honsal said in a statement. “There is a tremendous amount of data to process, witnesses to interview, and evidence to examine.”
No arrests or criminal charges were announced Friday. Miranda’s Rescue remained open.
The sheriff’s office said that after investigators complete a review of the evidence, the case will be submitted to prosecutors if there is sufficient evidence to support violations of animal cruelty, fraud or other laws.
The investigation began April 22, when the sheriff’s office said it received credible information about allegations of felony animal abuse, animal cruelty, fraud and conspiracy involving Miranda’s Rescue.
Investigators first searched the property May 1. A search warrant affidavit later said eight dead dogs had been recovered from the property, some with apparent gunshot wounds. The affidavit also alleged Miranda falsely told at least one shelter that a dog had been adopted when the dog was dead.
Miranda has denied killing and dumping the eight dogs, according to the affidavit.
In a public statement last month, Miranda said “not everything we’re seeing is true,” asked the public to “hold fire” and said he intended to “vigorously defend” himself. He said his attorney had advised him not to comment further.
Dogs recently returned from Miranda’s Rescue are now back in the care of Bay Area shelters, including Napa County Animal Shelter and Berkeley Animal Care Services. (Berkeley Animal Care Services)
The case has alarmed animal shelters across California and prompted Bay Area agencies – including Oakland Animal Services – to try to account for dogs sent to Miranda’s Rescue. The sheriff’s office said earlier this week that hundreds of animals transferred or turned over to the rescue remain unaccounted for.
Public shelters often rely on rescue partners when they are full or need placements for dogs that are difficult to adopt, including large breeds or animals with medical or behavioral needs.
On Friday, Oakland Animal Services said it has reached critical capacity, with large dogs and kittens filling the shelter. The city said that the shelter’s maximum capacity for big dogs is 73 and that it currently has 74 dogs in care, leaving no room for incoming animals.
Oakland officials said adopters and fosters are urgently needed, particularly ahead of the Fourth of July, when shelters often see an influx of lost pets frightened by fireworks.
“Every large dog who leaves the shelter creates a space for the dogs still coming in,” Oakland Animal Services Director Joe DeVries said in the city’s statement.
A press conference is scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday at the Humboldt County Correctional Facility briefing room in Eureka.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251 or email HSO@co.humboldt.ca.us.
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This article originally published at 117 dog remains found at California rescue, many with signs of gunshots.