117 dead dogs, many with gunshot wounds, found at California 'no-kill' animal sanctuary
Authorities excavating the grounds of a self-described no-kill shelter in Humboldt County have uncovered mass graves containing the remains of 117 dogs, along with hundreds of bones and collars, triggering an investigation into animal cruelty and fraud.
Discovery at the sanctuary
Investigators have excavated open fields at Miranda's Rescue Animal Sanctuary in Fortuna, California, unearthing the remains of 117 dogs in various stages of decomposition. Many of the animals had suffered gunshot wounds. In addition to the remains, officers recovered about 600 dog collars, 21 dog skulls, and hundreds of other bones. The sanctuary had long presented itself to the public as a no-kill facility.
- Shelter begins taking in a wave of animals; roughly 900 accepted through mid-2026.
- Neighbour enters property without permission and digs up suspected dog remains.
- Humboldt County Sheriff's Office opens investigation into animal cruelty, fraud, and conspiracy.
- Excavation of open fields uncovers 117 dog remains, 21 skulls, hundreds of bones, and 600 collars.
Investigation triggered by neighbour's find
The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office opened a probe in April after receiving credible information pointing to potential felony animal abuse, animal cruelty, fraud, and conspiracy. Local media report the tip originated when a neighbour admitted entering the property without permission and digging up what they believed to be buried dogs. That discovery prompted the wider excavation that began several weeks later.
Massive intake, few adoptions
Sheriff William Honsal said the investigation revealed that Miranda's Rescue had taken in roughly 900 animals since the start of 2025, yet recorded only 116 adoptions. More than 700 animals remain unaccounted for. The staggering gap between intake and documented outcomes helped fuel the allegations of systemic abuse.
- Total intake
- 900 animals
- Adoptions
- 116 animals
- Remains recovered
- 117 animals
Owner urges caution
The facility's owner and operator, Shannon Miranda, has not been charged with any crime. In an online statement released before the excavation findings were made public, Miranda asked the public to reserve judgment.
Miranda urged observers to consider all the facts before drawing conclusions.Media coverage and online commentary about the case have presented an incomplete and, in some cases, inaccurate picture of the facility.
What comes next
The Sheriff's Office has not announced any arrests or charges, and the investigation remains ongoing. The BBC has sought comment from the rescue. Animal-welfare groups and local authorities are now examining the fate of the more than 700 missing animals, while the 117 recovered remains undergo further forensic analysis to determine the precise cause and timeline of death.
