corruption
Investigators Find 731 Animals Unaccounted for at Miranda’s Rescue in Fortuna as Criminal Probe Expands
A Northern California animal rescue that marketed itself as a “no-kill” sanctuary has been exposed as a mass killing operation.
Investigators excavated the remains of 117 dogs from two burial pits — some as deep as 12 to 15 feet — at Miranda’s Rescue in Fortuna, a 50-acre property north of San Francisco.
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office opened a criminal investigation on April 22 after two local residents snuck onto the property, dug up what they believed were buried animals, and handed over eight sets of remains to authorities.
A May 1 search warrant revealed that at least 981 dogs were transferred to the rescue between January 2025 and late April 2026. Of those, only 116 have been verified as adopted. Forty-five remain at the facility. That leaves 731 animals unaccounted for.
Investigators returned June 23 with ground-penetrating radar. What they found was damning.
“70 of the dogs were X-rayed on site, and many of those animals showed evidence of bullet fragments,” said Sheriff William Honsal.
Investigators also recovered 91 microchips, 661 collars, spent shell casings, and blood spatter inside a barn they believe was used as a killing floor.
The investigation now centers on allegations that the rescue accepted $500 to $1,000 per animal from other shelters — then killed them instead of providing sanctuary. Operator Shannon Miranda, who has run the facility for over 30 years, denies wrongdoing. He previously admitted to shooting five of the dogs locals dug up, claiming it was for public safety.
As of now, no charges have been filed.
