Authorities investigating a California no-kill animal shelter discovered 117 buried dogs, many with apparent gunshot wounds, alongside other remains, triggering a criminal probe into alleged animal cruelty, fraud and conspiracy.
The remains of at least 117 dogs, many believed to have died from gunshot wounds, have been uncovered at a California “no-kill” animal shelter, as authorities investigate allegations of animal cruelty, fraud and conspiracy.
Investigators from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office said on Friday they also recovered 21 canine skulls along with hundreds of bones and other animal remains during searches at Miranda’s Rescue Animal Sanctuary, a 50-acre facility in Fortuna, California, according to the Associated Press (AP).
During a search on Thursday, investigators identified an area inside a barn where they believe dogs were likely killed. More than 600 dog collars were discovered nearby, the sheriff’s office said.
Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal described the property as a “horrific scene.” No charges have been filed so far.
The investigation began in April after the sheriff’s office received what it described as credible information alleging felony animal abuse, animal cruelty, fraud and conspiracy at the shelter.
Using ground-penetrating radar, investigators located 117 intact animal remains buried in an open field at various stages of decomposition. X-rays carried out on 70 of the remains revealed bullet fragments in many of them, with authorities saying gunshot wounds appeared to be the cause of death in several cases. Additional remains in advanced stages of decomposition were also recovered.
According to an affidavit from an earlier search, the investigation was launched after two animal advocates alerted authorities. One of the advocates, who owns property adjacent to the shelter, reportedly used trail cameras to monitor activity near a suspected burial site. The advocates later entered the shelter property and unearthed dog remains, the affidavit said.
Authorities said hundreds of dogs had been transferred to Miranda’s Rescue by private citizens and animal shelters. The organisation also receives transfer fees and donations to help cover food, housing, veterinary care, medication, facility expenses and staffing costs.
A request for comment was left for the shelter’s founder, Shannon Miranda.
In a statement published on the shelter’s website on June 18, Miranda said recent media reports and online commentary had presented “an incomplete and, in some cases, inaccurate picture” of the shelter’s work.
“At Miranda’s Rescue, our mission is to save as many animals as we safely can always balancing compassion for animals with our responsibility to protect families, children, other pets and the public,” Miranda said, according to the AP report.
Miranda said the facility remains a no-kill rescue and does not euthanise animals simply to create space. However, she said euthanasia may be carried out in rare circumstances, including when an animal is terminally ill or poses a serious and ongoing threat to people or other animals.
