Police find remains of more than 100 dogs at ‘no-kill’ animal shelter

Police have uncovered the remains of more than 100 dogs on the grounds of a ‘no-kill’ animal shelter in California.

The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) recovered 117 intact dogs from the open fields at Miranda’s Rescue Animal Sanctuary in Fortuna.

In a press release, HCSO said it had searched the grounds and buildings for ‘evidence related to animal cruelty and fraud’, which included the excavation of the fields for ‘evidence of deceased dogs believed to be buried in mass graves’.

Officers found 117 intact canine remains from two dig sites as well as ‘21 canine skulls, hundreds of bones, and six loose microchips’ at another site near where the dogs had been found.

Police also said they found around 600 dog collars.

Investigators have said the dogs were ‘in various stages of decomposition’ and that x-rays carried out on 70 of the animals revealed ‘evidence of bullet fragments’.

Investigators uncovered the remains of more than 100 dogs (Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

Sheriff William F. Honsal said in a statement: “This investigation is just getting started. There is a tremendous amount of data to process, witnesses to interview, and evidence to examine. The Major Crimes Division is laser focused on this case and will continue working with our state and federal partners to examine every lead.

“We are grateful for the investigative teams from the county, state, and federal government. We are also grateful to the private forensic veterinarians who performed the necropsies on site. The determination all of these professionals showed while working through this horrific scene is something we will not forget.”

The force said the investigation is ongoing and urged anyone with information to come forward.

“Upon completion of the investigation, and after a thorough review of all evidence, if there is sufficient evidence to support violations of animal cruelty, fraud, or other applicable laws, the case will be submitted to the prosecution team for review and consideration of criminal charges,” HSCO said in a statement.

Prior to the release of the new findings, the shelter's owner and operator Shannon Miranda said that recent media coverage had ‘presented an incomplete and, in some cases, inaccurate picture’.

Miranda's Rescue in Fortuna (Google Maps)

“Miranda’s Rescue is a no-kill rescue. We do not euthanise animals simply to make space. However, as we state on our website, there are rare circumstances in which euthanasia may be necessary — when an animal is suffering from a terminal condition or when it poses a serious, ongoing danger to people or other animals. In those situations, we make the most humane and responsible decision we can, always with public safety and animal welfare in mind,” Miranda said in a statement shared to the rescue’s website on 18 June.

“My staff, volunteers, and I love the animals we serve. We work tirelessly to rehabilitate them and find safe, appropriate homes whenever possible.

“Unfortunately, not every animal can be safely rehabilitated or placed in a family environment. Some have attacked other animals, threatened staff, or exhibited severe behavioural distress that makes placement impossible.

“Whenever euthanasia has been necessary, I have notified local authorities in advance, even when told that reporting is not required. I believe it is important to maintain a clear record of these difficult decisions.”

LADbible reached out to Miranda’s Rescue for comment.