Investigators uncovered more than 100 dead dogs—many with evidence of gunshot wounds—during a probe of a California animal shelter.
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The remains of 117 dead dogs were found on the grounds of Miranda's Rescue in Fortuna, a "no-kill" sanctuary in California, officials said.
The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office said Friday that it also discovered 21 canine skulls. Additionally, hundreds of bones and other remains were found at the 50-acre facility.
Sheriff William Honsal described the shocking discovery as a "horrific scene."
The search, conducted on June 25, was the second time that authorities have surveyed the no-kill shelter.
The sheriff's office searched the grounds and buildings associated with the shelter and founder Shannon Miranda "for evidence related to animal cruelty and fraud."
Sheriff Honsal stated, "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."
Multiple Agencies Are Investigating Miranda's Rescue
The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office stated that if there is sufficient evidence to support violations of animal cruelty or fraud, the case will be submitted to the prosecution team for review and consideration of criminal charges.
Multiple agencies, including the California Attorney General's Office, California Department of Justice, and Federal Bureau of Investigation, among others, are investigating the case.
So far, no charges have been filed.
The investigation began on April 22, when the sheriff's office received "credible information" with allegations of felony animal abuse and animal cruelty associated with Miranda's Rescue, per a previous HSCO press release.
Before 117 dead dogs were found on-site, Miranda released a statement on June 18 to address the allegations.
"Miranda's Rescue is a no-kill rescue. We do not euthanize animals simply to make space.
"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 wrote.
