A California dog rescue hid a grim secret: more than 100 dogs buried beneath it

Remains of more than 100 dogs were discovered buried at a California animal rescue sanctuary, according to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with local, state and federal authorities, began investigating Miranda’s Rescue Animal Sanctuary in Fortuna after receiving a tip in April about alleged animal abuse, animal cruelty, fraud and conspiracy, according to deputies.

Last week, the sheriff's office announced that 117 intact dog remains were recovered from two dig sites. An additional 21 canine skulls, hundreds of bones and six loose microchips were found in another dig location near the area where the intact animals were discovered. Authorities later said they were continuing to review microchip data and other evidence from the scene.

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The intact dogs were in various stages of decomposition, the sheriff's office said, adding that 70 dogs were X-rayed on site and many showed evidence of bullet fragments. Forensic veterinarians preliminarily determined that many of the dogs examined on site had died of gunshot wounds.

"Most of the dogs recovered were microchipped. Analysts are currently reviewing the data obtained from the microchips and are working to identify the dogs associated with those chips. All items were collected as evidence and will undergo further examination as part of the ongoing investigation," the sheriff's office said.

Authorities also discovered an area inside a barn believed to be where the dogs were likely killed. In that area, more than 600 dog collars were recovered.

Investigators identified at least 918 dogs transferred to the rescue since January 2025, but only 116 adoptions have been confirmed. Authorities said 71 dogs were found on site during the investigation, leaving more than 700 dogs unaccounted for.

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"This investigation is just getting started," Sheriff William Honsal said. "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."

Fox News Digital reached out to Miranda’s Rescue Animal Sanctuary for comment.

The owner and founder, Shannon Miranda, posted a statement on the rescue's website pushing back on the allegations.

"For more than 30 years, I have devoted my life to rescuing and caring for animals through Miranda’s Rescue. Recent media coverage and online commentary have presented an incomplete and, in some cases, inaccurate picture of our work. I want to share the facts and provide context so the public can better understand our work and the difficult decisions we sometimes must make," the June 18 statement reads.

Miranda said his rescue has euthanized animals in the past, but only in rare circumstances "when an animal is suffering from a terminal condition or when it poses a serious, ongoing danger to people or other animals."

"In one case, a dog named Zora arrived heavily sedated, later killed a feral cat during a walk with a prospective adopter, then broke free and attacked another dog," Miranda said. "In another case, a dog transferred to us became fixated on a stroller carrying a baby, lunged at it, and attacked it before staff intervened. In both situations, given the observed behavior and the risks to staff, volunteers, visitors, and other animals, I made the difficult decision to euthanize the dogs."

Authorities have not arrested or charged anyone yet in connection with this case, but the sheriff's office said the evidence review process will require a significant amount of time due to the nature and complexity of the investigation.