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Deputies uncovered the remains of more than 100 dogs, many of them with gunshot wounds, during a search of an animal rescue under investigation for alleged abuse and fraud.
While executing a search warrant, deputies with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office made the gruesome discovery at Miranda’s Rescue in Fortuna, California on Thursday.
In what Sheriff William Honsal dubbed as a “horrific scene,” investigators uncovered 117 “canine remains,” skulls, “hundreds of bones, and six loose microchips” at various dig sites on the property, according to a release.
Deputies in California discovered the remains of 117 dogs at an animal rescue. The discovery follows an investigation into alleged animal cruelty and fraud at the rescue. (AP Images: Lost Coast Outpost)
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The search warrant authorized investigators to search the grounds and buildings associated with Miranda’s Rescue and Shannon Miranda for evidence related to alleged animal cruelty and fraud, including excavating open fields where investigators believed deceased dogs were buried in mass graves.
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Dozens of the unearthed dog bodies appeared to be in varying states of decomposition. X-ray results revealed several dogs showed evidence of bullet fragments, deputies say.
Investigators also discovered an area inside a barn on the property where they believe the dogs were killed. More than 600 dog collars were recovered from that same location.
Deputies are investigating an animal rescue in Fortuna, California where more than 100 remains of dogs were discovered. (AP Images: Lost Coast Outpost)
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Currently, no charges have been filed. However, the sheriff’s office said, “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.”
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office is investigating Miranda’s Rescue in California, where the remains of 117 dog bodies were found. (Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office)
In a recent public statement posted to the rescue’s website, founder Shannon Miranda said in part:
“Allegations made without a full understanding of the circumstances can harm not only my reputation but also the future of an organization that has served this community for decades. 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’s Rescue in Fortuna, California is under investigation for alleged animal cruelty and animal abuse. This is a screenshot of the rescue’s website. (Miranda’s Rescue website)
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Fox News Digital has reached out to Miranda for comment.
The investigation is ongoing.