Authorities excavated open fields at Miranda’s Rescue Animal Sanctuary in Fortuna, California, where the bodies of the dogs were found in mass graves; the facility, located about 288 miles north of San Francisco, is now at the center of an investigation into potential animal cruelty and fraud.

Mass Graves and Bullet Wounds

More than 600 dog collars were also discovered during the excavation. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation was launched in April after receiving “credible information” about felony animal abuse, cruelty, and fraud. The probe was further prompted after a neighbor admitted to trespassing on the property and digging up what they believed were buried dogs.

The sheriff’s office reported that 900 animals were brought to the facility since the start of 2025, but only 116 were adopted. This means over 700 animals are unaccounted for. On Friday, the department announced that 117 intact dog remains were found in two excavated areas on the 50-acre property.

Signs of Violence and Neglect

Of the 70 dogs that were X-rayed, 70 were found to have bullet fragments. Initial examinations suggest that many of the animals died from gunshot wounds. The sheriff’s office also discovered a barn where it believes the dogs were likely killed. And, 21 dog skulls and hundreds of other bones were found during the search of the property.

Authorities said they located six loose microchips in another area near where the remains were discovered. Most of the deceased dogs were microchipped, and analysts are now reviewing the data to identify the animals associated with those chips.

As part of the ongoing investigation, the department has requested public patience, noting that the case is complex and involves a large volume of evidence to process. No criminal charges have yet been filed in the two-month-long probe.

Owner Denies Allegations

Shannon Miranda, the owner and operator of the sanctuary, has not been charged in the investigation. In a prior online statement, Miranda said that media coverage and online commentary “presented an incomplete and, in some cases, inaccurate picture” of the facility. He also asked the public to “consider all the facts before reaching conclusions.”

Miranda maintains that his facility is a “no-kill rescue” and refutes accusations of animal cruelty. He said that other shelters often turn to his rescue as a last resort for harder-to-place animals. According to Miranda, his facility has only euthanized animals in rare circumstances, not simply to make space, but only when an animal is suffering from a terminal condition or poses a danger to people or other animals.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office has said that 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 consideration of criminal charges.