The remains of at least 117 dogs were found in one location, many with apparent gunshot wounds. california ‘No-kill’ animal shelter prompts investigation into allegations of animal cruelty, fraud and conspiracy.
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office said Friday that investigators also found 21 canine skulls, hundreds of bones and other remains during a search of the Miranda Rescue Animal Sanctuary, a 50-acre facility in Fortuna, California.
During a search Thursday, investigators discovered an area inside the barn where they believe the dog may have been killed. More than 600 dog collars were found nearby, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal described the scene as a “horrible scene.” So far, no charges have been filed.
The investigation began in April after the Sheriff’s Office received allegedly credible information regarding felony animal cruelty, animal cruelty, fraud and conspiracy charges.
Radar scan finds 117 buried dogs
Using ground-penetrating radar, investigators found 117 complete animal remains in various stages of decomposition buried in an open field. X-rays of 70 remains found bullet fragments in many of them, and authorities said gunshot wounds appeared to be the cause of death in several cases. Further residues in advanced stages of decomposition were also found.
The investigation was launched after two animal rights activists alerted authorities, according to an affidavit from a previous search. One of the people who owns property near the shelter reportedly used trail cameras to monitor activity near the suspected cemetery. Advocates later entered the shelter and exhumed the dog’s remains, the affidavit states.
Authorities said private citizens and animal shelters have transferred hundreds of dogs to Miranda Rescue Center. The organization also collects transfer fees and donations to pay for food, housing, veterinary care, medications, facility fees and staffing.
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A request for comment has been sent to shelter founder Shannon Miranda.
Miranda said in a June 18 statement posted on the shelter’s website that recent media reports and online comments present an “incomplete and, in some cases, inaccurate picture” of the shelter’s work.
“At Miranda Rescue, our mission is to safely rescue as many animals as possible, always balancing compassion for animals with our responsibility to protect families, children, other pets and the public,” Miranda said, according to the Associated Press.
Miranda insists the facility is a no-kill rescue and does not euthanize animals simply to create space. However, euthanasia may be performed in rare circumstances, such as when an animal is terminally ill or poses a serious and ongoing threat to humans or other animals.
(With input from The Associated Press)
