California Animal Rescue Still Operating Days After 'Mass Grave' of 117 Dogs Found, Sheriff Confirms
Investigators say many of the 117 dogs showed bullet fragments, and records show 731 more animals remain unaccounted for.
- On Monday, Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal reported that investigators recovered 117 intact canine remains from two burial sites at Miranda's Rescue in Fortuna, California, following a June 25 search warrant operation.
- Authorities launched an investigation in April 2026 after receiving reports of animal cruelty and fraud at the facility, which advertised itself as a "no-kill" sanctuary providing permanent homes for rescued animals.
- Investigators discovered 661 dog collars in a barn where authorities believe dogs were killed, while preliminary examinations showed many died from gunshot wounds; 731 dogs remain unaccounted for after 918 were transferred since 2025.
- The Palm Springs Animal Shelter confirmed two transferred puppies were among the dead, prompting Riverside County Fourth District Supervisor Manuel Perez to address the situation Monday and initiate a review of transfer policies.
- Sheriff Honsal stated the investigation remains ongoing with no arrests made, as his office processes a "tremendous amount of data" and interviews witnesses to ensure accountability for the animals involved.
20 Articles
20 Articles
117 dead dogs found at animal rescue, many with gunshot wounds as investigators probe for answers
Humboldt County deputies found remains of over 100 dogs, many with bullet fragments, at an animal rescue in Fortuna, California under investigation for alleged animal cruelty and fraud.
Sheriff details mass‑grave findings, missing dogs in Maranda’s Rescue investigation
Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal on Monday detailed what investigators describe as one of the largest animal‑cruelty investigations ever documented on the North Coast. The case now spans more than 20 counties and involves state and federal agencies.
RivCo Supervisor Manuel Perez Addresses Mass Dog Deaths in NorCal
Of the more than 100 dogs that were unearthed in mass graves in Northern California, two of them had been transferred from the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, with Riverside County Fourth District Supervisor Manuel Perez addressing the situation Monday. “The reports coming out of northern California are unsettling and really bring to light the realities our animal services teams are facing. Our priority is to continue working with partners, such as…
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