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At this afternoon’s press conference at the Humboldt County Courthouse, Sheriff William Honsal offered more details about the evidence gathered thus far in the multi-agency criminal investigation into Miranda’s Rescue.

Last week, investigators executing a search warrant unearthed 117 intact dog carcasses, another 21 skulls and hundreds of bones at the Fortuna facility, which advertises itself as a “no-kill” animal sanctuary.

During the briefing, Honsal offered some new information about the evidence discovered last week, including morbid details about a barn where more than 600 dog collars were found, and where investigators believe the dogs were likely shot dead.

“We found spent shell casings; we found .22 rounds as well as the .22 rifle … as well as blood spatter, as well as the collars,” Honsal said. Several of the collars had identifying tags attached, including license numbers and names, he added.

Early on, Honsal acknowledged the seriousness of the case and the public concern it has generated, and he asked for the public’s patience as the complex investigation proceeds.

Regarding the allegations of fraud, Honsal said Miranda’s Rescue advertises itself as an animal sanctuary and entered into agreements with shelters to provide a place where animals could either be adopted out or live out their lives in a sanctuary. 

“The allegations in this case are that Miranda’s Rescue received money for animal placements but later euthanized [the animals] and [they] were not adopted out or allowed to live out their lives … as represented,” Honsal said.

After confiscating electronics and financial and business records, investigators have contacted shelters and rescue organizations throughout California and beyond. Records indicate that, from January 2025 to April 2026, at least 918 surrendered dogs were transferred to Miranda’s Rescue. Just 116 of those have records confirming that they’ve been adopted out.

Another 71 dogs were onsite when the Sheriff’s Office visited the property on May 20, according to Honsal. Forty-five of them are still there today. 

“And that leave 731 dogs unaccounted for,” he said. 

“We do know that more animals were transferred to that facility than we have documentation for,” Honsal added. 

Investigators stand in one of two dig sites at Miranda’s Rescue last week. | Photo via HCSO.

While excavating two mass grave sites in an open field at Miranda’s Rescue last week, investigators found carcasses in layers, indicating that groups of dogs had been buried at different times, the sheriff explained. 

“According to our timeline, through evidence, it was determined that the dogs were buried here sometime … between January and April 2026,” Honsal said.

Seventy dogs were x-rayed onsite; many showed evidence of bullet fragments. 

“Veterinarians onsite preliminarily determined that many of the dogs died from gunshot wounds,” Honsal reported, adding that 91 microchips were recovered from the scene. Many of those chips traced back to shelters throughout the state, and Honsal said an analyst in his office is working to link more microchips to the dogs’ previous owners. 

“This case has many moving parts,” the sheriff said, adding that his agency will be working with state and federal partners, which include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the California Department of Justice.

“This process will take time,” Honsal said, adding that the case will be submitted to the prosecution team for potential criminal charges only if there’s sufficient evidence. 

“This case will not be solved in the public forum,” Honsal explained. “It will be handled through the criminal justice system, and, if appropriate, a court of law. I’m asking everyone to take a breath at this time. Allow the investigation and legal process to work. We owe that to the victims, the community and the integrity of this case.”

Later in his remarks to the press, Honsal said he believes legislative changes changes in order, and, by way of example, he pointed to Assembly Bill 631, an animal sanctuary transparency measure that was held up in committee last year.

“I believe it needs to be pushed forward this next legislative season,” Honsal said. He also called for more public education and affordable access to spay-and-neuter services to reduce the number of unwanted animals. 

Meanwhile, animal control officers are checking on the remaining animals at Miranda’s Rescue three times per week, with owner/operator Shannon Miranda’s cooperation.

“There is plenty of food for those animals, and they are being properly cared for,” Honsal said.

Honsal asked for anyone with information about animals transferred to Miranda’s Rescue over the past year to email the sheriff’s office — HSO@co.humboldt.ca.us — or call the tip line: 707-268-2539.

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