Humboldt County Sheriff Updates Miranda’s Rescue Investigation: Mass Graves Uncovered, Alleged Betrayal of Agreements, and Urgent Call for Public Information
- Kari Chilson
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
Eureka, CA — June 29, 2026
Humboldt County Sheriff William Hansel delivered a detailed update Monday on the ongoing criminal investigation into Miranda’s Rescue Animal Sanctuary in Fortuna, highlighting the discovery of mass graves containing dozens of dogs and the alleged violation of agreements made with shelters, rescues, and individuals who surrendered animals.
According to the Sheriff, Miranda’s Rescue marketed itself as a sanctuary where animals could either be adopted into loving homes or live out their natural lives on the property. Shelters and individuals who transferred or surrendered dogs were led to believe their animals would receive care under those terms. Instead, investigators allege that animals were euthanized after the rescue received payments for their placement.
Mass Graves Discovered During Excavation
A major focus of the briefing was the excavation conducted June 23–25, 2026, under a second search warrant. Investigators uncovered 117 intact canine remains from two distinct burial sites in an open field behind the rescue facility.
Many of the 70 dogs X-rayed on site showed bullet fragments.
Forensic veterinarians on scene preliminarily determined that numerous dogs died from gunshot wounds.
Additional remains included 29 canine skulls and hundreds of bones found in loose dirt.
A total of 91 microchips were recovered (85 from the intact dogs), many tracing back to shelters and rescues across California.
Sheriff Hansel described the scene as deeply disturbing. The two primary burial locations yielded the bulk of the intact remains, with the deepest excavation reaching 12–15 feet and estimated to have been buried between January and April of this year. Evidence also pointed to a barn area used for euthanasia, where spent .22 shell casings, a .22 rifle, blood spatter, and 661 dog collars (some with names or identification tags) were recovered.
Alleged Violation of Placement Agreements
Sheriff Hansel stated that a core allegation is that the rescue accepted money for the promise of sanctuary care, but instead killed many of the animals rather than fulfilling the represented outcomes. This alleged breach forms a central part of the fraud investigation.
Preliminary records reviewed so far show:
918 dogs were documented as transferred or surrendered (from January 2025 to April 2026).
Only 116 with verified adoptions.
45 dogs are still at the facility.
731 dogs are currently unaccounted for.
The mass graves and high number of unaccounted animals have intensified concerns that many dogs did not receive the care or outcomes promised to those who surrendered them.
Investigation Remains Active; Public Urged to Come Forward
The case involves allegations of animal cruelty, fraud, and conspiracy. Hundreds of tips have been received. Investigators continue to analyze evidence with partners, including the California Attorney General’s Office, the Department of Justice, the USDA, and the FBI. The case will be submitted to prosecutors once the review is complete.
Sheriff Hansel made a direct appeal to the public: Anyone who has information about animals transferred or surrendered to Miranda’s Rescue — especially within the past year — is strongly encouraged to contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office. This includes previous owners, shelters, or rescues that sent dogs there.
How to help:
Email: HSO@co.humboldt.ca.us
Provide as much detail as possible: animal description, microchip number (if known), collar description, date of transfer/surrender, shelter or rescue involved, photos, or records.
Sheriff Hansel noted that linking microchip data to previous owners is the next phase of the investigation, and individuals may receive follow-up calls in the coming weeks.
Animal control officers continue to check on the remaining animals at the facility three times per week. Those animals (including dogs, cats, and birds) currently appear healthy and well-cared for.
Broader Concerns and Legislative Needs
Sheriff Hansel also spoke about the lack of specific licensing or oversight for animal rescues in California and called for stronger state legislation, including advancing AB 631, which would require rescues and shelters to report detailed intake and outcome data to improve accountability and transparency.
He emphasized California’s ongoing challenges with pet overpopulation, limited access to spay/neuter services, and overwhelmed shelters and rescues.
The investigation is complex and ongoing. Authorities continue to ask for patience while the evidence is thoroughly reviewed through the criminal justice system.
For the latest official updates, check the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office website or watch for future press releases. Anyone with relevant information is urged to come forward as soon as possible to assist the investigation.
Below is the full Press Briefing released June 29, 2026, by the Humboldt County Sheriff:
