Deputies uncovered the remains of more than 100 dogs, many of them with gunshot wounds during a search of an animal rescue under investigation for alleged abuse and fraud.
While executing a search warrant, deputies with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office made the gruesome discovery at Miranda’s Rescue in Fortuna, California on Thursday.
In what Sheriff William Honsal dubbed as a “horrific scene,” investigators uncovered 117 “canine remains,” skulls, “hundreds of bones, and six loose microchips” at various dig sites on the property, according to a release.
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The search warrant authorized investigators to search the grounds and buildings associated with Miranda’s Rescue and Shannon Miranda for evidence related to alleged animal cruelty and fraud, including excavating open fields where investigators believed deceased dogs were buried in mass graves.
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Dozens of the unearthed dog bodies appeared to be in varying states of decomposition. X-ray results revealed several dogs showed evidence of bullet fragments, deputies say.
Investigators also discovered an area inside a barn on the property where they believe the dogs were killed. More than 600 dog collars were recovered from that same location.
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Currently, no charges have been filed, however the sheriff’s office said, “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 review and consideration of criminal charges.”
In a recent public statement posted to the rescue’s website, founder Shannon Miranda said in part:
“Allegations made without a full understanding of the circumstances can harm not only my reputation but also the future of an organization that has served this community for decades. At Miranda’s Rescue, our mission is to save as many animals as we safely can—always balancing compassion for animals with our responsibility to protect families, children, other pets, and the public.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to Miranda for comment.
The investigation is ongoing.