Miranda's Rescue Investigation - Hope Paws Support Fund

Allegations include felony animal abuse, fraud, conspiracy – and evidence that transferred dogs were shot and buried in a mass grave.

Miranda’s Rescue investigation: What We Know So Far

On May 1, 2026, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant at Miranda’s Rescue in Fortuna, California. The warrant was part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of:

Felony animal abuse
Animal cruelty
Fraud
Conspiracy

The investigation began after the Sheriff’s Office received credible information about serious misconduct at the rescue. Due to the complexity of the case, the Major Crimes Division was assigned as the lead investigative unit.

Evidence was seized during the search. Animals on the property – including dogs and cats – were examined by Humboldt County Animal Control, which continues to monitor them daily.

The investigation remains active and ongoing.

What Shelters Are Saying

Oakland Animal Services has publicly detailed its involvement in the case. Director Joe DeVries said his agency first learned of potential issues in late April.

What they discovered was devastating.

A volunteer provided evidence that a dog transferred from Oakland to Miranda’s Rescue – a dog they had been told was adopted – had actually been shot in the head and buried in a mass grave.

“You can’t lie; microchips don’t lie,” DeVries said.

Berkeley Animal Services found the same evidence for one of its dogs.

When DeVries finally reached Miranda’s Rescue operator Shannon Miranda by phone, he asked about a dozen dogs Oakland had sent in March and April. Miranda reportedly admitted that five of those dogs had been put down – four of which he had previously told Oakland were adopted.

Text messages confirmed those earlier claims of adoption.

When asked how the dogs were euthanized, Miranda reportedly said he could not find a veterinarian to do it, so he was doing it himself.

Of 112 dogs found on the property during the search warrant, only one from Oakland was still alive.

What Happens Next

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office has not yet released an official statement on the findings of the investigation, nor has it confirmed the number of animals recovered from the property or the conditions of the remains. However, the evidence already uncovered is deeply troubling.

Multiple cities – including Rio Dell, Ferndale, and Fortuna – have suspended their contracts with Miranda’s Rescue following the search.

Oakland Animal Services is now reviewing its transfer protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. The shelter is working with the California Animal Welfare Association and other shelters across the state to strengthen rescue partner agreements and ongoing reporting practices.

What You Can Do

If you have transferred animals to Miranda’s Rescue: Check your records immediately. Contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office if you have concerns.

If you have information related to this case: Contact the Major Crimes Division at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip Line at (707) 268-2539.

If you are a donor or supporter: This case is a reminder of why transparency matters. Always research rescue organizations before donating or transferring animals. Ask questions. Check microchips. Follow up.

Why We Are Sharing This

Hope Paws Support Fund exists to help dogs and the people who love them. Part of that mission is promoting transparency and accountability in animal welfare.

We do not share this information lightly. The allegations are disturbing. But the dogs who lost their lives deserve to be seen, and the public deserves to know the truth.

We will continue to follow this investigation and update our readers as more information becomes available.