Stockton officials said they are cooperating with Humboldt County investigators in an animal cruelty and fraud investigation that began in April and deepened last week when authorities recovered the remains of more than 100 dogs from a Fortuna animal rescue.
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office said its Major Crimes Division completed a second search warrant operation on June 25 at Miranda’s Rescue Animal Sanctuary in Fortuna. The warrant authorized investigators to search the property’s buildings and grounds, including open fields where deceased dogs were believed to be buried.
During the search, investigators recovered 117 intact canine remains from two dig sites, according to the sheriff’s office. Investigators also found 21 canine skulls, hundreds of bones and six loose microchips in another nearby dig location.
“This investigation is just getting started,” Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal said in a June 26 statement. “There is a tremendous amount of data to process, witnesses to interview, and evidence to examine.”
The Stockton Police Department and City of Stockton Animal Services said in a Facebook post on Saturday that they are aware of the ongoing investigation into Miranda’s Rescue and have provided information to the sheriff’s office about animals transferred from the Stockton shelter through established rescue placement partnerships.
The city’s statement did not say how many animals were transferred to Miranda’s Rescue, when the transfers occurred or whether any animals from Stockton have been identified among the remains recovered by investigators. Officials said they were “awaiting additional information” regarding the welfare of the animals that were transferred.
According to the sheriff’s office, the recovered remains of 70 of the dead dogs were examined on site by forensic veterinarians and investigators from the US Department of Agriculture. A preliminary determination found that many of them died after being shot. Many of the recovered dogs had been microchipped, authorities said, and the data is being reviewed in order to identify them.
The sheriff’s office also said that investigators found more than 600 dog collars in an area inside a barn where they believe the dogs were killed.
In a June 18 statement posted on the rescue’s website, founder Shannon Miranda addressed “recent media coverage and online commentary” and described two incidents involving animals killed at the facility. One involved a dog that she said killed another animal and attacked a third, and the other involved a dog that lunged at a stroller carrying a baby.
“These were not decisions made lightly and were based on my responsibility to protect both the public and the animals in our care,” Miranda wrote.
Miranda described the rescue as a no-kill shelter, but said euthanasia is sometimes necessary.
“Whenever euthanasia has been necessary, I have notified local authorities in advance, even when told that reporting is not required,” Miranda wrote. “I believe it is important to maintain a clear record of these difficult decisions.”
Stockton officials did not address Miranda’s statement directly.
“The information that has recently come to light is deeply concerning and is being taken seriously,” the city said. “Whenever possible, the Stockton Police Department and City of Stockton Animal Services actively oppose animal neglect, cruelty, or any actions that jeopardize the health and well-being of animals.”
The city’s animal shelter also serves a broader role in the region. San Joaquin County contracts with Stockton for sheltering services for impounded dogs and cats, according to the San Joaquin sheriff’s office.
The Humboldt County investigation began on April 22, when the sheriff’s office there said it had received credible information involving allegations of felony animal abuse, animal cruelty, fraud and conspiracy connected to the rescue.
Investigators first served a search warrant at the property on May 1 and seized evidence. Animals located on the property, including dogs and cats, were examined by Humboldt County Animal Control, which said at the time it would continue monitoring the animals daily while the investigation remained ongoing.
No criminal charges have been announced. The sheriff’s office said the evidence review process will take “a significant amount of time.” If investigators find enough evidence to support violations of animal cruelty, fraud or other laws, the case will be submitted to prosecutors for review, the agency said.
Stockton officials said they will continue to monitor the case and review information relevant to the animals involved as more details become available. The city’s statement did not say whether Stockton Animal Services has paused or ended transfers to Miranda’s Rescue.
“Our priority remains the welfare of the animals involved,” Stockton officials said, “and we are committed to remaining engaged as we learn more about this situation.”
Anyone with information related to the investigation is encouraged to contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251. People with questions, concerns or information about an animal that was under the care of Miranda’s Rescue can also email HSO@co.humboldt.ca.us.