Four dogs, previously in the care of Miranda’s Rescue Animal Sanctuary in Fortuna, were returned this week to the Stockton Animal Shelter after more than 100 dead dogs − many with evidence of gunshot wounds − were found on the animal sanctuary site.
The Stockton Animal Services started monitoring the investigation after authorities recovered 117 intact canine remains from two excavation sites, 21 canine skulls, hundreds of bones and several loose microchips on the property.
On June 25, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Division completed a second search warrant operation and follow-up investigation at Miranda’s Rescue Animal Sanctuary, 1603 Sandy Prairie Road.
The Stockton Police Department and the Stockton Animal Shelter said both agencies have been working closely with Humboldt County officials since learning about the investigation.
Stockton animal shelter officials said the agency provided Humboldt County investigators with information regarding the 108 dogs that had been transferred to Miranda’s Rescue between 2020 and 2026. The animals were relocated through rescue partner programs.
As of July 3, Mulan, Diglett, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Toulouse were brought back to the Stockton Animal Shelter.
Toulouse, whose new name is Blue, is preparing to find his “forever home” with the help of California Bully Rescue. Obi-Wan Kenobi, now known as Randy, is with Eddie’s Heart Rescue waiting to find a new home placement. Mulan and Diglett remain in the care of the Stockton Animal Services.
“While we were informed that the dogs were being cared for, our priority became ensuring they were safely returned to Stockton Animal Services so they could continue their journey toward permanent, loving homes,” the Stockton Police Department and Animal Shelter said in a joint statement.
The shelter said the four dogs are healthy and highly adoptable.
“The return of these dogs marks the beginning of a new chapter,” the joint statement stated. “The welfare of the animals entrusted to our care remains our highest priority.”
Investigation into animal cruelty
A search warrant served last month authorized the sheriff’s office to search the grounds and buildings associated with Miranda’s Rescue and Shannon Miranda for evidence related to animal cruelty and fraud. The warrant included the excavation of open fields for evidence of dog remains believed to be buried in mass graves, the sheriff’s office said.
The sheriff’s office said the 117 dogs that were found intact were in various stages of decomposition and 70 of the dogs that had been X-rayed at the site showed evidence of bullet fragments.
Investigators said they preliminarily determined the cause of death for many of the animals was believed to be gunshot wounds, according to examinations conducted.
“All items were collected as evidence and will undergo further examination as part of the ongoing investigation,” the sheriff’s office said on June 26.
Investigators also found additional dead dogs in advanced stages of decomposition but decided to not remove them due to their low evidentiary value. Their location and observations were documented.
The sheriff’s office said investigators found an area inside a barn where they believe the dogs were likely killed. In the same area, more than 600 dog collars were found.
Record reporter Victoria Franco covers public safety in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at vfranco@gannett.com. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.
This article originally appeared on The Record: 4 dogs return to Stockton after Humboldt County animal rescue tragedy
Reporting by Victoria Franco, The Stockton Record / The Record
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By Victoria Franco, The Stockton Record | USA TODAY Network
