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19h ago

Excavations Uncover Dozens of Dog Remains at Miranda’s Rescue

Investigators are using microchips, forensic veterinary exams and seized records to identify animals and build a fraud and cruelty case.

A dog in a kennel at Miranda’s Rescue in Fortuna, Calif. 
In an aerial view, investigators search for animal remains while executing a second search warrant at Miranda’s Rescue as part of an active investigation into alleged animal cruelty, fraud and theft, in Fortuna, Calif., on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Humboldt County investigators recovered 117 intact dog remains from Miranda’s Rescue during a three-day search warrant operation. Officials said many of the dogs showed evidence of bullet fragments, and more than 600 collars were found in a barn.
Image
A view of Miranda’s Rescue in Fortuna, Calif., from the property of Jennifer Raymond.

Overview

  • Excavators working on the Fortuna property began unearthing decomposing dogs and skeletal remains on Tuesday, and investigators say they recovered dozens of animals over a multi-day dig.
  • Sheriff’s investigators traced roughly 900 animals transferred to Miranda’s Rescue since January 2025 and say about 730 of those animals remain unaccounted for.
  • The probe is led by a multi‑agency team that includes the Humboldt County District Attorney, the California DOJ, the FBI and the USDA and has involved seizure of electronics, financial and adoption records.
  • Many recovered dogs had microchips that are being scanned and matched to prior owners while forensic veterinarians examine remains to determine cause of death and evidentiary value.
  • No arrests or criminal charges have been filed; the rescue continues to operate with about 50 animals under regular monitoring while shelters that sent dogs have reclaimed animals and called for tighter oversight.