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A Northern California animal rescue that called itself No Kill is now at the center of an animal
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cruelty investigation. The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office says investigators found the remains of at least 117 dogs at Miranda's Rescue in Fortuna. Authorities say many appear to have
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been shot. The dogs were found in two dig sites on the 50-acre property. Investigators found
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hundreds of bones and about 600 dog collars. The sheriff's office says investigators also
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found an area inside a barn where they believe the dogs were killed. The case started after
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authorities said they received credible information about alleged animal abuse, fraud and conspiracy. Animal cruelty cases can be especially difficult to charge and prosecute
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because there are unique evidentiary challenges that come with animal cruelty cases. Most notably
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the fact that the animals themselves can't testify. The rescue's founder, Shannon Miranda
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said in a statement that the rescue does not euthanize animals just to make space
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but she said there are rare cases where euthanasia may be necessary
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Investigators say about 900 dogs were transferred to Miranda's rescue over the past couple of years
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but so far they've uncovered adoption records for only about 100 of them
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leaving hundreds of dogs unaccounted for. The sheriff says the investigation is just
