FBI exhumes dead animals at NorCal rescue, hundreds more feared missing
https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/fbi-dead-animals-rescue-22319130.php
Humboldt County animal rescue at the center of a widening cruelty and fraud investigation was searched again Tuesday as investigators began excavating the property for the remains of hundreds of missing animals.
Investigators served a second search warrant at Mirandas Rescue in Fortuna at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, nearly two months after authorities first searched the property, according to a news release from the Humboldt County Sheriffs Office. The new warrant authorized excavation in an effort to locate additional deceased animals believed to be buried on site, the sheriffs office said.
Sheriff William Honsal said at a Tuesday afternoon press conference that investigators had identified 900 animals transferred to Mirandas Rescue since January 2025 but had confirmed only 116 adoptions. He said more than 700 animals remain unaccounted for.
We are thinking worst-case scenario, Honsal said, according to video taken by local TV station KRCR-TV. ... We are here to look and uncover whatever evidence that we can possibly find.
Despite the active excavation of dead animals, the rescue is still operating with around 50 dogs on-site. Honsal said state law does not allow his agency to shut down the business. Shannon Miranda, the rescue operations owner, has not been charged with a crime