The investigation into an alleged case of animal cruelty in Northern California took an even more worrying turn. State and federal authorities located 117 dead dogs, in addition to 21 canine skulls and hundreds of bone remains during a second inspection carried out at the facilities of Miranda's Rescue, a center dedicated to animal rescue.

According to the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, investigators used ground-penetrating radar to detect anomalies beneath the ground before excavating different spots on the property. During the operation they also recovered several microchips, which will now be analyzed to try to identify each of the animals.

Many remains show signs of gunshot wounds

Authorities reported that the 117 dogs found were in various states of decomposition. Of them, 70 were examined by veterinarians and forensic specialists from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), who preliminarily determined that many had bullet fragments, which suggests that they had died from gunshot wounds.

Furthermore, inside a barn, investigators located a space that, according to initial investigations, would have been used to sacrifice dogs. In that same place, more than 600 necklaces were found, evidence that is now part of the investigation.

Hundreds of animals remain unaccounted for

The case has also put under scrutiny the fate of hundreds of dogs that were surrendered to the shelter by individuals and other adoption centers in California.

According to researchers, since January 2025, approximately 900 dogs have arrived at Miranda's Rescue, but there are only adoption records for around 100 animals, so more than 700 remain unaccounted for.

The investigation began after a neighbor entered the property and unearthed several dead dogs. Since then, the authorities have expanded their efforts to clarify what happened.

The organization has rejected accusations of profiting from animal sacrifice and maintains that some dogs were euthanized due to terminal illnesses or serious behavioral problems.

So far no charges have been brought against those responsible for the shelter. However, experts consulted by ABC7 Eyewitness News believe that the absence of accusations does not mean that the case is closed.

“The fact that a while has passed and charges haven't been filed wouldn't make me think they won't be filed,” said Matthew Liebman, an animal law professor at the University of San Francisco.

The specialist explained that animal cruelty cases are usually complex because they depend mainly on forensic evidence, since the victims cannot testify about what happened.