Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal released an update today on the months-long investigation into allegations Miranda’s Rescue took money from individuals, shelters and rescue organizations to provide care for animals that were instead put down.
In the statement, Honsal emphasized that he understood there was public frustration but noted it was “an extremely complex case” and his office was “continuing to determine the full scope.”
“Our discretion is intentional. Our responsibility is to seek justice based on the evidence, not to try a case in the court of public opinion,” Honsal said. “My direction to our investigative team remains clear: uncover the truth, hold those responsible accountable when the evidence supports criminal charges, and never compromise the integrity of this investigation for the sake of providing premature updates.”
In addition to the sheriff’s office, other agencies involved include the California Attorney General’s Office, California Department of Justice, United States Department of Agriculture, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office.
“Our investigation remains focused on allegations of animal cruelty and fraud. At this time, we are not prepared to discuss specific evidence, investigative findings or potential criminal charges,” Honsal said.
“We want the public to understand that we are taking this investigation very seriously. Our priority is not simply to complete it quickly, but to ensure it is conducted thoroughly, objectively and professionally. Any criminal charges pursued must be supported by credible, admissible evidence that can withstand the legal process and establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.”
The case began to unfold in late April, when animal welfare advocates Jennifer Raymond and Jenna Moore snuck onto the property and dug up eight dogs, taking the evidence to authorities, along with documentation of more than 600 animals transferred to the rescue from shelters in 2025 alone. (Read more in the North Coast Journal’s two-part series “Miranda’s Rescue Under Scrutiny,” published June 18 and June 25.)
The next month, a coalition of local, state and federal agencies conducted extensive excavations at the sprawling property in Fortuna, uncovering the “intact” remains of 117 dogs from two digs sites. Forensic veterinarians placed the preliminary cause of death for many of the 70 dogs examined at the scene as gunshot wounds. Additional bones, including 21 canine skulls, were also found.
Investigators also located an area of a barn where the dogs were believed to have been shot, Honsal said during a press conference following the excavations, with evidence including spent shell casings and blood spatter.
As the Journal previously reported, and Honsal also stated at that time, under the California law, a rescue can put down an animal with a gun, so long as it is shot in the head for a quick death. Killing for financial gain and not providing promised services, like caring for an animal, could bring charges of fraud and/or cruelty.
Miranda’s Rescue owner and founder Shannon Miranda has denied any wrongdoing.
Read the full statement below:
We want to assure the public that investigative work is continuing and that neither the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office nor any of our state and federal partner agencies has concluded its investigation.
As we have previously explained, this is an extremely complex case. While we had hoped the investigation would be completed by now, it is not. Investigations of this nature often involve peeling back layers of information. As investigators uncover additional evidence, new questions arise, and additional leads must be pursued. We are continuing to determine the full scope of this case, and our investigative team remains committed to working diligently alongside our state and federal partners.
Our investigation remains focused on allegations of animal cruelty and fraud. At this time, we are not prepared to discuss specific evidence, investigative findings or potential criminal charges.
We want the public to understand that we are taking this investigation very seriously. Our priority is not simply to complete it quickly, but to ensure it is conducted thoroughly, objectively and professionally. Any criminal charges pursued must be supported by credible, admissible evidence that can withstand the legal process and establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
We recognize the significant public interest in this case and understand the community’s desire for answers and accountability. However, we also have a responsibility to protect the integrity of the investigation and any potential future prosecution. Those accused of crimes are entitled to a fair trial before an impartial jury. Releasing investigative details or evidence prematurely could jeopardize that right and compromise our ability to successfully prosecute those responsible.
We understand that the limited information we are able to share may be frustrating to those who have been closely following this case. Our discretion is intentional. Our responsibility is to seek justice based on the evidence, not to try a case in the court of public opinion.
My direction to our investigative team remains clear: uncover the truth, hold those responsible accountable when the evidence supports criminal charges, and never compromise the integrity of this investigation for the sake of providing premature updates.
We will continue to share information when it is appropriate to do so. However, we will not sacrifice the integrity of this investigation or any potential future prosecution to satisfy public curiosity.
This investigation is not over. Our work continues, and our commitment to getting it right remains unwavering.
