Rescue dogs from Oakland allegedly killed at shelter in Humboldt County

Humboldt County law enforcement are investigating a Fortuna nonprofit animal rescue after receiving credible allegations of animal cruelty and related wrongdoing. Deputies reported recovering eight dead dogs from the organization’s property and sought a search warrant. The allegations include killing dogs sent from Oakland and other cities while falsely reporting that the animals had been adopted. Investigators received tips that dead dogs were buried in a mass grave, and the rescue describes itself as a no-kill shelter while denying killing or dumping dogs. The founder reportedly acknowledged sometimes shooting or euthanizing animals to prevent suffering. A search warrant was served, and evidence and animals were seized. Microchips were used to identify dogs, including one transferred from Oakland Animal Services, and investigators cited messages claiming adoption.

"Northern California law enforcement are investigating a Humboldt County animal rescue organization after receiving "credible allegations" that the owner had engaged in animal cruelty, including allegedly killing dogs sent from Oakland and elsewhere while falsely reporting they had been adopted."

"In the affidavit for a search warrant, obtained by the Lost Coast Outpost, Humboldt County Sheriff deputies reported recovering eight dead dogs from a property belonging to Miranda's Rescue, a Fortuna nonprofit that has accepted animals from Oakland, Berkeley, and other cities."

"According to reports on the affidavit, which The Oaklandside has not independently reviewed, the sheriff received a tip about the shelter on April 22. The Lost Coast Outpost reported that two women who trespassed on the Miranda's Rescue property told investigators they had dug up dead dogs from a mass grave."

"Investigators served a search warrant on May 1 and seized evidence and animals from the rescue, according to media reports. Investigators used microchips to identify several dead dogs, one of whom had been transferred weeks earlier from Oakland Animal Services, the city's animal shelter."

Read at The Oaklandside