“Law enforcement, forensics, and legal are working together to investigate numerous allegations.  This is an example of local, state and federal personnel combining resources and expertise to determine if crimes have been committed, and if so, who is responsible.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

FORTUNA – On June 23, 2026, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office announced that the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office, California Attorney General’s Office, California Department of Justice, United States Department of Agriculture, and Federal Bureau of Investigation, has joined the sheriff’s office in a search warrant operation and follow-up investigation at Miranda’s Rescue in Fortuna.

Background:

On April 22, 2026, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received credible information regarding allegations of felony animal abuse, animal cruelty, fraud, and conspiracy associated with Miranda’s Rescue.

Due to the serious nature and complexity of the allegations, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Division was assigned as the lead investigative unit. A search warrant was obtained and authorized for Miranda’s Rescue, including the residence and business property.

On May 1, 2026, at approximately 6:30 p.m., investigators served the search warrant and seized evidence related to the investigation. Since that time, investigators have interviewed dozens of animal shelters throughout California, as well as some shelters outside of the state. Investigators have also interviewed witnesses and victims and have received hundreds of tips through phone calls and emails.

Through the investigation, it has been determined that hundreds of dogs were transferred or turned over to Miranda’s Rescue by private citizens and animal shelters. A significant number of those animals have not been accounted for.

Additional Search:

Based on the large number of animals that remain unaccounted for, investigators served a second search warrant at Miranda’s Rescue on June 23, 2026, at 8:00am.  The warrant authorizes the excavation of the property in an effort to locate additional deceased animals believed to be buried on site.

Sheriff’s investigators have been working collaboratively with the FBI, California Department of Justice, United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, California Attorney General’s Office, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California.   This is an active animal cruelty, fraud, and theft investigation.   

Members of the Cal Poly Humboldt Anthropology Department, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, and private forensic veterinarians are assisting with the excavation operation.