health

Mass graves with remains of over 100 dogs found at Northern California animal rescue

Updated on: June 28, 2026 / 8:02 AM PDT / CBS San Francisco

Mass graves with remains of over 100 dogs found at Northern California animal rescue

TL;DR

  • The sheriff's office began investigating Miranda's Rescue on April 22 following credible information about felony animal abuse, cruelty, fraud, and conspiracy.
  • A search warrant served on May 1 and a subsequent dig on June 23 uncovered the remains of 117 dogs, 21 dog skulls, hundreds of bones, and six microchips.
  • Forensic veterinarians and the USDA preliminarily determined gunshot wounds as the cause of death for many of the dogs, with 70 showing evidence of bullet fragments.
  • The rescue claims to be "no-kill" but acknowledges rare circumstances for euthanasia; however, allegations suggest otherwise.
  • Over 900 animals were transferred to Miranda's Rescue over 5.5 years, with more than 700 animals unaccounted for, and only about 100 adopted.
  • Investigators also found a location in a barn believed to be where dogs were killed, along with 600 dog collars.