Animal shelters in Oakland and Berkeley have ended their partnerships with a Northern California rescue organization after investigators uncovered multiple dead dogs buried on the property, according to court documents and statements from local authorities.
The investigation involves Miranda’s Rescue in Fortuna, California, a facility that accepted hundreds of dogs from shelters across the state. Authorities in Humboldt County are now examining allegations involving animal cruelty, financial misconduct, and improper euthanasia practices.
Officials say the investigation remains active, and no criminal charges have been filed at this stage.
Discovery
The case began in April after two women contacted the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office with concerns about activity at the rescue property. One of the women, Jennifer Raymond, operates a spay-and-neuter clinic in the county and told investigators she had monitored the rescue operation for several years.
According to a search warrant affidavit obtained by ABC7, the women reviewed trail camera footage that appeared to show dogs being discarded in a field near the property.
After noticing fresh dirt mounds, the women entered the property at night and began digging. Investigators later confirmed that eight dead dogs were recovered from the site.
Raymond told deputies the scene was difficult to process, describing dogs with blood visible around their noses and mouths. Several animals reportedly appeared to have gunshot wounds to the head, according to the affidavit.
Authorities later secured and executed a search warrant at the rescue on May 1.
Investigation
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Division said the rescue is being investigated over what officials described as “credible allegations” involving felony animal abuse, cruelty, fraud, and conspiracy.
During the search, investigators collected records, financial documents, contracts, and electronic evidence connected to rescue operations and animal transfers.
Officials also noted that the property appeared overcrowded at the time of the search.
Six of the eight recovered dogs reportedly had microchips, allowing investigators to trace them back to shelters and previous records.
One dog identified by investigators was Zora, a dog transferred from Oakland Animal Services less than a month earlier.
According to court documents, the rescue owner had previously informed Oakland officials that Zora had been adopted. Investigators said a photo of the dog on a leash accompanied that message before the animal was later identified among those recovered from the burial site.
The findings have raised questions about how transfer records and adoption updates were being reported to partner shelters.
Transfers
Authorities estimate that more than 600 dogs were transferred to the rescue from shelters over the past year.
Investigators also believe the organization received approximately $510,000 in funding connected to those transfers and rescue agreements.
Oakland Animal Services transferred 445 animals to the rescue between 2023 and 2025, according to the affidavit. Investigators estimated the transfers generated nearly $178,000 in payments based on average reimbursement rates.
The transfer numbers included dogs requiring medical care, behavioral rehabilitation, or long-term placement support.
Below is a summary of figures referenced in the investigation:
| Shelter or Category | Number of Animals | Estimated Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Oakland Animal Services | 445 | $178,000 |
| Total Transfers to Rescue | 600+ | $510,000 |
Investigators are examining whether some animals were euthanized improperly while additional transfers continued to arrive at the facility.
One investigator stated in the affidavit that financial motives were being considered as part of the broader investigation.
Shelter Response
Following the investigation, both Oakland Animal Services and Berkeley Animal Care Services confirmed they would no longer transfer animals to Miranda’s Rescue.
Berkeley officials stated that at least 22 dogs had been sent to the rescue since the beginning of 2025. The city is still attempting to determine the current status of those animals.
Shelter leaders said the situation has deeply affected employees and volunteers who believed the rescue was providing safe placements for overcrowded shelters.
Joe DeVries, director of Oakland Animal Services, said staff members placed trust in rescue partners during periods when shelters faced limited space and growing intake numbers.
Municipal shelters across California often depend on outside rescue organizations to reduce overcrowding and improve adoption opportunities for animals that may otherwise remain in shelters for long periods.
The case has now prompted broader discussions about oversight, accountability, and communication between shelters and private rescue groups.
Response
According to investigators, the owner of the rescue denied intentionally harming dogs for financial reasons.
Court documents state that the owner told deputies the organization was not operating as a no-kill shelter and that difficult euthanasia decisions were sometimes necessary because of limited resources and medical conditions involving animals in care.
The owner reportedly said veterinarians usually handled euthanasia procedures, though he acknowledged there were occasions when he personally euthanized animals to prevent suffering during emergencies.
In a Facebook statement later removed from public view, the owner defended the rescue’s work and said not all public allegations were accurate.
The statement also noted that the organization had cared for thousands of animals over several decades and intended to continue cooperating through the legal process.
As of Friday, authorities said no arrests had been made.
Oversight
The investigation has renewed attention on how rescue partnerships are monitored throughout California.
Animal shelters frequently rely on rescue organizations to help relocate dogs, especially during periods of overcrowding. These partnerships can reduce euthanasia rates and create more adoption opportunities, particularly for animals with medical or behavioral challenges.
However, experts say oversight standards can vary widely between organizations and counties.
Animal welfare advocates have increasingly called for stronger reporting systems involving intake records, euthanasia procedures, adoption tracking, and financial transparency.
Some shelter professionals also say the case may lead agencies to reevaluate how rescue partners are screened and monitored after transfers occur.
For now, Humboldt County Animal Control continues monitoring the animals remaining at the property while investigators review evidence collected during the search.
Officials have not announced when the investigation may conclude.
FAQs
What is Miranda’s Rescue?
A California animal rescue under investigation.
How many dogs were recovered?
Authorities recovered eight dead dogs.
Which shelters ended partnerships?
Oakland and Berkeley shelters ended ties.
Have charges been filed?
No charges have been announced yet.
Is the investigation ongoing?
Yes, authorities say it is ongoing.
