Lawsuit Filed Against Embattled Animal Rescue Over Dead Dogs

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA — The sprawling investigation into Miranda's Rescue has entered a new phase as a animal rescue filed the first civil lawsuit tied to the case, alleging three dogs it believed had been adopted instead died on the Humboldt County property where investigators later uncovered more than 100 canine remains.

Rocket Dog Rescue filed the lawsuit July 27 in Humboldt County Superior Court against Miranda's Rescue owner, alleging negligence involving animal cruelty, intentional misrepresentation, fraud, and other claims stemming from the deaths of three dogs the organization transferred earlier this year.

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Rocket Dog Rescue said it transferred four dogs — Paulie, Paddington, Scooby, and Rover — to Miranda's Rescue on March 1, believing the dogs would be safe in what had been represented as an environment better suited to their needs.

The nonprofit said the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office later notified it that microchips belonging to Paulie, Paddington, and Scooby had been recovered during the investigation of canine remains found on the property.

Rocket Dog Rescue said the organization independently confirmed that the fourth dog, Rover, was successfully adopted and remains alive.

Rocket Dog Rescue said it had no knowledge of the criminal investigation or allegations involving Miranda's Rescue when the transfer occurred.

The lawsuit alleges that owner Shannon Miranda "made false representations about the dogs' adoption and welfare and failed in his responsibility to protect them while they were in his care."

The organization said it was later told that Paulie, Paddington, and Scooby also had been adopted, and that nothing in its communications with Miranda's Rescue caused staff to question those representations or believe the dogs were in danger.

"The civil complaint alleges that those representations concerning Paulie, Paddington, and Scooby were false," Rocket Dog Rescue said in its statement.

According to the lawsuit, Miranda agreed to house, evaluate, rehabilitate, and place the dogs in adoptive homes and promised Rocket Dog Rescue it would be notified if euthanasia were ever being considered so the dogs could be reclaimed, according to Rocket Dog and reports.

Rocket Dog Rescue said its lawsuit is separate from the ongoing multi-agency criminal investigation into alleged animal cruelty and fraud. The complaint alleges Miranda made false representations about the dogs' adoptions and welfare and failed to protect them while they remained in his care.

The nonprofit said it made no additional transfers to Miranda's Rescue after March 1 and "will not transfer animals to Miranda's Rescue in the future."

"No legal action can bring Paulie, Paddington, or Scooby back; they were part of Rocket Dog, and they deserved so much better," the organization said.

The civil case expands an investigation that began in April after animal welfare advocates alerted the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office to allegations that dogs transferred from shelters and rescue organizations across California were being killed rather than adopted.

Sheriff's investigators later served search warrants at the rural Fortuna property. Earlier reporting by Patch found numerous California shelters have since suspended or ended transfer relationships with Miranda's Rescue as the investigation unfolded.

A second search warrant executed in June led investigators to excavate suspected burial sites across the property.

According to the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, investigators recovered 117 intact canine remains, 21 canine skulls, 661 dog collars, business records, financial records, electronics, firearms, and other evidence. Authorities continue investigating potential fraud, conspiracy, theft, and animal cruelty.

Rocket Dog Rescue said it is cooperating fully with the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office while pursuing accountability through the civil courts.

"Because the investigation and civil case remain active, this statement reflects what we can responsibly share at this time," the organization said.

"This is about standing up for Paulie, Paddington, and Scooby, as well as any other dogs that have been impacted by these events. It is about seeking the truth and holding those responsible accountable, and we will not stop fighting."

According to court records cited by The Mercury News, the case has been assigned to Humboldt County Superior Court's Delay Reduction Program. A case management conference is scheduled for Jan. 25, 2027. Miranda will have 30 days after being served with the complaint to file a response.

More: Shelters Cut Ties With 'No-Kill' CA Rescue Accused Of Slaying And Dumping Dogs In Mass Grave