After Shocking Allegations, Bay Area Shelters Bring Dogs Home: Report

NAPA VALLEY, CA — Napa County and Berkeley shelters have brought dogs back from a rescue now under investigation, restoring the animals to local care and opening them for adoption as authorities examine allegations involving missing and dead dogs.

Napa County Animal Shelter and Berkeley Animal Care Services retrieved dogs they had transferred to a Humboldt County rescue that is now at the center of a criminal investigation, returning the animals to local shelters and renewing adoption efforts while authorities examine allegations that some dogs were killed and buried despite being reported as adopted.

The returned dogs are now back in local shelter care and available for adoption.

The facility, Miranda's Rescue in Fortuna, is suspected of accepting hundreds of dogs from municipal shelters in exchange for payments intended to cover care and rehoming services, according to reports, the Napa County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, and the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office.

No charges have been filed against the rescue owner or employees. However, in response to the investigation, several Bay Area shelters in Napa, Berkeley, and Oakland severed ties with the rescue.

"When we first heard about the investigation we were all shocked," Napa County Animal Shelter Manager Megan Scouller told ABC 7 News.

Scouller said the rescue was a trusted resource when the shelter needed space for animals in its care.

"Since learning about the investigation, our team has worked closely with law enforcement and partner agencies to ensure the safe return of these animals," the shelter officials said in a statement.

The rescue promoted a "no kill" policy according to reports. However, Humboldt County Sheriff's Office began investigating the facility in April after receiving details about dogs transferred from shelters across California were being killed and buried while records indicated the animals had been adopted.

Shelters paid Miranda’s Rescue anywhere from $400 to $1,450 per dog, according to reports.

The investigation began April 22 after two women contacted the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office with what the authorities called "credible information" that the rescue was accepting dogs primarily for financial gain. According to reports, the women provided trail-camera footage that appeared to show dead dogs being dumped in a field.

The sheriff’s office served the search warrant on May 1, at Miranda’s Rescue, described as a 50-acre sanctuary and adoption facility with about 30 workers and multiple kennels, barns and enclosed animal areas, KRCR reported.

Napa shelter staff say the dogs have spent months waiting for permanent homes and are now ready for adoption.

Napa County Animal Shelter is currently waiving dog adoption fees to encourage placements and create space for other animals in need.

Prospective adopters can visit Napa County Animal Shelter at 942 Hartle Court in Napa or contact the shelter at 707-253-4382 for information about available dogs.