The Napa County Animal Shelter put out an urgent call last week to anyone interested in fostering or adopting a dog after an investigation was opened into a partner rescue organization in Humboldt County that could push the Napa County shelter past its limit.
The partner organization, Miranda’s Rescue, was accused of animal cruelty, fraud and conspiracy by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office following a search of the property in early May.
The rescue organization has taken in dozens of dogs over the years from the Napa County Animal Shelter when capacity issues necessitated it, including about 100 dogs between 2020-2025, according to a statement from Napa County.
Napa County Animal Services, which is part of the Sheriff’s Office, is evaluating how many dogs might need to be returned to Napa County’s shelter, which is already at capacity.
Animal Services waived adoption fees and staff are in communication with foster networks and rescue partners and are asking community members to consider caring for or adopting a dog to make room at the shelter.
The investigation into Miranda’s Rescue began in late April and escalated when a search warrant was served on May 1 by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at the rescue operation at 1603 Sandy Prairie Rd., in an unincorporated area of Humboldt County just southwest of the city of Fortuna.
The rescue operation is run as a nonprofit organization on 30 working acres that takes in a variety of species, including reptiles, horses, dogs, cats, small mammals, birds, and others. It was founded in 1995 and is a no-kill sanctuary and adoption site, according to its website.
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement at the time that it received reports of felony animal abuse, animal cruelty, fraud, and conspiracy. The statement said evidence related to the investigation was seized during the search.
“Animals located on the property, including dogs and cats, were examined by Humboldt County Animal Control,” the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office said. “At this time, Humboldt County Animal Control will continue to monitor the animals on a daily basis while the investigation remains ongoing.”
Napa County Animal Shelter Manager Megan Scoullar said the organization was focused on making space at the shelter in anticipation of receiving some of the dogs back.
“We are deeply concerned by the reports emerging from this investigation and heartbroken for the animals involved,” Scoullar said in a statement.
“Our focus right now is supporting animal welfare, working with partner agencies, and creating as much capacity as possible so we are prepared to respond as circumstances evolve. Community support through adoption and rescue partnerships will make an immediate difference,” she said.
The rescue operation’s founder, Shannon Miranda, denied the allegations on the rescue operation’s Facebook page and said the nonprofit organization remained open.
“Many of you, like me, have been appalled by allegations we’ve read in the media and online,” he wrote “Not everything we’re seeing is true. A legal process is now underway to sort the facts from the lies, and I’m asking you to please hold fire until that process works its way through.”
“I have cared for thousands of animals and devoted 31 years of my life to the rescue, and I intend to vigorously defend myself and continue this important work,” Miranda wrote, closing by saying he had been advised by legal counsel not to speak more on the matter.
The page appeared to be restricted or taken down Saturday afternoon. The organization did not respond to an email seeking comment and its voicemail box was full.