What is the status of the investigation on Mirandas Rescue?  

The investigation at Miranda’s Rescue remains ongoing. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other assisting agencies, continues to conduct follow-up investigative activities. Read the latest update on the Humboldt Sheriff’s Office investigation.  

What is the current status of our relationship with Miranda's Rescue? 

We have discontinued our relationship with Miranda’s Rescue effective immediately as they no longer align with our standards, values, and expectations.  

How many dogs were sent to Mirandas? 

From 2018 to April 2026, a total of 179 dogs were transferred to Miranda’s Rescue.  

What happened to the dogs that were transferred to Miranda's Rescue between 2018 and 2026 

Updated July 14

We do not have complete information on every dog transferred to Miranda's Rescue. Based on the information currently available, law enforcement has recovered four dogs from a burial site that have been identified as having originated from our shelter. 

We will provide updates as new information becomes available.

What steps is the City taking in response? 

Staff is actively reviewing the matter with legal counsel and is cooperating with law enforcement to continue to support the investigative process. Because this involves an ongoing investigation, we cannot discuss specific details at this time We are committed to being as transparent as possible and will provide updates when we are able to share additional information while respecting the ongoing process. 

Are there any of our shelter dogs currently in the care of Miranda's Rescue? 

None. ACS officers retrieved all dogs from Miranda’s rescue on Wednesday, June 10.  

What conditions were the dogs found in upon retrieval? 

Officers who retrieved the dogs reported no immediate health concerns at the time of pickup. However, all dogs are receiving a full, detailed examination by our medical team to ensure that any underlying or non-obvious issues are identified and addressed. 

How are the dogs being evaluated after returning from the rescue? 

The dogs will first be examined by our medical team to assess their health and address any medical needs. Once they have been cleared medically, they will undergo a behavioral evaluation.  

After both the medical and behavioral assessments are completed by our team, a third independent party will be brought in to conduct an additional evaluation. 

What will happen to the dogs once their evaluations are complete? 

Once all medical and behavioral assessments are complete, each dog will be carefully reviewed through a structured, documented decision-making process that considers behavior history, safety findings, and available placement options. 

Following this review, outcomes may include placement or, in some cases, where it is determined to be the safest and most appropriate option, humane euthanasia in accordance with approved veterinary euthanasia protocols.  

Have the dogs been evaluated? 

Evaluations have been completed on all four dogs. See their status below

• Jaqueline was placed up for adoption on June 15. She was sent to rescue on June 24. 
• Chipmunk after being listed as available for adoption was sent to rescue on July 8.
• Porkchop evaluation was completed on Wednesday, June 24 by both shelter staff and a third-party veterinary behaviorist. The veterinary behaviorist agreed that they need to be placed on a pathway out of the shelter, with a definitive timeframe of 14 days. Was sent to rescue on July 8.  
• Ra’s evaluation were completed on Wednesday, June 24 by both shelter staff and a third-party veterinary behaviorist. The veterinary behaviorist agreed that they need to be placed on a pathway out of the shelter, with a definitive timeframe of 14 days. Was sent to rescue on July 8.  

What is the difference between adoption, foster and rescue only?

Adoption and fostering both involve caring for a pet in a home, but the difference is permanence: adoption is a permanent commitment where the adopter become the pet’s legal owner and is responsible for its lifelong care, while fostering is temporary care provided until the animal is adopted or moved to another placement, with ACS still being responsible for the pet.  
 
“Rescue only” means the animal is not available for direct public adoption from ACS. Instead, it can only leave through a rescue organization, which takes responsibility for the animal. The rescue organization becomes the primary point of care and placement.