The Whistleblowers Who Exposed a ‘No-Kill’ Shelter
A Humboldt County Sheriff’s Deputy inspects dogs in a kennel at Miranda’s Rescue in Fortuna, Calif. on June 23, 2026. (Mark McKenna for KQED)
When animal advocates in Humboldt County unearthed dog carcasses on the property of Miranda’s Rescue, they exposed an alleged cruelty and fraud operation that has shocked animal welfare groups across the state. A sprawling multi-agency investigation has since revealed mass graves, dozens of canine skulls and records for hundreds of unaccounted-for dogs transferred from municipal shelters to a sanctuary that marketed itself as a “no-kill” refuge. We’ll look at the latest findings in the investigation, explore why prior warnings were overlooked and discuss what it will take to reform California’s strained animal rescue system.
Guests:
- Sukey Lewis, criminal justice reporter, KQED; host and reporter; “On Our Watch”; co-founder, the California Reporting Project
- Jennifer Raymond, co-founder, Humboldt Spay/Neuter Clinic; animal advocate and whistleblower who kicked off the Miranda’s Rescue investigation
- Jenna Moore, animal advocate; whistleblower who kicked off the Miranda’s Rescue investigation
- Shannon Miranda, owner, Miranda’s Rescue