Investigators searching Miranda's Rescue Animal Sanctuary (Generative image)What was supposed to be a sanctuary for abandoned animals has become the focus of a disturbing criminal investigation after authorities uncovered the remains of at least 117 dogs buried on the property of a California "no-kill" shelter, many of them believed to have died from gunshot wounds.Investigators searching Miranda's Rescue Animal Sanctuary, a 50-acre facility in Fortuna, California, also recovered 21 canine skulls, hundreds of bones and other animal remains, according to the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office.Officials said investigators found what they believe was an area inside a barn where dogs were likely killed. More than 600 dog collars were also recovered nearby, adding to the scale of the investigation.Sheriff William Honsal described the discovery as a "horrific scene."Authorities said the investigation began in April after receiving what they described as "credible information" alleging felony animal abuse, animal cruelty, fraud and conspiracy at the shelter.During the latest searches, investigators used ground-penetrating radar to locate 117 buried dog remains in various stages of decomposition across an open field.Forensic teams X-rayed 70 of the carcasses at the site and found bullet fragments in many of them. The sheriff's office said gunshot wounds appeared to be the cause of death in a significant number of cases.Investigators also recovered additional remains that had decomposed to such an extent that they could not immediately be identified.The affidavit supporting an earlier search warrant revealed that the investigation was initially prompted by two animal welfare advocates. One of them, who owns land adjoining the shelter, allegedly used trail cameras to monitor activity near what was suspected to be a burial site.According to the affidavit, the pair later entered the property and unearthed dog remains, which were subsequently reported to authorities."This investigation is just getting started," Honsal said. "There is a tremendous amount of data to process, witnesses to interview, and evidence to examine." No criminal charges have been filed so far.Miranda's Rescue has long described itself as a "no-kill" animal rescue and receives money through donations as well as fees charged for accepting animals transferred from other shelters. According to the organisation, those funds help pay for food, veterinary care, medicines, staffing and other operating expenses.Responding to the growing controversy, founder Shannon Miranda issued a statement on the shelter's website on June 18, saying recent media reports and online discussions "have presented an incomplete and, in some cases, inaccurate picture of our work.""At Miranda's Rescue, our mission is to save as many animals as we safely can—always balancing compassion for animals with our responsibility to protect families, children, other pets, and the public," Miranda wrote.Miranda maintained that the organisation remained committed to its no-kill philosophy."Miranda's Rescue is a no-kill rescue. We do not euthanize animals simply to make space."However, the statement acknowledged that exceptions could be made under limited circumstances."There are rare circumstances in which euthanasia may be necessary — when an animal is suffering from a terminal condition or when it poses a serious, ongoing danger to people or other animals." "In those situations, we make the most humane and responsible decision we can, always with public safety and animal welfare in mind."The sheriff's office said the inquiry remains ongoing as investigators continue examining evidence and interviewing witnesses to determine what happened to the hundreds of animals that passed through the shelter over the years.