Community Update Regarding Dogs Sent to Miranda’s Rescue from Hitchcock Road Animal Services

HRAS has been notified by Humboldt County Sheriff's investigators that two dogs that were transferred from the shelter to the rescue organization in February 2026 were found deceased during a recent search warrant served on the property. Microchips scanned on the bodies have confirmed their identification.

Here are photos and information about both dogs:

Both dogs were in the HRAS adoption program for a time and were transferred due to being overlooked by potential adopters and with hopes of finding a different opportunity for adoption. Neither dog had a known bite history or significant behavior concerns. Miranda's Rescue's founder falsely informed HRAS staff that at least one of the dogs had been adopted within two months of receiving them.

Last month, HRAS staff successfully retrieved three dogs from Miranda's Rescue. The dogs brought back to the county had been transferred to the Fortuna facility around the same time period as the dogs found deceased.

The news of this loss is horrifying to anyone who cares for animals; however, no one has been more devastated by this news than HRAS staff and volunteers who are deeply dedicated to animal welfare and safety. Many of them knew these animals and cared for and worked with them in hopes of finding them a forever home. Learning that a rescue partner has so failed in that same responsibility is both alarming and heartbreaking as HRAS's rescue partner program exists to provide additional lifesaving opportunities for shelter animals, particularly those most at risk.

HRAS continues to work with Humboldt County Sheriff authorities as the investigation progresses, and we will keep our Monterey County community informed as we receive additional news. In the meantime, HRAS continues to serve the people and pets of Monterey County, and we are grateful for the outpouring of community.