More than 100 intact dogs in various stages of decomposition were found at buildings and grounds associated with Miranda’s Rescue Animal Sanctuary, the Humboldt Sheriff’s Office said on Friday. The sheriff’s office said they obtained a search warrant to search the grounds and buildings asso ciated with Miranda’s Rescue and Shannon Miranda, for evidence related to fraud and animal cruelty on Thursday. The warrant allowed the sheriff’s office to excavate open fields for evidence of deceased dogs believed to be buried in mass graves, according to officials. Sheriff’s officials reported investigators found 117 intact canine remains from two dig sites. Near that site, authorities said 21 canine skulls, hundreds of bones, and six loose microchips were also found. According to authorities, the 117 intact dogs were in various stages of decomposition. Officials added most of the dogs were microchipped. The USDA and forensic veterinarians examined 70 of those dogs, determining the cause of death for most of them was gunshot wounds, authorities said. They added the other 47 dogs were not examined due to time constraints. The sheriff’s office said they also found more dead canines in advance stage of decomposition. Investigators tried to remove the animals from the location, but due to their advance stage of decomposition, authorities said it was determined that the evidentiary value of removing the animals from the ground was not justified. Officials said they also found a barn believed to be where the dogs were likely killed. There, the sheriff’s office reported investigators also found 600 dog collars. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office noted that, due to the complexity of the investigation, the evidence review process might take a while. After all evidence is reviewed, they said if there is sufficient evidence to support violations of animal cruelty, fraud or other applicable laws, the case will be submitted to the persecution team for review. ...read more read less