OAS and FOAS Joint FAQ Update Regarding Miranda’s Rescue
Since publishing our initial FAQs on May 22, 2026, investigators began executing a second search warrant at the Miranda’s Rescue property on June 23, 2026. We know our community has many questions, and these updated FAQs share what we have learned, along with the steps OAS and FOAS are taking in response. We will continue to share confirmed information as it becomes available.
We are heartbroken by the harm caused to these dogs and deeply regret our role in transferring them to Miranda’s Rescue.
Q: What was the purpose and outcome of the second search?
A: The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office conducted the search as part of its ongoing investigation into allegations involving animal cruelty, fraud, theft, and conspiracy at Miranda’s Rescue. Investigators searched for deceased animals believed to have been buried on the property, as well as records and other evidence relevant to the investigation.
During the excavation, investigators recovered 117 intact canine remains from two burial sites. They also recovered 21 canine skulls, hundreds of additional bones, and six loose microchips from another area. According to the Sheriff’s Office, many of the dogs examined showed evidence of gunshot wounds or bullet fragments.
Most of the intact dogs were microchipped, and investigators are continuing to review the microchip information in an effort to identify them. The investigation remains ongoing.
You can watch the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office’s full June 29 press conference here.
Q: How many of the 117 dogs recovered were transferred by Oakland Animal Services?
A: Fourteen of the 117 dogs were identified through their microchips as dogs previously transferred by Oakland Animal Services. All dogs transferred by OAS were microchipped, making microchip records a highly reliable means of identification. We are deeply saddened to confirm the deaths of these dogs.
To see the names of all 15 OAS dogs identified to date, including one identified during the initial search, please click here. Miranda’s informed OAS that eight of the 15 dogs had been adopted. We have shared these false adoption claims with investigators.
Q: Do OAS or FOAS plan to take legal action against Miranda’s Rescue?
A: Oakland Animal Services is in consultation with the Oakland City Attorney’s Office and is monitoring and supporting the criminal case but has not yet determined if it will pursue a separate civil action at this time. Because Friends of Oakland Animal Services paid the transfer fees to Miranda’s Rescue, FOAS may be the organization with potential civil claims related to those payments.
FOAS has begun consulting with legal counsel and is evaluating its options. These may include pursuing legal action independently or coordinating with other shelters and organizations that may also have claims against Miranda’s Rescue.
No decision has been made. We will share additional information when it becomes available.
Q: What policy changes have been made as a result of this tragedy?
A: OAS has implemented a revised Memorandum of Understanding for rescue and transfer partners. Click here to review the agreement.
The revised agreement includes several safeguards intended to improve accountability and allow OAS to identify concerns earlier, including:
● Required records for every transferred animal. Rescue partners must maintain accurate records documenting each animal’s veterinary care and outcome, including whether and when the animal was adopted, transferred to another organization, or euthanized.
● Stronger reporting and documentation requirements. OAS may request records confirming an animal’s adoption, transfer, medical treatment, spay or neuter procedure, required bite-history disclosures, and location before adoption.
● Required certifications regarding the organization and its leadership. Rescue partners must certify that they are qualified nonprofit organizations and that their directors, operators, staff, and animal caregivers have not been charged with or convicted of animal cruelty, neglect, or abandonment.
● The right to recover animals and suspend transfers. If OAS has a reasonable basis to believe that a rescue partner is violating animal-care laws or failing to comply with the agreement, OAS may demand the return of any OAS animals still in the organization’s custody and suspend further transfers.
● Strict limits on euthanasia. An OAS animal may be euthanized only when a licensed veterinarian determines that it is necessary because of untreatable suffering or severe, untreatable behavioral concerns.
Most notably, OAS and FOAS will no longer pay organizations simply to accept transferred dogs. This change is intended to eliminate the financial incentive that may have contributed to the alleged fraud in this case.
Payments will be considered only in rare circumstances when a specific animal requires medical treatment or specialized behavioral support that cannot otherwise be provided. Whenever possible, payment will be made directly to the third party providing the treatment or services. Any such payment will be tied to a clearly defined purpose, appropriate documentation, and required follow-up regarding the animal’s care and outcome.
Q: What can I do to help OAS and FOAS?
A: If you have room in your home for a pet, please consider adopting from OAS. The challenges that led OAS to seek transfer options for dogs have not gone away. The shelter continues to care for many wonderful dogs who urgently need loving homes.
Please tell your friends, family, and neighbors that OAS is a great place to adopt their next pet. Every adoption creates space and gives OAS more options to help the next animal who arrives at the shelter.
You can also help by fostering, volunteering, or donating to Friends of Oakland Animal Services. Donations support the staff and lifesaving programs that help animals find safe, permanent homes.
By working together as a community, we can save more animals and strengthen the safety net for Oakland’s pets and the people who care for them.