Authorities say 117 dogs found dead at NorCal 'no-kill' rescue were buried in matter of months

HUMBOLDT COUNTY, Calif. (KGO) -- Investigators say dozens of dogs found buried at a Northern California rescue were buried in a matter of months, offering a clearer timeline as a widening probe examines allegations of animal cruelty and fraud.

The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office said Monday that 117 dogs recovered from apparent mass graves on the property were likely buried between this January and April. Veterinarians determined many had gunshot wounds, and more than 90 microchips were found.

The update follows an excavation last week that uncovered the remains, along with additional burial sites, more than 600 dog collars and what investigators believe was a killing site marked by blood spatter.

"The facts that have been uncovered are deeply disturbing," Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal said. "And I understand the community's desire for answers, accountability and justice."

Authorities said the investigation involves local, state and federal agencies, including the FBI, as they examine allegations of animal cruelty, fraud and conspiracy tied to what investigators describe as a possible money-making scheme.

RELATED: Over 100 dogs found dead, many with bullet holes at Northern California rescue, authorities say

According to investigators, the rescue accepted dogs for hundreds or sometimes thousands of dollars. They allege some animals may have been killed to make room for more.

No charges have been filed, and ABC7 Eyewitness News in San Francisco is not naming the rescue at this time.

"If there is sufficient evidence to support violations of animal cruelty, fraud, conspiracy or other applicable laws, the case will be submitted to the prosecution team for review and consideration of criminal charges," Honsal said.

Since January 2025, investigators say 918 dogs were transferred to the rescue. 116 were adopted, 71 are alive, leaving 731 dogs unaccounted for, which could include the 117 found dead.

The rescue has been operating since 1998.

RELATED: Bay Area shelters cut ties with rescue after records claim dogs found shot, buried

Over the years, overcrowded Bay Area shelters sent dogs there, recently cutting ties after news of the investigation. Families also paid the rescue to care for and adopt out pets they could no longer keep.

The investigation began after two animal advocates admitted to trespassing on the property in April, where they dug and discovered the first group of dead dogs with apparent gunshot wounds.

Matthew Liebman, an animal law professor at the University of San Francisco who previously worked with the Animal Legal Defense Fund, said the case highlights the complexities of "no-kill" claims.

"The 'no kill' label is complex," Liebman said. "Simply holding oneself out as no-kill, as we see in this case, is not a guarantee that animals aren't suffering or even that they're not being killed," Liebman said.

While the rescue has not responded to ABC7 Eyewitness News' repeated requests for comment, the rescue previously stated on its website that it does not euthanize animals to make space and only does so in rare cases involving terminal illness or safety risks.

Liebman said euthanasia, if necessary, should be performed appropriately.

"Through, the administration of appropriate drugs by someone who's appropriately trained, and not, in ways that are not approved of," he said.

Emily Lewis, managing attorney for the Criminal Justice Program at the Animal Legal Defense Fund, called the case "horrific."

"This is a horrific case, in which it appears a substantial number of dogs were likely killed," Lewis said. "Justice requires an exhaustive and meticulous approach to crime scene data, and that's where veterinary forensics comes in. We hope that ALDF's work to facilitate crucial investigation assistance is able to eventually bring some measure of justice to all of the innocent animal victims."

RELATED: Bay Area shelters retrieve dogs from NorCal rescue accused of shooting, killing animals

Authorities said they are continuing to scan microchips to identify the animals and notify shelters and previous owners.

"I understand the public's cry for justice, I understand the public's cry for transparency, however we must balance the public's right to know with the constitutional and legal rights of everyone involved," the sheriff said.

Investigators said the case, now in its third month, also includes reviewing whether partner shelters had any knowledge of the alleged activity.

The rescue remains open. No charges have been filed.