Local & Community

Palm Springs Animal Shelter Cuts Ties with Miranda's Rescue After 117 Dead Dogs Discovered

The Palm Springs Animal Shelter has officially terminated its contract with Miranda's Rescue following a devastating update from a law enforcement investigation. The announcement follows a news conference held today by the Humboldt County Sheriff's Department detailing a shocking discovery at the nonprofit animal rescue facility located in the city of Fortuna.

According to officials, the investigation originally began back in May after local residents raised concerns regarding the conditions at Miranda's Rescue. Although the organization's website markets the facility as a no-kill rescue dedicated to helping neglected or distressed animals, a major development occurred after authorities executed a search warrant on June 25th. Over the course of a three-day search of the property, investigators discovered the remains of 117 dogs buried on the site. On-site X-rays subsequently revealed that many of those deceased dogs contained bullet fragments.

Tragically, two of the dead dogs recovered were puppies that had been transferred directly from the Palm Springs Animal Shelter on April 1st. Palm Springs Animal Shelter Executive Director Dan Rossi expressed absolute disbelief regarding the findings, stating that shelter officials were "completely shocked and devastated." Rossi noted that their understanding was that the rescue operator would be honest and upfront about the animals, as he frequently sent over photos of successful adoptions that were taking place. Throughout their professional relationship, there were always signs that indicate things were appropriate and right.

In total, the Palm Springs Animal Shelter had transferred 30 dogs to the Fortuna rescue, including the two deceased puppies. While several of those animals were successfully adopted, shelter officials are still waiting to confirm the exact whereabouts of the remaining dogs.

Consequently, the Palm Springs Animal Shelter has immediately cut all ties and terminated its contract with Miranda's Rescue. Shelter officials plan to provide a deeper look into the situation during a scheduled update at 6 o'clock tonight to explain more about why the animals were originally transferred and outline the active steps the shelter is taking to find answers.

Explore NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the valley.

By: NBC Palm Springs

June 29, 2026

Palm Springs Animal ShelterMirandas Rescue FortunaDan Rossi animal shelterHumboldt County Sheriff investigationdead dogs buried rescueFortuna animal rescue remainsJune 2026
Link Copied To Clipboard!
Latest Instagram Posts
338

Palm Springs is mourning the loss of beloved entertainer James “Gypsy” Haake, who has died at 94. Haake began his entertainment career at just 19 years old as a Broadway chorus dancer. After retiring from the stage, he returned to performing at 82, becoming the host of Carnival Cabaret at Oscars in downtown Palm Springs. A longtime friend of our station, Haake was a familiar and beloved figure in the Palm Springs entertainment community — and his contributions were recognized with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. His career spanned more than seven decades, proving that the spotlight never truly left him. ❤️ Rest in peace, James “Gypsy” Haake. Your legacy will live on in Palm Springs. #JamesGypsyHaake #PalmSprings #PalmSpringsWalkOfStars #CarnivalCabaret #PalmSpringsEntertainment #OscarsPalmSprings #PalmSpringsHistory

20

Social Time with Thalia & Jerry

Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Sterling Conley with the rushing TD, 2) Marcus Kennedy with the touchdown catch, 3) Cade Pinon with the big time sack, 4) Kingston Pellum with the pick-6, or 5) Caleb Hartwell with the saving throw #fypage #fridaynightlights #football #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball
223

Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Sterling Conley with the rushing TD, 2) Marcus Kennedy with the touchdown catch, 3) Cade Pinon with the big time sack, 4) Kingston Pellum with the pick-6, or 5) Caleb Hartwell with the saving throw #fypage #fridaynightlights #football #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball

156

James Nellis from @dsrt_club_lq and @rd_rnnr_lq makes us one of his signature dishes, his Maine scallops with hibiscus puree. His creativity and skill lead to unique bold flavors and scrumptious dishes. We chat about his love of trying new things in the kitchen, what being a chef means to him, and how food can different, flavorful, and fun. This is James Nellis on a plate. See it now on nbcpalmsprings.com

75

At the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, first responders, families and community members came together to honor the lives lost—and the heroes who answered the call 25 years ago on September 11, 2001. Two first responders who responded to opposite sides of the World Trade Center met for the first time at the event, sharing a powerful moment of remembrance and connection. 26 flights. Three times. One enduring message: Never Forget. #NeverForget #September11 #911Memorial #MemorialStairClimb #FirstResponders HonorAndRemember 911

Palm Desert’s future takes center stage next week.

The Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 2026 State of the City Address & Luncheon on Friday, September 18, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort.

The event brings together local business leaders, community members and city stakeholders for an inside look at the priorities, opportunities and future of Palm Desert.

Friday, September 18
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort
Palm Desert

Individual tickets are $85 for Chamber members and $95 for non-members.

Get the details and registration information from the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce.

#PalmDesert #StateOfTheCity #CoachellaValley #PalmDesertBusiness #GreaterPalmSprings #PalmDesertChamber
29

Palm Desert’s future takes center stage next week. The Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 2026 State of the City Address & Luncheon on Friday, September 18, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. The event brings together local business leaders, community members and city stakeholders for an inside look at the priorities, opportunities and future of Palm Desert. Friday, September 18 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort Palm Desert Individual tickets are $85 for Chamber members and $95 for non-members. Get the details and registration information from the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce. #PalmDesert #StateOfTheCity #CoachellaValley #PalmDesertBusiness #GreaterPalmSprings #PalmDesertChamber

31

25 years later, the memories of 9/11 remain vivid for the firefighters who witnessed the tragedy firsthand. A longtime FDNY firefighter reflects on the trauma, loss and moments that have stayed with him a quarter-century after the attacks. #911 #September11 #NeverForget #FDNY #Firefighter #911Anniversary #25YearsLater #NewYorkCity #Remembering911 #NBCTPalmSprings

291

A troubling history is coming to light in a Palm Desert husband’s death. 65-year old Vicky Kim is accused in the death of her husband — but prosecutors say she had previously faced several domestic violence cases involving him. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office says it had secured protective orders against Kim before a judge later resolved her cases as misdemeanors, released her from custody and terminated those orders. Now, Kim is expected to be arraigned in connection with her husband’s death. Court records allege the weapon used was a flagpole.

109

☕️🔥 How hot is TOO hot? A new study finds that drinking scalding-hot beverages may be linked to nearly 3 times the risk of esophageal cancer—the most common type of cancer affecting the esophagus. The takeaway? Let that coffee, tea or other hot drink cool down before taking a sip. ❤️ #HealthNews #EsophagealCancer #CancerRisk #HotBeverages #Coffee #Tea #CancerAwareness #HealthyHabits #HealthTips

26

☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. The squishy craze!

Palm Springs Animal Shelter Cuts Ties with Miranda's Rescue After 117 Dead Dogs Discovered