Shelter Pups Need Help Amid Rescue Investigation, Waives Fees: Napa

NAPA VALLEY, CA — The Napa County Animal Shelter launched an urgent push for adoptions, foster homes, and rescue partnerships Thursday after authorities warned the facility may need to reclaim dogs previously transferred to Miranda’s Rescue during a widening animal cruelty investigation.

Shelter officials are waiting dog adoption fees and appealed directly to the public after a May 1 search warrant targeted Miranda’s Rescue as part of an investigation into alleged animal cruelty, fraud, and conspiracy.

The Humboldt County nonprofit had accepted dogs from shelters across California, including Napa County, for years.

“We are deeply concerned by the reports emerging from this investigation and heartbroken for the animals involved,” Megan Scoullar, manager of the Napa County shelter, said.

Scoullar said staff are working with partner agencies while trying to create enough capacity to respond if dogs connected to the investigation must be relocated.

According to Napa County officials, the shelter transferred an average of 16 dogs each year to Miranda’s Rescue between 2020 and 2025. Those transfers helped relieve crowding pressures as stray intakes and owner surrenders continued to outpace adoptions.

Now, shelter leaders say they are operating at safe holding capacity for dogs while evaluating whether animals sent to Miranda’s Rescue may eventually need to return to Napa County custody.

Officials said Humboldt County Animal Control continues monitoring animals at the rescue property while investigators move forward with the case. Napa County staff said they remain in active communication with Humboldt County authorities and are cooperating fully with the investigation.

The shelter has also started tightening rescue partner agreements and expanding local placement options, including development of a new dog foster program designed to reduce dependence on long-distance rescue transfers.

County officials urged residents interested in adopting, fostering, or rescue placement partnerships to act quickly as the shelter braces for possible next steps.