June 18, 2026

For more than 30 years, I have devoted my life to rescuing and caring for animals through Miranda’s Rescue. Recent media coverage and online commentary have presented an incomplete and, in some cases, inaccurate picture of our work. I want to share the facts and provide context so the public can better understand our work and the difficult decisions we sometimes must make.

How Our Rescue Operates

Across the country, municipal shelters take in large numbers of animals, many of whom are easy to place in homes. Others arrive with serious behavioral challenges, including aggression or an inability to interact safely with other animals, children, or the public. In many jurisdictions, these animals may be euthanized.

Shelters often turn to rescues like Miranda’s Rescue as a last resort for these harder-to-place animals. We accept animals from shelters throughout Northern California and provide shelter services to local communities without their own facilities.

Miranda’s Rescue is a no-kill rescue. We do not euthanize animals simply to make space. However, as we state on our website, there are rare circumstances in which euthanasia may be necessary—when an animal is suffering from a terminal condition or when it poses a serious, ongoing danger to people or other animals. In those situations, we make the most humane and responsible decision we can, always with public safety and animal welfare in mind.

Recent Cases and Public Concerns

 Two recent cases have drawn particular attention. In one case, a dog named Zora arrived heavily sedated, later killed a feral cat during a walk with a prospective adopter, then broke free and attacked another dog. In another case, a dog transferred to us became fixated on a stroller carrying a baby, lunged at it, and attacked it before staff intervened. In both situations, given the observed behavior and the risks to staff, volunteers, visitors, and other animals, I made the difficult decision to euthanize the dogs. These were not decisions made lightly and were based on my responsibility to protect both the public and the animals in our care.

 In recent months, I have informed several shelters that I will no longer accept dogs they have already designated for euthanasia because of serious behavioral concerns. I believe shelters must take responsibility for animals that pose significant safety risks, rather than transferring those animals to rescues while maintaining a public image of being “no-kill” organizations.

Our Commitment to Animals and Public Safety.

My staff, volunteers, and I love the animals we serve. We work tirelessly to rehabilitate them and find safe, appropriate homes whenever possible. Unfortunately, not every animal can be safely rehabilitated or placed in a family environment. Some have attacked other animals, threatened staff, or exhibited severe behavioral distress that makes placement impossible.

Whenever euthanasia has been necessary, I have notified local authorities in advance, even when told that reporting is not required. I believe it is important to maintain a clear record of these difficult decisions.

Miranda’s Rescue is a nonprofit organization. Funds we receive from shelter transfers and donations help cover the costs of food, housing, veterinary care, medications, facility expenses, and staffing for the animals in our care. Beyond our shelter operations, I also assist local animal control and community members with emergencies involving stray, neglected, or at-risk animals.

Criticism is part of public life, and people have a right to ask questions. I only ask that they consider all the facts before reaching conclusions. Allegations made without a full understanding of the circumstances can harm not only my reputation but also the future of an organization that has served this community for decades.

At Miranda’s Rescue, our mission is to save as many animals as we safely can—always balancing compassion for animals with our responsibility to protect families, children, other pets, and the public.

— Shannon Miranda, Founder, Miranda’s Rescue