Guemes Island shoreline in Skagit County, where more than 20 dead dogs have been found as investigators work to determine the cause and origin.
GUEMES ISLAND, Wash. — Crews have now found as many as 23 dead dogs along Guemes Island shorelines as, and the investigation is expanding. The case began when beachgoers reported several carcasses.
Since then, responders have broadened their search across multiple shorelines and nearby waterways as the number of discoveries continues to climb.
Timeline Suggests Movement Through Local Waters
Residents tracking the discoveries have outlined a possible timeline. They believe the animals first appeared near Long Bay around March 24. Reports then placed them at Cook’s Cove by March 26.
Observers did not document them at Kelly’s Point until at least March 29. That pattern suggests currents may have carried the carcasses through the area over several days. Investigators have not confirmed that theory.
Carcasses Found Across Multiple Shorelines
Responders and volunteers have located carcasses at Long Bay, Cook’s Cove, Kelly’s Point, and West Beach. Crews also recovered one carcass from the Swinomish Channel near La Conner — a find that suggests the situation may extend well beyond Guemes Island. The Skagit County Sheriff’s Office initially responded to six reports. Additional discoveries have quickly pushed the total to 23.
Condition Of Animals Raises New Questions
Responders say the animals appear similar in size and resemble hound-type breeds. Some also report signs that the carcasses were skinned, and several appear to have missing front paws. Authorities have not officially confirmed those details or explained how the animals were processed.
Residents Say Dogs Are Not Local Pets
Residents say the animals do not appear to belong to the Guemes Island community.
Several people familiar with local pets insist they do not recognize the dogs. The island has a small pet population and many residents know each other’s animals.
“They just know it’s not missing pets from the island,” Beth Anderson said. “Folks in the community know all the dogs around, that’s all. Best guess right now is a water dump or a dump on a shore on a different, nearby island.”
Officials have not independently confirmed that claim.
“They are 100000% not random pets,” Laura K. Ferguson said.
Focus Shifts To Possible Off-Island Source
Investigators have not identified the origin of the animals. Attention has shifted away from a local source, however, as the number and condition of the carcasses points elsewhere.
“I was told yesterday by a reputable source that they are domestic, but the very final confirmation is yet to be determined,” Fire Chief Olivia Cole said. “If anybody happens to find more carcasses, please call Skagit County dispatch.”
Some residents believe someone may have dumped the carcasses in the water or along a nearby shoreline. Others suggest offshore disposal. Authorities have not confirmed any of those possibilities.
Small Island Community Uneasy After Bald Eagle Found Dead
Search teams also found a dead bald eagle near an active nest on West Beach. That discovery raised concerns about possible environmental factors in the area and whether it had eaten poisoned dog meat.
As the situation develops, concern among residents has been escalating.
“Guemes Island has become quite the famous little island this week,” Ferguson said. “For all the wrong, sad reasons.”
Officials forwarded the report to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Investigators have not linked the eagle to the dog deaths.
Cole said the animals will be tested for poison and in her opinion, all of them appeared to have been skinned.
Please do not let your dogs outside alone. Stand in the backyard with them every time they go outside and do not let them off a leash unless they are inside. This is as serious as it is heartbreaking.
— Guemes Island Community Member
Forensic Testing Underway
Investigators have submitted all recovered animals for forensic necropsy and DNA testing. Those tests will determine species and cause of death. Investigators have not yet confirmed whether the animals are domestic dogs or wild canines. Results remain pending.
Public Asked To Report, Not Move Carcasses
Authorities ask residents to leave carcasses in place and report them to Skagit County dispatch. That step helps preserve evidence and improves tracking. Search teams continue scanning beaches and nearby waterways.
Pet owners are urged to keep dogs leashed and supervised at all times until investigators determine what happened. PNW Daily will continue to update this story as new information becomes available.
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