In a press release dated April 10, 2026, Lieutenant Steven R. Dills said investigators now believe the animals were foxes, not dogs as community members and media outlets initially reported. (Courtesy Renee Stewart)
GUEMES ISLAND, Wash. The mystery surrounding dozens of animal carcasses along Guemes Island shorelines has taken a significant turn. The Skagit County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday that investigators identified and contacted the responsible party, and the agency does not anticipate filing criminal charges.
In a press release dated April 10, 2026, Lieutenant Steven R. Dills said investigators now believe the animals were foxes, not dogs as community members and media outlets initially reported. According to the release, the foxes originated from a farm outside Washington state. The responsible party lawfully purchased and transported them into Washington for use in commercial fishing operations.
“Based on information gathered to date, the animals involved are believed to be foxes that originated from a farm outside the State of Washington,” Dills said. “They were lawfully purchased and transported into Washington for use in commercial fishing operations.”
The responsible party is cooperating with investigators. As a result, the Sheriff’s Office does not anticipate referring any charges to the Prosecutor’s Office.
How The Story Developed
The incident started when beachgoers reported carcasses washing ashore on Guemes Island around March 24. From there, the total count climbed to as many as 23 animals across multiple locations including Long Bay, Cook’s Cove, Kelly’s Point, West Beach, and the Swinomish Channel near La Conner.
Guemes Island Fire Chief Olivia Cole helped recover the carcasses and described the animals as resembling hound-type dogs. She told King 5 that some had orange twine around their necks and showed signs of skinning. Those details sparked widespread concern and drew national attention to the small island community locals often call “Dog Island.”
Investigators submitted all recovered animals for forensic necropsy and DNA testing. Together, those results and information from the responsible party appear to have resolved the central question of what the animals were and where they came from.
What Remains Unanswered
However, the Sheriff’s Office has not released the name of the responsible party. Furthermore, investigators have not explained the condition of the animals, including the reported skinning, missing paws, or twine. The press release also does not address how or where the carcasses entered the water.
Meanwhile, the investigation remains active and ongoing. PNW Daily will continue to report as additional information becomes available.
Source: Skagit County Sheriff’s Office press release, Case #26-03348, April 10, 2026. Contact: Lt. Steven R. Dills.
About the Author
