12 Dead Dogs Found On Guemes Island: What Investigators Know

GUEMES ISLAND, Wash. — At least 13 canine carcasses have been recovered along the shorelines of Guemes Island and nearby waters in Skagit County, and investigators say more may still be coming in. The Skagit County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Unit is leading an active investigation into what happened — and community members are shaken.

Deputies first responded March 26 after six carcasses were reported washed ashore in the Guemes Island area. Five more were found in the same area in the days that followed. On March 31, another canine was found floating in the Swinomish Channel near La Conner. A 13th carcass has since been reported near Deception Pass, though that discovery had not been independently confirmed by authorities as of publication.

Troubling Details Emerge

Guemes Island Fire Chief Olivia Cole helped recover all of the carcasses and described the animals as likely belonging to the hound group, between small and medium-sized dogs. She told KING 5 the animals looked similar to one another and showed signs of skinning. Investigators also found orange twine wrapped around the necks of two carcasses.

“They were like a foot apart,” Cole told KING 5. “Then some of the others were about 10 feet apart, so we just walked along the beach, bagging and tagging. It was super sad.”

Cole said crews found carcasses from Peach Preserve to Kelly’s Point on Guemes Island. She added that additional reports continue to come in.

“Somebody told me they found another one at Deception Pass,” Cole said. “I haven’t been able to talk to that person, but they seem to be popping up everywhere now.”

We love our animals out here. That’s scary, that there’s somebody out there that is capable of doing this.

— Guemes Island Fire Chief Olivia Cole, via King 5

Investigation And Forensic Testing Underway

A forensic veterinarian is working to determine whether the animals are domestic dogs or wild canines, such as coyotes, and to establish a cause of death. Those results remain pending.

Investigators have not confirmed foul play. However, the presence of twine, signs of skinning, and the number of animals have raised serious concern.

Washington state law classifies the killing of an animal as a felony. Meanwhile, many residents refer to Guemes Island as “Dog Island” because of the community’s strong connection to pets. As a result, the discovery has deeply unsettled the tight-knit community.

Authorities Urge Anyone With Information To Come Forward

“Somebody knows something,” Cole said. “That’s a lot of animals.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office or call Skagit 911 to speak with a deputy or animal control officer. PNW Daily will update this story as new information becomes available.

Additional reporting by King 5. PNW Daily has requested an updated statement from the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office.