SKAGIT COUNTY — The Skagit County Sheriff’s Office has answered a few questions about the 20+ dog carcasses that were found washed ashore on Guemes Island.
According to the sheriff’s office, they “contacted the responsible party associated with the recent animal-related incident.”
Based on information at this stage in the investigation, the carcasses were determined to be foxes from a farm outside the state of Washington.
The sheriff’s office said that they were “lawfully purchased” and transported to the state for use in commercial fishing.
The sheriff’s office told KIRO 7 in a phone call that the foxes can be used as bait for crabbing. It appears that the boat had some kind of mechanical issues, they told us.
They also told KIRO that it appears the operator tossed the foxes to lighten the load when the boat was taking on water.
“Given the facts and circumstances currently known, the Sheriff’s Office does not anticipate referring any charges to the Prosecutor’s Office,” the sheriff’s office wrote on Facebook.
The investigation is active and ongoing.
What happened
On March 26, deputies responded to a call about several canines that were found washed up. At that time, six dogs were found.
Since the initial report, deputies and animal control have located an additional five dead canines along the shoreline on Guemes Island.
And on March 31, one additional canine was found floating in the La Conner Channel.
On April 2, investigators updated KIRO 7 to say that eight more canines were found on Guemes Island’s shoreline, bringing the total to 20 canines.
Investigators said the carcasses were in bad shape.
As of April 3, investigators told KIRO 7 that the total number of carcasses found is about 20-25.
A necropsy was completed, and the sheriff’s office said that it would take two to three weeks for the DNA results.
It’s unclear if those will still be released now that deputies have an answer, and again, it doesn’t sound like charges will be filed.
©2026 Cox Media Group
