21 Dead Canines Mysteriously Wash Ashore on Washington Island

Authorities investigate the disturbing discovery on Guemes Island, leaving the community shaken.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:39pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single skinned canine paw against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the disturbing discovery on Guemes Island.The discovery of dozens of mysteriously mutilated animal carcasses has left a Washington island community deeply unsettled.Anacortes Today

Investigators in Skagit County, Washington are trying to determine the origin of 21 dead canine carcasses that have mysteriously washed ashore on Guemes Island over the past week. The carcasses, which appear to be from the same species and roughly the same size, have left the small island community unsettled as authorities conduct necropsies and DNA testing to uncover the cause of death and where the animals came from.

Why it matters

The discovery of the skinned and mutilated animal carcasses has shocked the Guemes Island community, which is known for its history of hosting a now-extinct breed of Salish woolly dogs. Residents are concerned about the potential for criminal activity, such as illegal animal trafficking or dogfighting, that could be behind the disturbing incident.

The details

The Skagit County Sheriff's Department began investigating the case last Thursday after the first carcasses were found on the shores and in the water around Kelly's Point on Guemes Island. Over the course of the week, a total of 21 dead canines were discovered, with some having orange twine wrapped around their necks. The carcasses have been turned over to a forensic veterinarian for necropsies and DNA testing to determine the species and cause of death.

  • The first carcasses were found on the shores of Guemes Island starting last Thursday.
  • More carcasses were discovered throughout the week, with a total of 21 found by Thursday.

The players

Skagit County Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the discovery of the dead canines on Guemes Island.

Olivia Cole

The Guemes Island Fire Chief and a local dog groomer who has been involved in the investigation.

Alexie Gregory

A 41-year-old resident of Guemes Island who witnessed some of the carcasses at Kelly's Point.

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What they’re saying

“This whole island is talking, and there are rumors, because we get big tankers that come through here, and we know there are breeders on other islands.”

— Olivia Cole, Guemes Island Fire Chief

“It's a creepy mystery out here. That's what I keep saying, it's like the start of a horror movie, honestly.”

— Olivia Cole, Guemes Island Fire Chief

“It was so eerie to see one and then, literally, five minutes of walking, we found another. I think we found a total of 10 or 11 that day, and by the end of it, I was numb. I was just in shock.”

— Alexie Gregory, Guemes Island Resident

What’s next

The forensic veterinarian is currently conducting necropsies and DNA testing on the carcasses to determine the species and cause of death. Authorities hope the results will provide more clues about the origin of the animals and any potential criminal activity involved.

The takeaway

The discovery of the 21 dead canines on Guemes Island has left the small community deeply unsettled, raising concerns about potential animal cruelty, illegal trafficking, or other criminal activity. As the investigation continues, residents are anxiously awaiting answers that could shed light on this disturbing mystery.