Apparent Skinned Dog Carcasses Found on Guemes Island

Skagit County authorities are investigating the disturbing discovery of over a dozen animal remains.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:06pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single animal bone or piece of fur from one of the skinned dog carcasses, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the disturbing nature of this discovery.The grim discovery of apparent animal cruelty victims on Guemes Island beaches has sparked an investigation by local authorities.La Conner Today

The Skagit County Sheriff's Office is investigating after about a dozen animal carcasses that appear to be skinned dogs washed up on the beaches of Guemes Island over the past week. Another similar carcass was also found floating in the Swinomish Channel in La Conner. Authorities have collected the remains and sent them to a local veterinarian for forensic examination and DNA testing.

Why it matters

The discovery of these apparent animal cruelty victims has shocked the local community and raised concerns about potential criminal activity on the island. Authorities are working to determine the cause of death and identify the perpetrators behind this disturbing incident.

The details

An animal control officer retrieved 10 of the carcasses found on Guemes Island on Wednesday and delivered them to a local veterinarian for further examination. The veterinarian will perform a forensic necropsy as well as DNA testing on the remains to try to determine the cause of death and identify the animals.

  • Over the past week, the carcasses were found washed up on the beaches of Guemes Island.
  • On Tuesday, another carcass that also appears to be a skinned dog was found floating in the Swinomish Channel in La Conner.
  • On Wednesday, the animal control officer picked up 10 of the carcasses from Guemes Island.

The players

Skagit County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency investigating the discovery of the apparent skinned dog carcasses.

Olivia Cole

The chief of the Guemes Island volunteer fire department.

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What’s next

The veterinarian will perform a forensic necropsy and DNA testing on the remains to try to determine the cause of death and identify the animals.

The takeaway

This disturbing discovery has shaken the local community and raised serious concerns about potential animal cruelty on Guemes Island. Authorities are working diligently to investigate the incident and identify those responsible.