The Skagit County Sheriff’s Office said the 21 carcasses that washed ashore are believed to be foxes, not dogs as originally suspected.
SKAGIT COUNTY, Wash. — The person responsible for the nearly two dozen animal carcasses, which washed ashore in coastal Skagit County, will likely not face charges, according to the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office.
Since March 26, at least 21 “canine” carcasses washed up along the beaches of Guemes Island, north of Anacortes. The carcasses were found between Peach Preserve to Kelly’s Point and near La Conner, KING 5 previously reported.
The sheriff’s office contacted the person associated with the incidents and that person is “cooperating with the ongoing investigation,” the department announced on April 10.
While the carcasses were initially thought to be dogs, it was determined the animals were foxes that “originated from a farm outside of the state of Washington,” the sheriff’s office said. “They were lawfully purchased and transported into Washington for use in commercial fishing operations.”
Fire officials on Guemes Island said the animals’ bodies had been skinned and some had orange twine wrapped around their necks.
The Skagit County Sheriff’s Office said the foxes were used as bait in commercial crabbing operations. The fishing boat had an issue on the water and while it returned safely to the harbor, some of the fox cargo was lost overboard during the event, the sheriff’s office said.
With the information so far, the sheriff’s office said it does not anticipate referring any charges to the prosecutor’s office for official charges.
The incident remains under investigation.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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