Update: Mutilated Animals May Be Coyotes, Not Dogs

a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bdewey/2842268586/">Mt. Rainier Sunset in Auburn by B.K. Dewey from our Flickr pool

This morning, we noted that the maimed, skinned bodies of several dogs were found on display, hanging from a fence in Auburn. But, the Seattle Times reported, they may not be dogs after all. From the story:

"John Urquhart, spokesman for the sheriff's office, said three animals were found skinned with their heads and feet cut off.
"We think they're coyotes," Urquhart said this morning."

However, Pasado's Safe Haven, the animal sanctuary that was called in to assist, remains unconvinced. A spokesperson stated that the animals "don't look like coyote bodies and don't have coyote hair."

While it may seem like splitting hairs to decipher the species of these mutilated creatures, the legality of the killings hangs in the balance; hunters are legally allowed to skin and decapitate coyotes, but not domesticated dogs. Either way, it's sad and disturbing.

There's still a reward for information, and citizens are urged to come forward with anything that may help the investigation.

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