Final Group of Wolf-Hybrids Taken from Wolf Country USA

Rescue center says state would kill wolf-dogs if they remained in Alaska

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By Kate McPherson
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Story Created: Dec 10, 2011 at 10:00 AM AKDT

Story Updated: Dec 10, 2011 at 10:00 AM AKDT

The final group of wolf-hybrids from a Palmer tourist business were loaded up in cages today in preparation for their flight to California.

The owner of the wolf-dogs agreed to surrender the 29 animals to a sanctuary after state wildlife troopers launched an investigation into the business in June. The passing of a law in 2002 made it illegal in Alaska to possess a wolf-dog, also known as a wolf-hybrid, without a permit.

In June of this year, state wildlife troopers searched the Wolf Country USA property, just north of Palmer, and collected DNA samples of all the animals.

Without admitting any wrongdoing, the owners willingly agreed to give the animals to Lockwood Animal Rescue Center. The rescue center says the state would kill the wolf-dogs if they weren’t removed from Alaska.

These wolf-dogs had a plane to catch.

This weekend, 29 are scheduled to be flown to the Lockwood Animal Rescue Center north of Los Angeles. The operation was five months in the planning, and included building custom cages. But it’s not an easy job.

The owner of Wolf Country USA is glad to see them going to a safe place, especially because he was afraid for their lives.

Lockwood Animal Rescue Center says without its help, the animals would have been put down.

The animals were clearly disturbed by the ordeal Friday, but handlers say they will be fine, as the call of the wild has now become a call for warmer places.

The 29 wolf-dogs are getting a physical exam and spayed or neutered by the SPCA in Anchorage. They are scheduled to leave on an Alaska Airlines flight Saturday evening.

 

 

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It's up 2 U said on Sunday, Dec 11 at 7:35 PM

OMG! Wolves in Alaska! What next, wild bears?

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