Seized hybrid wolf-dogs moved to licenced Ontario facility

Fifteen hybrid wolf-dogs have been relocated by Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources.

Conservation officers and veterinarians were at a property in Wahnapitae, Ont., on Wednesday to seize the animals after the owner pled guilty earlier this year to illegally possessing them, among other wildlife charges.

Some of the wolf-dogs under sedation were loaded in a trailer to be checked on before being transported to an approved licenced wildlife facility in Ontario.

MNR officials were on site at the property enforcing a court order to seize the animals.

“We have got conservation officers that are here as part of the Sudbury enforcement unit,” said MNR Staff Sgt. Iain McGale.

“We also have staff from the Bearwise Program that have expertise with relocating wildlife, specifically large wildlife, and we also have a team of vets that are here as well.”

The MNR said that the some of the hybrid wolf-dogs were chemically immobilized to be handled safely and secured for transport.

“With regards to today we have got a variety of specialized equipment, including staff that are trained in chemical immobilization,” aid McGale.

“If required we may need to chemically immobilize some of these animals in order to get them into crates and then can use the reversal drugs to wake them back up and then be able to transport them safely.”

The former owner of the wolf-dogs, Bryton Bongard, was on his property during the seizure, helping to calm the animals as best he could.

He told CTV News that it was a sad day – but one he knew was coming.

“I feel very lucky, actually, because it could have been a lot worse,” said Bongard.

“Prime example that would be in B.C., when you know they showed up and euthanized, as those ostriches. At least with my dogs, it’s not going to be the same case; at least I know they are leaving this property alive.”

The animals were moved in trailers and bear traps modified with plywood to enhance their safety and comfort during the transport to the approved facility.

“We are looking at public safety here today,” said McGale.

“We are also wanting to make sure that the animals are well cared for and that they are transported safely.”

CTV News contacted the ministry to ask about the location of the approved wildlife facility and if the hybrid wolf-dogs will be living together as one pack.

We received this statement:

“The hybrid wolves will be transferred to one authorized facility. To protect the safety and security of both the facility and the hybrid wolves, the name and location of the approved facility will not be disclosed.”

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