Euthanasia of ‘Calia’ the wolf-dog highlights BC SPCA’s stance against cross-breeding

A file photo shows a wolf-dog howling. (Source: BC SPCA/ John E. Marriott)

The euthanasia of a wolf‑dog is drawing attention to the BC SPCA’s stance against cross-breeding domestic dogs with wild animals, which the agency argues results in hybrids that are challenging to safely or humanely care for.

The BC SPCA says a hybrid named Calia was surrendered to its Victoria branch earlier this year, and DNA testing confirmed she had 35.4 per cent grey wolf genetics.

That left the agency with two options: find Calia a home at an animal sanctuary or humanely euthanize her.

The first option was ruled out after an accredited sanctuary determined Calia’s genetic makeup would not allow her to “live successfully with other wolf-dog hybrids,” a BC SPCA spokesperson told CTV News.

“Although it is not technically illegal to keep a wolf-dog hybrid as a pet, these hybrids do not meet the BC SPCA’s Adoptability Guidelines given their unique physical and behavioural needs,” said Kaila Wolf of the BC SPCA.

“Unfortunately, this means we have had to make the difficult decision to proceed with humane euthanasia for Calia,” Wolf added. “But as a team of animal lovers ourselves, I cannot stress enough how hard it is for everyone involved making these decisions.”

She says humane euthanasia is only considered when the agency is certain an animal’s physical, mental or behavioural needs can’t be met in an adoptive home.

Hybrid animals often experience poor welfare and exhibit signs of stress and frustration when their needs are not met, according to the BC SPCA.

In a statement on its website, the agency argues interbreeding between a wild and a domestic animal “negates thousands of years of domestication.”

“This results in animals who are difficult to train and handle, present challenges for animal care workers (e.g., veterinarians and animal control officers) and have limited options for re-homing if a guardian is no longer able to care for them,” reads the statement.

That’s why the BC SPCA is calling for laws and policies that ban bringing these hybrids into the province, breeding them or selling them. The agency says this would better protect the animals’ welfare and reduce potential impacts on the environment and on people.