Wolf-Hybrids Seized Amid Cruelty Investigation Find New Home In AZ

AGUANGA, CA—The ten hybrid canines have found a home at an exotic pet shelter in Arizona, sparing them from euthanasia.

Over 100 animals were seized from a property east of Temecula during the August Nixon Fire. Now, the Riverside County Department of Animal Services has found a home for ten "wolf hybrids," according to spokesperson John Welsh.

"Efforts to find a suitable relocation point for the canines had been challenging," Welsh said. "The breed, which is generally crossed between a gray wolf and German shepherd, is not deemed suitable for adoption."

Wild California at the Magic Jungle Wildlife Preserve near Yucca Valley was considered an option for placement, but operator Kele Younger said, "We just didn't have the habitat."

"Approximately 90% of wolf hybrids are euthanized," Younger said. "It's hard enough to place one or two, let alone 10. The big problem is that they are too `wolfy' to be a pet and they're not 'wolfy' enough to be in a commercial facility, such as a zoo."

According to RCDAS, the animals seized included horses, goats, dogs, chickens, a turkey, exotic birds, sheep, mice, reptiles, and "pet cockroaches"along with the ten wolf hybrids.

"The property owner was not present and did not respond to two official notices from Animal Services posted at the property on July 31," RCDAS reported. "The conditions of some animals, coupled with the lack of on-site caretakers, resulted in the seizure.

"Ultimately, Animal Services will seek felony animal cruelty when it submits its findings to the Riverside County District Attorney’s office," the agency continued.

Younger delved into her network of contacts and connected with Keepers of the Wild in Valentine, Arizona, whose managers agreed to take the dogs, setting the stage for their departure from San Jacinto Friday morning for transportation to the Grand Canyon State.

"Now these little hybrids, against all odds, have endured and survived and are heading to a new, forever home," she said.

Supervisor Manuel Perez, a member of the county's Ad Hoc Committee for Continuous Improvement of Animal Services, praised Younger as "an example of a champion of exotic pets of the world."

"We can't thank her enough for helping facilitate this rescue transfer," he said. "This is exactly the type of help we need right now."

A spokesperson for the animal sanctuary Keepers of the Wild described this as a "challenging opportunity."

"Welcoming ten wolf hybrids into our care is a monumental undertaking that demands careful management, veterinary attention, and financial resources. Integrating the Nixon Fire Hybrid Pack into our sanctuary will increase our yearly budget by roughly $100,000, covering their nutrition, healthcare costs, caretakers’ salaries, activities for stimulation (enrichment), and any additional needs they might have.

At this moment, we are swiftly working to gather funds to achieve a goal of $10,000 for the prompt arrival of the Nixon Fire Hybrid Pack. This amounts to $1,000 for each animal to ensure their immediate nourishment and care. We invite you to contribute any amount you can and consider making your yearly donation sooner than the end of the year to assist with this vital rescue effort."

The department is undergoing a reformation to improve operations across the board and reduce what animal activists have alleged is the highest sheltered pet kill rate nationwide.

Related:

Cruelty Investigation Leads To 100 Animals Seized East Of Temecula