Model Regulations for Captive Wolves and Wolf-Dogs

Purpose: To establish procedure required to define, identify, record, license and monitor the private ownership and breeding of domestic dogs crossed with wild dogs. Specifically those crossed with wolves or coyotes called wolf-dogs and coy-dogs.

Objective: To provide an accessible license procedure pertaining to private ownership of wolf hybrids based on facility provisions rather than individual persuasion. This will define hybrid owner responsibilities and will provide a clear path for legal recourse in the event of liabilities. It will also establish Facility Design Standards which are easily enforced, feasible to build and will ultimately assure the long-term confinement and control of hybrids.

Implementation: Local Animal Control Agencies or Shelters are best suited to enforce or regulate wolf dogs that are owned as pets. It is suggested that these organization devote individuals entirely to the implementation and enforncement of the following procedures.

  1. LICENSING PROCEDURE:

    Establishing License forms and Public Information: A Packet containing the following items needs to be developed and made publicly available to all current or prospective wolf-dog owners. A minimal Fee could be charged ($1-$5) to cover material costs . The packet would contain the following:

    1. License Application Forms
      1. Identifies owners, physical locations, numbers and background of wolf-dogs.
      2. Distinguishes breeders from non-breeders.
    2. Facility Requirements
      1. Assures land ownership OR Authorization from land owner .
      2. Establish pen design criteria- size, strength, double gates…
      3. Define; shelters, drainage, perimeter Fencing…
    3. Animal Welfare
      1. Assures veterinary care program
      2. Vaccination requirements- liability release form to vet. for rabies
      3. Food, water, transportation…
    4. Liabilities
      1. Liability acceptance form
      2. Provide tattoo For Identification of stray wolf-dogs.
    5. Resources For Owners
      1. General behavioral information on wolf-dogs.
      2. Resource list for help relating to all above items.
      3. Suggest or require owners to enroll in wolf-dog education classes.
  2. SUGGESTED FACILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFE AND HUMANE CONTAINMENT OF CAPTIVE WOLVES AND WOLF-DOGS:

    Prior to receiving a wolf dog license an inspected and approved facility must exist and meet the following minimum requirements.

    LAND:

    If the proposed wolf-dog owner does not personally own the property a certificate signed and notarized by the land owner authorizing and giving the wolf-dog owner permission to erect permanent fenced enclosures and contain the animals on the property must be submitted prior to license issuance.

    FENCING:

    Enclosures of comfortable size for the animals and of sufficient strength to prevent escape must exist, this includes pups. The following are intended to be minimums, it is suggested that these minimums be strictly enforced.

    ENCLOSURES :

    AREA:
    A single wild wolf 's territory is about 10,000 acres. Captive wolves need at least a fourth of an acre (100' x 100'). Enclosures should be enlarged an additional quarter acre for each added animal.
    HEIGHT:
    Chain link fencing should adjoin the ground and extend upwards a minimum of six feet with a two foot extension of lighter weight fence at the top. Overall fence height must be a minimum of eight feet (8'). It is suggested that an electric wire be strung at the top of the fence on the inside of the enclosure to stop jumpers and climbers.
    STRENGTH:
    All primary fence and gates should be of - 9 gauge, 2" square, 6' tall chain link ( 8' chain link fence is preferred).
    GROUND BARRIERS:
    Concrete with reinforced mesh should extend two feet vertical into the ground and be attached to the base of the chain link to prevent animals from digging out. In place of concrete, a ground mesh four feet wide may be attached at the base of the chain link lying flat on the ground and extend into the enclosure. Logs, rocks, and soil (2"-6" deep) is placed on top of mesh to act as weight and prevent injury to feet of animals.
    GATES:
    All entrances and exits must have double gates and be at least 6'-6" tall. Latches must be secure and lockable.
    PERIMETER FENCE:
    A secondary fence at least five feet tall and five feet away from the primary fence must surround the enclosure. This is to prevent people and animals from physically contacting the primary enclosure.
    DRAINAGE:
    The enclosure must provide adequate drainage to allow animals to find dry ground in wet conditions.
  3. ANIMAL WELFARE:

    Prior to being granted a lisence for wolf-dog ownership, the applicant must sign a contractual intent form, that consents to random inspections and assures the following:

    • A SPONSORING VETERINARIAN
    • A VETERINARY CARE PROGRAM
    • VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS
    • ACCESS TO FOOD AND WATER
    • ROUTINE SANITATION/WASTE REMOVAL
  4. LIABILITIES:

    Prior receiving a lisence to own wolf-dogs, the applicant must do the following to aknowledge their liability:

    • SIGN A LIABILITY ACCEPTANCE FORM
    • TATTOO THE ANIMAL FOR IDENTIFICATION OF STRAY AND PROBLEM ANIMALS
  5. RESOURCES and OPTIONAL/ MANDATORY PROCEDURES:

    The following resources will be made available to wolf dog owners either for owners to seek out themselves, or can be a mandatory procedure for those who are found to be out of compliance with regulations.

    • GENERAL BEHAVIORAL "BIBLE" ON WOLF DOGS
    • WOLF-DOG EDUCATION CLASSES (FOR PEOPLE)
    • WOLF-DOG TRAINING / SOCIALIZATION CLASSES (FOR WOLF-DOGS)