Twenty-nine wolf hybrids from Wolf Country USA in Palmer are on their way to California. State troopers searched the business for wolf hybrids in June, with DNA samples taken from some of the animals present.
The state Office of Special Prosecutions and Appeals said it’s illegal to own wolf hybrids without them being spayed, neutered, microchipped, registered and permitted with the state.
The law went into effect in 2002.
Lockwood Animal Rescue Group employees picked up the animals in Palmer Friday morning. All of the wolf hybrids will be spayed and neutered in Anchorage Friday, before they travel by plane Saturday night to their new home in Los Angeles.
“I can’t wait to get them home,” said the rescue group's Matthew Simmons. “I can’t wait to get them in a three-acre enclosure. I can’t wait to get them to run. I can’t wait for them to just be a wolf.”
Werner Schuster, Wolf Country USA's owner, said he didn’t need permission to own the wolf hybrids because he owns a corporation.
“All dogs are wolf hybrids,” Schuster said. “It’s a law that’s completely idiotically written because it means nothing.”
The OSPA said the issue is still under investigation.
Contact Rebecca Palsha
