A resident of Wahnapitae in the Greater Sudbury area, Ontario, has successfully arranged a new residence for his pack of wolf-dog hybrids. Bryton Bongard was informed by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) last month that he could not keep the 16 wolf-dogs due to their illegality in Ontario. Concerned about the fate of his pets, Bongard feared they might be euthanized upon seizure by MNR officers in September.
Now, Bongard reveals that the MNR has agreed to spare the animals, arranging for them to be relocated to a new sanctuary near Sudbury. The sanctuary, whose precise location is yet to be disclosed, has signed a contract with the MNR to accommodate the wolf-dogs. While the sanctuary is under construction, Bongard will continue to care for the animals and has been granted visitation rights once they are transferred.
Initially, Bongard was informed that there were no suitable sanctuaries in Ontario, potentially necessitating transporting the wolf-dogs to different regions. However, the decision to establish a nearby sanctuary serves as an educational tool for the public, simultaneously penalizing Bongard for his ownership of the hybrids.
Expressing relief at the positive resolution, Bongard, a butcher by profession, acknowledges the necessity of surrendering the wolf-dog hybrids. Despite having to pay a fine of $5,500, he remains resolute in his decision to keep the dogs. Looking ahead, Bongard expresses enthusiasm for collaborating with the ministry to ensure his animals find a safe haven.
For further insights on the regulations concerning wolf-dog hybrids in Ontario and the fate of seized animals, CBC News reached out to the MNR. The spokesperson highlighted that keeping wild animals from Ontario as pets or in captivity is generally unlawful, with specific exceptions regulated under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997. As the case is active, the MNR refrained from elaborating further.
