It is no secret that science suggests modern domesticated dogs descended from the gray wolf. In some cases, wolves and domestic dogs still interbreed today. Their offspring have become popular pets in some areas, and many potential owners wonder about the legality of keeping these animals. If you are considering a wolf hybrid, make sure you know all the details of the Minnesota law on this topic.
What Is a Wolf Hybrid?
Wolf hybrids are the offspring of mating that occurs between a wild wolf and a domestic dog. Given their shared ancestry, these two animals have the ability to interbreed. The offspring that result from this inter-breeding are referred to as wolf hybrids or wolf-dogs.
These offspring can vary widely in terms of both physical appearance and demeanor. Animals referred to as wolf hybrids can be anywhere from 5% to 95% wolf. These animals can sometimes be aggressive, and their behavior often makes them difficult to care for.
Minnesota Law Regarding Wolf Hybrids
Minnesota has no state law preventing you from keeping a wolf hybrid as a pet. Many Minnesotans take advantage of this, and several wolf hybrid rescue organizations are located in Minnesota for this reason.
However, some local municipalities prohibit the possession and ownership of wolf hybrids. For example, St. Paul prohibits ownership of wolf hybrids within the city. Some counties may also prohibit wolf hybrids.
Even though it is legal to keep a wolf hybrid in most places in Minnesota, the law limits other activities. For instance, state law directs that a person may not release a wolf-dog hybrid. Releasing a wolf-dog hybrid could lead to adverse legal consequences.
Other State Laws Dealing with Wolf Dogs
Even though it is legal to own a wolf hybrid in Minnesota, many states prohibit their citizens from keeping wolf hybrids. Since there is no federal law that prohibits the ownership of wolf hybrids, these laws are set at the individual state level. Some of the states that ban wolf hybrid ownership include:
- Alaska
- Connecticut
- Georgia
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
In a few states, it is legal to own a wolf hybrid as long as you have acquired an exotic animal license. This is the same type of license required for someone who wishes to own a tiger or other type of zoo animal. Very specific criteria must usually be met for these licenses to be issued.
Dangers of Keeping a Wolf Hybrid
Since a wolf hybrid is very closely related to a wild animal, keeping these animals as pets presents several dangers. First, no approved rabies vaccine exists for wolf hybrids. According to the USDA, the vaccines used for domestic dogs are not proven to work on wolf hybrids.
Likewise, a rabies test requires euthanizing the animal. No simple blood test can be performed to check for rabies. The only reliable way to test for rabies is to examine the animal’s brain.
Another danger associated with wolf hybrids is dog bite accidents. If a wolf hybrid bites you or another person, it could result in severe or even catastrophic injuries. Lastly, a wolf hybrid’s behavior can be unpredictable. Some owners report aggressive and destructive behavior, so keeping them in captivity can be a challenge.
What Should You Do?
If you are interested in keeping a wolf hybrid as a pet, ensure you fully understand the state and local laws in your area. Even though keeping a wolf hybrid is legal at the state level in Minnesota, some local cities prohibit it. You should also make sure that you fully understand the dangers and risks associated with keeping this type of pet.
There are times when accidents happen involving wolf hybrids. If you have been bitten or attacked by someone’s wolf hybrid, you need an experienced Minnesota personal injury lawyer who can help make sure the insurance company doesn’t try to avoid paying your claim. Your attorney can help you get compensation for all the injuries you suffered from the attack.
Contact the Minnesota Personal Injury Law Firm of Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys For Help Today
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have three convenient locations in Minnesota, including Minneapolis, St. Cloud, and Edina.
We proudly serve Hennepin County, Stearns County, and its surrounding areas:
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – Minneapolis
825 Nicollet Mall, Suite 615
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(800) 292-1979
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – St. Cloud
1010 W St Germain St # 320
St Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 255-1000
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – Edina
5200 Willson Rd #203
Edina, MN 55424
(952) 697-5560
