How to Prevent Wolves From Being Kept as Pets

The majority of animal rights activists, wildlife experts and even veterinarians are against keeping wolves, wolfdogs and other types of wolf hybrids as pets, since they rarely thrive in captivity. By being active in the community, and knowing animal right laws, you can help prevent wolves from being kept as pets. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Prevent Wolves From Being Kept as Pets

1. Write a letter to your congressional representative if you feel that the laws governing the keeping of wolves and wolfdogs in your area is too lenient.

2. Know your legal rights where you live to determine how you can help prevent wolves from being kept as pets. In many areas, neighbors have legal rights to prevent their neighbors from owning pet wolves or wolfdogs, especially if they have small children, pets and livestock on their property. Exercise your rights under the law and inform the authorities if you know of any pet wolves that are being kept close to where you live.

3. Dedicate your time or donate to one of many charity organizations designed to protect animal rights, specifically the ones that actively oppose ownership of wild animals such as wolves. The Humane Society of the United States and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASCPA) both oppose the keeping of wolves and wolfdogs as pets, and their respective websites are excellent resources for finding out more information (see Resources below).

4. Educate your community by offering solid, factual information about the harmful effects that captivity has on wolves. Use online resources such as the website for The Wolf Trust to provide information to everyone you know (see Resources below).

5. Read books such as "The Company of Wolves" by Peter Steinhart that discuss modern-day attitudes toward wolves, and having them in captivity. Being informed will make your argument much more persuasive if you encounter someone who is thinking about owning a wolf as a pet.

Tips & Warnings

• Wolves should never be kept in a city, town or suburban area. Most laws prohibit this, so report anyone who is keeping a pet wolf in this type of environment.

Resources

• Official website for The Wolf Trust
• Website for the Humane Society of the United States
• Official website for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

[BlondieRHS02]

on 8/28/2009 I think the community needs to be more educated on hybrids. I would never think it is okay to own a full blooded wolf, but wolf hybrids are just like any other dog. I own one and no one even knows she has wolf in her. She is the SWEETEST dog...I can't say that enough. Everyone who has met her has fallen in love with her. So please don't just assume all hybrids are dangerous (thank about it, all dogs are dangerous to an extent). I will repeat...I do NOT think it is okay to take a wolf out of the wild to have as a pet, but hybrids are great dogs. As long as it is a low percentage.