Three wolfdogs found roaming Preston identified

Three Dogs Found in Preston Identified as Wolfdogs

Little Timmy, Boo, and Brooke, three large dogs found roaming the streets of Preston, have been identified as wolfdogs. The dogs were discovered abandoned in Preston, and their wolf-like features gained attention online. However, Preston City Council initially identified them as a German Shepherd-type breed.

The three siblings were taken in by a rescue center and later transferred to specialists at Wolves of Wiltshire. DNA tests confirmed that the dogs belong to the wolfdog breed.

Current Status of the Dogs

Oli Barrington, a trustee at Wolves of Wiltshire, stated that the dogs are incredibly fearful and cannot be handled. He noted that only one of them has taken food from a hand, and even that was done timidly. The dogs lived wild for some time, relying on their survival instincts.

Currently, the three dogs are being assessed to determine their next steps. Oli mentioned that they are recovering from their ordeal and that their wild instincts may be challenging to manage. He added that while some dogs can be rehabilitated, others may retain their wild behaviors.

Legal Status of Wolfdogs

The legality of owning a wolfdog depends on how many generations removed it is from a wolf. First or second-generation crosses are treated as wolves, requiring a dangerous wild animal license. In contrast, animals that are third generation or more are considered domestic dogs.

Oli expressed concern about the current laws, stating, “You could essentially create an animal that’s 98% wolf but is perfectly legal to keep.” He believes the law needs to change to prevent people from owning potentially dangerous wolfdogs.

Care and Management

The wolfdogs are now under the specialist care of Wolves of Wiltshire. A spokesperson from Preston City Council explained that when the dogs were collected from Myerscough vets, they were described as a German Shepherd type. The council does not perform DNA testing and relied on the initial description.

After the dogs were unclaimed, they were transferred to 8 Below Husky Rescue and then to Wolves of Wiltshire for specialized care. The Little Zoo, home to Wolves of Wiltshire, is a small exotic animal charity that provides a sanctuary for exotic pets and has worked to create a safe environment for its pack of Eurasian wolves.