A resident in Wahnapitae, located in Greater Sudbury, Ontario, has successfully arranged a new home for his pack of wolf-dog hybrids. After being informed by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) that keeping the 16 wolf-dogs he had since 2021 was illegal in Ontario and that they would be seized in September, the owner, Bryton Bongard, was concerned about their fate. However, recent developments indicate that the MNR has agreed to spare the animals, and they will be relocated to a new sanctuary near Sudbury.
Bongard confirmed that all 16 dogs will be transferred together to the sanctuary, conveniently located within driving distance of Sudbury. While the exact location of the sanctuary has not been disclosed yet, it will be revealed in due course. The sanctuary has entered into a contract with the MNR to accommodate the wolf-dogs, although the construction of their enclosure is still underway. In the meantime, Bongard will retain custody of the animals until the sanctuary is ready to receive them, and he has been granted permission to visit them post-relocation.
Initially, Bongard was informed that there were no available sanctuaries in Ontario capable of housing the wolf-dogs, potentially requiring them to be relocated across the country. However, the MNR opted to keep the animals nearby to serve as an educational tool for the public while penalizing Bongard.
Expressing relief over the positive resolution, Bongard acknowledged the necessity of relinquishing the wolf-dog hybrids. Despite having to pay a $5,500 fine and parting ways with his pets, Bongard remains optimistic about the outcome and looks forward to collaborating with the ministry to ensure a safe future for his animals.
The MNR declined to provide further details on the case, citing the ongoing nature of the situation and regulations under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997.