newjerseynewsroom.com

BY PAT SUMMERS

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

She was called “Lady” by the police who picked her up in Brooklyn before Christmas, then “Rosie” as she entered a shelter in New Jersey, but the name that got the most attention was “wolfdog.”

Wearing a chain and collar and weighing about 53 pounds, the 3-year old female was found wandering around Brooklyn. Wolfdogs are considered wild animals, or exotics, and it’s illegal to keep them as pets in New York City.

It turned out, however, that Rosie’s owner had died, leaving her on her own. According to nbcnewyork.com, animal welfare officials described her as “timid and nervous” in her new surroundings, although healthy.

Richard Gentles, spokesperson for New York Animal Care and Control, said most wolfdog hybrids are a cross between a gray wolf and either a German shepherd, a malamute, or a husky. It would take genetic testing to know for sure, reported news.com.au.

Officials’ hopes of placing her in a special shelter came true with her admission to Howling Woods Farm, in Jackson Township, N.J., on Christmas Eve, according to Gothamist.com, which provided a video of the wolfdog being walked there.

The shelter website describes the place as “a breed-specific animal shelter that rescues and places domestic bred wolves, wolfdog hybrids and northern breeds.” It also provides education and information to the general public about wolves and wolfdogs.

According to Care2.com, 20 states, including New Jersey, reportedly ban private ownership of exotic animals; nine states have a partial ban; nine states (including Ohio, where the exotic animal tragedy occurred earlier this year) have no license or permit requirements.

Though such laws won’t completely prevent people from illegally buying and keeping animals, they can serve as important deterrents to protect exotic animals from cruel and inhumane treatment.

For now, Rosie’s in a safe place, reportedly “very affectionate and seeking to bond with a special someone.” The Gothamist.com video includes a distinction made on Howling Woods’ website: “Some folks believe that wolfdogs are inherently provocative and aggressive, or that they are capable of 'turning on you.' Just the opposite is true. By nature, they tend to be timid, loving, family(pack)-oriented and trusting of pack members."

Freelancer Pat Summers also blogs at www.AnimalBeat.blogspot.com and www.NJ.com/pets.