Bryton Bongard found himself with a pack of 16 wolf-dog hybrids after helping a friend build a fenced home for his dogs in exchange for several puppies. These wolf-dogs have become his family, living in an enclosure in Wahnapitae, Ont. However, the provincial government is planning to seize them due to laws against keeping wildlife native to Ontario as pets. Despite his willingness to surrender the pack, Bongard is desperate to know their fate post-seizure, as the government has hinted at possible disposal if a sanctuary cannot be found.
The wolf-dogs, which Bongard considers his “babies,” are well-cared for in a secure enclosure costing $35,000, complete with a tall fence, dig-proof aprons, and a cabin with amenities. Bongard, a butcher, provides them with meat scraps from work, spending up to $200 weekly on their varied diet. He describes them as smarter, bigger, and shy compared to regular dogs, with a unique howling sound resembling a husky.
Despite support from over 600 petition signatories urging the government to let the wolf-dogs remain under Bongard’s care, safety concerns have been raised in the community. Bongard believes his dogs pose no threat, emphasizing their fear of strangers and the unlikely event of aggression. He has proposed solutions to save the pack, including donating the enclosure or converting land into a conservation area, yet encounters resistance from the ministry.
While the ethical implications of breeding wolf-dog hybrids are debated, experts warn against keeping them as pets due to potential risks to both animals and humans. Kerry Bowman from the University of Toronto highlights the challenges of finding suitable sanctuaries and the need for a more careful approach in handling cases like Bongard’s. Despite acknowledging his wrongdoing, Bongard advocates for the welfare of his animals and aims to raise awareness about the complexities of owning wolf-dogs beyond their initial “cute” appearance.