CAMPBELL, Ohio (WKBN) – Two wolfdogs were found living inside a home in Campbell and will now be sent to an animal rescue near Cincinnati. As we’ve learned, this is a serious problem in Northeast Ohio.
Two hybrid wolves were removed from a Campbell home Wednesday morning by the Red Riding Hood Project. The group specializes in rescuing wolfdogs.
“The officer came out. They were living in very small containments in a garage, not really appropriate for any kind of dog. Due to the legalities and their current living conditions, they had to be taken,” said Paulina Romanelli, vice president of the Red Riding Hood Project.
This type of animal, which is a cross between a domesticated dog and a wolf, is not allowed within Campbell’s city limits. Police were called after a neighbor made a noise complaint.
Mayor Brian Tedesco said the homeowners were cooperative and surrendered the animals.
The rescue team says this is a common problem in Northeast Ohio.
“I personally don’t have the funding to start a sanctuary but there is a need for one in Northeast Ohio,” said Kelli Brannon, who helps rescue wolfdogs.
This happens because breeders sell them to people without knowing they’re wolfdogs or without telling people how to care for them.
“They get these puppies and they’re cute and cuddly until they grow up and then it’s a whole new ball game,” Brannon said.
Wolfdogs can be great pets but the majority of people don’t have the means or space to take care of them.
“Ninety-five percent of the population doesn’t have the resources and education to make them great pets. It takes a lot of time, a lot of effort, tall fencing,” Romanelli said.
Brannon says many of these animals face fateful ends.
“People get these dogs, they don’t understand what’s involved with them and they want to get rid of them,” Brannon said. “They’re euthanized very often because they can’t handle them and can’t find any place to put them.”
The wolfdogs will now be sent to a farm in Middletown, Ohio, where they’ll have the space to roam and to be with people who have knowledge on how to take care of them.
“That is the only one with space. Most sanctuaries and rescues are full,” Romanelli said.
Tedesco calls Wednesday’s situation a win for everyone involved.
“We found out and they worked with the police department right off the bat. They didn’t know it, they didn’t know the rules, so we told them the rules and they said, ‘What can you do for us?’ So we worked it out. The family’s happy, the police are happy, everybody’s happy in this whole thing,” Tedesco said.
No charges will be filed in the case.
Brian Oehlbeck contributed to this report.
