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Ontario Rescue Update
Yamnuska Wolfdog walking in the sanctuary enclosure in alberta canada.
August 28, 2025

Ontario Rescue Update

In April of 2025, we rescued 10 wolfdogs in need of help from Ontario.

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A high-content wolfdog from the yamnuska wolfdog sanctuary in cochrane, alberta
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You may have seen recent news stories about a man in Ontario with 16 wolfdogs who is currently under investigation by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). If these wolfdogs are seized and no placement can be found, they face the risk of being euthanized. Understandably, we’ve been receiving many messages and calls from concerned supporters asking if we can step in to help.

Last year we were contacted by the MNR about an impending seizure, and in April 2025 we were able to take in a total of 10 animals connected to this overarching case of illegal wolfdog ownership in Ontario: two packs (now known as our Noseeum and Fable packs) and one single wolfdog (Dakota). In addition to this intake, we also personally reached out to contacts across North America to help find placement for the related wolfdogs in this case who are in need of help.

From 2020–2025, we have rescued 58 wolfdogs, more than doubling the number of residents here at the Sanctuary and bringing us to 100% capacity with no additional enclosure space available.

While we always do our absolute best to help as many wolfdogs as we can, and as much as we’d like to, it simply isn’t possible for us to take in every wolfdog in need. When we carry out rescues, it is always with a lifelong commitment, and we ensure we do so responsibly. The majority of the wolfdogs we take in are not suitable for adoption and will remain in our care for the rest of their lives. This includes the 10 we welcomed into our care from this case. They have more complex behaviours, which makes their needs and care more challenging, making Sanctuary life the best option for them. Many of them are also young but unsocialized, including the Fable Pack puppies, and have their whole lives ahead of them here at the Sanctuary.

We are committed to more than simply providing an enclosure. We strive to create a safe and fulfilling home. Each of our enclosures spans multiple acres and includes 8-foot fencing, dig guards, overhangs, platforms and structures and more. Rescues also require careful pack matching, dedicated and experienced staff, veterinary care, proper nutrition, and daily enrichment. Every wolfdog deserves this level of care, and we are committed to providing it for every one of our wolfdogs for their entire lives.

While this case has made headlines, the truth is that wolfdogs across North America face this reality every day. We are the only wolfdog Sanctuary in Canada, and while we do everything we can, there are very few safe options for displaced wolfdogs. Sadly, many are euthanized each year simply because there is nowhere for them to go. This is why education is so important and why this is such a big part of our mission. We encourage anyone considering purchasing or adopting a wolfdog to first research local legislation and seriously reflect on whether they can provide a lifelong, secure, and appropriate home.

We will continue to advocate for wolfdogs, provide education, and give as many as we responsibly can a safe, fulfilling, and permanent home. We are so grateful for everyone who supports us and makes this work possible. If you are looking for ways to help, you can spread the word about wolfdogs, their stories, and the challenges they face. You can also step in to support the 10 Ontario rescues already in our care through a symbolic sponsorship, which will not only help us provide for their lifelong care but will also help fund new enclosures so we can hopefully once again open our doors to wolfdogs in need.

All sponsorship donations will include a charitable tax receipt and exclusive access to a behind-the-scenes video featuring for our 10 Ontario rescues*, while also making a lasting impact. Thank you for your support!

*Access to the behind-the-scenes video will be sent via an email link when tax receipt is issued.