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Cyber Awareness
Trying to place your no
longer convenient wolf-dog hybrid? Read this article before going any
farther.
 
Parents have long been aware of the
potential dangers their children face via the internet- pedophiles in
search of children to victimize, etc. However, many animal owners do not
realize their animal companions also face such dangers. Just as
pedophiles and other unsavory characters monitor gathering places
popular with kids, individuals calling themselves "zoophiles" (people
who sexually abuse animals) monitor animal related forums. Wolf-dog
hybrids, as 'exotics', are at particular risk from these individuals.
Kala, pictured above, is a victim of such abuse.
In addition, there are unscrupulous taxidermists seeking wolf-dog
hybrids for use as taxidermy subjects. Sadly, wolf-dog hybrids often
slip through the loophole of legality in terms of taxidermy, being
classified as neither wild nor domestic. The average person cannot tell
the difference between a legitimately produced wolf pelt and a pelt or
mount created from a wolf-dog hybrid. Various mailing lists offer
information to budding underground hobbyists of the benefits of
unitizing companion animals for taxidermy and give instruction on how
and where to obtain them.
The greatest potential for both dangers arises when the unsuspecting
animal owner turns to the internet to find a new home for their
animal companion. An owner needing to re-home their animal will
generally send out emails with a brief description of the animal and
their contact info. Well meaning people then forward that email to the
many public forums and mailing lists, sometimes with personal info
intact. The danger in this practice is that the animal (and the owner)
have unwittingly been made a potential target. Virtually all
non-domestic animal forums are monitored by the unscrupulous looking for
an easy acquisition or conquest.
Guarding against these potential hazards will require diligence on the
owner's part but it is far from impossible. If you are reading this
because you are trying to find a new home for your animal, there are
numerous steps that can be taken to help insure the safety of your
companion's future.
The initial 'notice of need' emails you send out should not contain any
more of your personal information than your email address and the state
in which the animal is located. It is these first emails that go out
that end up on public forums. Only after you have been contacted by an
interested party, should you disclose further personal info.
If at all possible, locate a reputable rescue person who will act as
an agent on your animal's behalf. There are several rescuers that will
do this as time allows,
Wolf Station
included. The benefits in taking this route are immeasurable.
Most wolf-dog hybrid rescuers know each other, have long lists of
contacts and may even have prescreened potential adopters awaiting
animals that meet their criteria.
Have the animal spayed or neutered prior to placement with anyone, if it
has not been done already. Don't accept promises that it will be done by
the adopter, see that its accomplished before placement. A simple
spay/neuter procedure is the single most protective measure possible as
this automatically weeds out 75% of the undesirables who may be trying
to acquire your animal. Puppymill breeders and zoophiles require that
animals be intact for their purposes. (Also, never consider suggestions
of tubal ligation/vasectomy as an alternative. This is often a dead
giveaway for zoophilic activity.) No responsible wolf-dog hybrid breeder
would even consider breeding a rescue animal so there is absolutely no
valid reason for anyone to request that you send them an intact animal.
Screen potential adopters as thoroughly as possible. Ask questions
and ask for references. Be alert, if something doesn't sound quite
right, it probably isn't. Require that the adopting party agree to at
least two home checks. Finding someone to perform home checks for you
may seem difficult but it is actually quite easy. Wolf-dog hybrid, as
well as dog, and breed rescue groups have extensive lists of contacts
across the country. It only takes a few emails to locate someone in the
adopters area willing to do perform a home check.
Above all, take responsibility for your animal. He, and his future
depend on you.
A word from the
founders
We will actively speak out
against all abuses
that companion animals endure.
We will strive
through education to help ease the plight of abused companion animals.
We do not in any way support nor accept into our organization any
person, persons, or organization, who in any way affiliates itself with,
supports, or practices bestiality. We believe this to be the most evil
of the abuses animals have had to endure and we will not tolerate it
within the organization. As wolf-dog hybrids are a favorite victim
of these perverts WATD will work with other organizations where
possible to ensure that bestiality is made illegal in all States across the
Nation.

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