Whereas exotic animals and their hybrids are not domesticated and suffer physically and psychologically when bred, kept, displayed and sold in captivity, and may pose public health and safety risks to other animals and people; And whereas the keeping of most wild animals as pets in BC is illegal under the Wildlife Act, and hybrid animals, including the breeding of Canis familiaris domestic dog and Canis lupus wolf hybrid wolfdogs are not protected by this legislation or the provincial Controlled Alien Species Regulation: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the Province of British Columbia to immediately amend either the Controlled Alien Species Regulation or the Wildlife Act to prohibit the breeding and keeping of all mixed Canis familiaris domestic dog and Canis lupus wolf hybrid wolfdogs, including F1-3 generations.
Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship In British Columbia, wolves are classified as wildlife and are managed under the Wildlife Act and its associated regulations. Exotic species that present risks to public safety, property, or wildlife are designated as Controlled Alien Species CAS under the Wildlife Acts Controlled Alien Species Regulation CASR. Possession of live wildlife or CAS in British Columbia without a permit is prohibited. Hybrid wolfdogs are not designated as CAS because they are the offspring of two CAS-exempt species, which presents classification challenges under the CASR. Furthermore, wolfdogs can be difficult to distinguish from domestic dogs or wolves, listing them as CAS or prohibiting ownership could create potential compliance and enforcement challenges. The Province is aware of reports received from individuals in the Nanaimo Regional District between fall 2023 and spring 2024 concerning an alleged wolfdog involved in wildlife harassment and the killing of a domestic dog. These reports appear to pertain to a single animal, and no additional incidents or public concerns have been received by the Ministry to date. The Province will continue to monitor this issue, but at this time, is not considering any changes.