USDA bows to pressure, withdraws proposal to vaccinate wolfdogs for rabies
By Norma Bennett Woolf
Controversy
Citing opposition to wolfdog ownership and the paucity of scientific information
about the efficacy of canine rabies vaccination in wolves and wolfdogs, the
US Department of Agriculture has withdrawn a proposal to define dogs as “all
members of the species Canis familiaris, Canis lupus, or any wolf-dog
cross” and thereby jeopardized ownership of canids of mixed wolf and dog
heritage.
The agency wrote the proposed rule after wolfdog owners presented evidence
that more than 600 wolves and wolfdog crosses were vaccinated with canine rabies
vaccine without adverse effects. Some opponents challenged the rule on the grounds
that immunogenicity studies have not been done in wolves and wolfdogs, but the
bulk of resistance to the rule change came from individuals and organizations
hostile to ownership of these animals.
Nearly 80 comments were received during the 60-day period that ended in November
1999. According to the Federal Register entry of April 18, comments came from
“an animal welfare organization, animal rescue organizations, veterinary
care facilities, a veterinary biologics manufacturer, veterinary associations,
universities, a state agency, wolf and lupine organizations, a wildlife foundation,
and private citizens. ... Most of the commenters who were opposed to the proposed
rule were concerned that the inclusion of wolves and dog-wolf crosses in the
definition of dog would validate or encourage the ownership of wolves and dog-wolf
crosses, and that such ownership could pose a risk to humans due to the unpredictable
behavior of such animals.”
Controversy
The wolfdog is a controversial pet, and the lack of an approved rabies vaccine
has often been cited as reason enough to restrict or ban the animals in many
communities. The Humane Society of the US and other groups also allege that
wolf-dog crosses are unpredictable and dangerous and therefore pose a threat
to the community. HSUS and the Michigan Humane Society backed a wolfdog ban
in Michigan even though there is no way to differentiate between a wolfdog and
a wolfie-looking northern breed or crossbreed. Similar laws have targeted Alaskan
Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, and other northern breeds and mixes. The Michigan
bill is being challenged in court, but so far the courts have refused to halt
enforcement of the law pending the outcome of the case.
Wolfdog owners contend that their pets are dogs and are no more unpredictable
than other dogs. Echoing the arguments of owners of other banned or restricted
breeds and mixes, they argue that those who responsibly own, breed, socialize,
care for, and train their wolfdogs should be allowed to acquire and keep them
as pets.
Meanwhile, the lack of approved rabies vaccine and the stigma attached to wolf-dog
ownership leads to speculation that some owners will fail to take their pet
to a veterinary clinic for regular checkups and that more communities will ban
or restrict the animals out of fear.
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