ROANOKE, Va. – On Monday afternoon, the Roanoke City Council passed an amendment to the City Codes to prohibit hybrid canines within the City of Roanoke.
The city worked together with the Roanoke City Police Department and the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office to amend the city code.
“I think it’s become clear that hybrid canines present a danger, particularly if there is not a responsible owner.”
Proposed amendments would allow hybrid canines to be kept by their owners as long as they are registered and follow the same rules that apply to dogs that are considered “dangerous.”
Current owners of “wolf dogs” have 30 days to register with the police, they must also pay a $150 annual registration fee, have liability insurance of at least $100,000 and provide proper shelter that must be at least 500 feet from a school and/or daycare.
Failure to follow these new rules could result in penalties.
“If you violate the owner or having ownership of a hybrid canine, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor,” City Attorney Tim Spencer said. “If you have a permitted hybrid canine that is found to be running at large that is also a Class 1 Misdemeanor.”
For the purpose of the new ordinance, the city is defining a “hybrid canine” as an animal that an owner has registered, licensed, advertised or can be described or represented as a:
- Hybrid Canine
- Hybrid Wolf
- Wolf
- Coyote
- Percentage wolf or coyote
People in attendance thanked the city council for their work, while letting them know how they felt about wolf-dog hybrids.
“When I wake up in the morning and I look out, I’m looking for wolf dogs thinking ok, they may be around before I let our dogs out early in the morning,” James Ryals said.
The new ordinance, according to Mayor Cobb, is effective immediately.