A family in Greater Sudbury is attempting to keep their six-year-old pet, Onyx, a wolf-dog hybrid, after Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) indicated he may be seized pending DNA test results.Onyx was purchased from a now-closed southern Ontario breeder, and the family claims they were unaware that hybrids are illegal in the province.Owner Heaven Furoy emphasises that Onyx is well-socialized, gentle, and integrated into her household, living comfortably with her young family.

She worries that relocating him to a sanctuary, where he would be isolated from humans and accustomed routines, could be detrimental to his wellbeing.

While Furoy supports regulations on wolf-dog hybrids, she urges authorities to consider an animal’s behaviour and living conditions in addition to DNA results.Experts note that while wolf DNA can introduce unpredictability, many hybrids raised in domestic settings cannot survive in the wild.

Behaviour specialists advocate evaluating the full environment and the owner’s ability to meet the animal’s needs, rather than relying solely on genetic tests.

MNR maintains that possession of wolf-dog hybrids without special authorization remains prohibited under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, with limited exceptions.DNA testing results for Onyx are expected in the coming weeks, determining the next steps for the family and the pet.