WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and SportsPossible wolf tracked twice by Animal Control

Possible wolf tracked twice by Animal Control

MADISON (WKOW) -- On two separate, recent occasions, animal control officers tracked down an animal in Madison that may be a wolf.

The animal is owned by Gregory Weber, 52,  of Madison.   Animal control officials told 27 News the animal ran off from Weber's truck On Charles Lane this week and was loose overnight, prompting many calls from people who sighted it.   Officials said some callers described the animal as a wolf.

Authorities said the animal returned to its home the following morning, where animal control officers cornered it.   Officials said the animal did not act aggressively.

Officials also said the animal was tracked previously around Halloween, after it had run away from Weber.

"It definitely looks like a wolf sort of German shepherd mix,"   neighbor Amy Lamere told 27 News.

"Greg has said it's a wolf mix or hybrid."

"City of Madison has an exotics ordinance which does say that wolves, coyotes and their hybrids are not allowed,"   Animal Control officer Patrick Comfert told 27 News.

But Comfert said Weber maintained the animal was simply a dog, and without thorough DNA testing, the animal's identity cannot be established.

Comfert said despite the two recent responses by Animal Control staff to capture the runaway animal,  no attempt to establish its identity is planned because it has not demonstrated aggressive tendencies.

Madison police officials said Weber was arrested around the time his pet,  known as Hanz, escaped this week.   Authorities said Weber's arrest was for alleged domestic threats.   Jail records show Weber was released on bond the morning after his arrest.   Weber has yet to respond to requests from 27 News for comment.

Lamere and other neighbors said the animal has not been a threat in the neighborhood, and is typically under Weber's watchful eyes when the animal is outside.   Comfert said the animal's shelter conditions at the home were adequate and secure.

Lamere said the animal did "nip" at one neighbor earlier this year, but she's otherwise observed only docile behavior.

"One neighbor has a large husky mix and has no problems with Greg's dog.   I don't know that anyone's terrified of it."

Comfert said any threat from a wolf hybrid, or even a wolf, is primarily to its owner and owner's family, to include children and other pets.   Comfert said when wolves or wolf hybrids become mature, they can attack who they deem to be the weak member of the family, or pack. 

Weber's brother, Steven Weber, was found dead in May after being sought by police as a suspect in the killing of his former wife.   Authorities said Steven Weber died of a self-inflicted wound. 

Online report by Tony Galli