Man who bought wolf on Craigslist must find it a new home
Authorities in Austin are asking the owner of a pet wolf to find another home for it.
The owner found the wolf for sale on Craigslist, an online classified advertising service, and bought it from a person in Rochester, according to Austin Police Chief Paul Phillip.
Philipp said Tuesday that his department confiscated the wolf after receiving a call from the owner's mother-in-law expressing concern about it.
"She was concerned about the welfare of her grandchildren," Phillip said.
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It is illegal to keep wolves as pets in the city of Austin and in Mower County.
The 1-year-old female wolf, named Dakota, is now being held at the city's animal shelter until the owner finds a new home for her.
Phillip said police doubt the animal is 100 percent wolf, but are treating her as a wolf after the owner supplied documentation from a veterinarian.
Phillip said the owner didn't know about the ordinance prohibiting wolves, and that the city will keep the animal until she's placed in a new home.
"The animal appears to be a very nice, well-behaved animal," Phillip said. "We're not in any hurry to see it destroyed."