Shelby Co. Sheriff’s Dept.: 3-month-old boy killed by ‘pet wolf-hybrid’ in Chelsea identified
CHELSEA, Ala. (WBRC) - The Shelby County Coroner and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department are investigating after a 3-month-old boy was killed Thursday afternoon by what is described as a wolf-hybrid and reportedly kept as a pet by the baby’s family.
Authorities have identified the child as Leo Caddel.
It happened in Chelsea on County Road 440 in Chelsea, according to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department.
The Shelby County Coroner says according to the parents, the baby was on the floor and the wolf-hybrid picked up the baby and started playing with him. They stated the parents tried to get the baby from the wolf-hybrid, but it was too late.
Chelsea First Responders, Shelby County Deputies and Shelby County Animal Control Officers responded to the scene and took the baby to Grandview Medical Center. The baby died a short time later. The animal was euthanized at the scene by a veterinarian at the request of law enforcement. It was taken to the Alabama State Diagnostics Laboratory in Auburn for further examination and investigation. There is no threat to the public.
Wayne Morris, a spokesman for the City of Chelsea, said other children were in the home and DHR is also investigating.
Mayor Picklesimer released the following statement Friday morning:
Mayor Picklesimer said this will be one of those days he will never forget.
“Its just unthinkable that this could happen to this baby. If you choose to own an exotic pet, what comes with that is additional responsibility to be sure that not only your family is safe, but your neighbors are safe.”
According to Mayor Picklesimer, it is not illegal to own a wolf-hybrid in the city of Chelsea or the State of Alabama.
“Alabama is one of four states in the United States that does not have a code against exotic animals. Once they get a taste, nature takes over and it’s just very sad.”
Mayor Picklesimer asked that the community be kind to the family on social media as they grieve this loss.
Amy Byrd, a wolf-hybrid expert told WBRC the only way to truly know if you own a wolf-hybrid is through an extensive DNA test. Byrd said true wolf-hybrids are rare and she doesn’t believe there are that many here in Alabama. 80 to 90% of the wolf-hybrids Byrd sees in Alabama are actually multi-generation northern K-9 breeds. In many cases, these animals are sold to inexperienced homes that have not done the proper research on the animals.
Regardless, Byrd said the public should be aware that any K-9 is capable of harming small animals and children. “And when you mix that with an ancient breed like a wolf dog, you have an animal with extreme intelligence, a lot of athletic ability and the tendency to want to escape,” said Byrd.
Byrd receives in distress calls about mixed breeds frequently, but instead of banning these animals, she hopes the state will enforce breeding regulations and licensing requirements.
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