Anderson Injury Lawyers | February 27, 2025 | Texas Law
Wolf hybrids, or wolfdogs, might not immediately come to mind when someone thinks of a dangerous dog. Other breeds, like pit bulls, rottweilers, and Dobermans, often top the list. However, wolf hybrids can be very dangerous and unpredictable.
While there is no law specifically banning wolf hybrids in Texas, an owner could be held liable for any injuries caused by the animal. Additionally, it is against the law to own a pure wolf in the state. An experienced personal injury attorney can help gather the evidence to hold the owner accountable.
Dive into all the details below to learn more about owning a wolf hybrid in Texas.
What Is a Wolf Hybrid?
A wolf-dog hybrid is an animal resulting from interbreeding a wolf and a domesticated dog. It is no secret that wolves and dogs share some ancestry, and these animals are genetically able to breed with each other.
One thing that can make wolf hybrids so dangerous and unpredictable is their genetic makeup. Some wolf hybrids may be mostly dog, while others may be 90% or more wild animal. Keeping a wild animal as a pet can be dangerous for both the owner and others who may come in contact with the animal.
Texas Dog Bite Laws
In Texas, if you are bitten by a dog, including a wolf hybrid, the dog’s owner may be held liable for your injuries. Texas follows a comparative negligence rule rather than the traditional “one free bite” rule that is commonly associated with other states. This means the dog’s owner can be held responsible for your injuries if they knew or should have known the dog was dangerous.
The victim must prove one of the following:
- The owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous (e.g., the dog had a history of aggressive behavior, or the breed itself is known to be dangerous).
- The owner was negligent in controlling or containing the dog, even if it hadn’t bitten anyone before.
If the owner knew the animal was dangerous and failed to act, they may be held strictly liable for any damages they suffer, even if it’s the first time the dog has bitten someone. If the owner was negligent in any way (e.g., failing to properly secure the dog), they can also be held liable for both economic and non-economic damages.
Wolf Hybrid Fatalities
Unfortunately, there is no way to know whether a wolf hybrid will be fit to be kept as a pet. Since these animals result from interbreeding, they may be closer to a wild animal than you think. This breed can sometimes be even more aggressive than any breed of domesticated dog.
Wolf hybrids are strong and powerful animals, and an attack can have devastating consequences, including wrongful death. Although there are no specific statistics about the number of fatalities caused by wolf hybrids, many local municipalities have considered banning the species for safety reasons.
Tips for Avoiding Wolf Hybrid Bites
Wolves have a natural tendency to protect themselves and their pack in the wild. Wolf hybrids often display similar types of behavior. You should avoid certain behaviors when around a wolf hybrid to reduce your chances of being bitten or attacked. Always remember the following safety tips if you find yourself around a wolf hybrid:
- Do not make loud noises, such as screaming
- Do not approach or pet the animal if you are unfamiliar with it
- Do not go near the animal while it is eating or drinking
- Keep children away
- Never tease or provoke the animal
- Avoid eye contact
- Do not run
Staying quiet and calm is usually the best way to avoid confrontation with a wolf hybrid. Try slowly and calmly removing yourself from the situation and getting to safety.
What Should I Do if Attacked by a Wolf Hybrid?
If you suffer an injury from a wolf hybrid, knowing what to do can help protect yourself and your legal rights. Here are the steps you should take:
- Immediately seek medical attention and notify the police.
- Take photos of your injuries.
- Report the bite to your local animal control agency.
- Exchange contact information with the wolf hybrid’s owner.
- Attempt to get homeowner’s insurance information from the owner.
- Get contact information from any witnesses who saw the attack.
- Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Remember that the wolf hybrid’s owner may be responsible for both your economic and non-economic damages. However, getting the compensation you are owed might not be easy. A personal injury attorney can help you go through the legal process.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Texas
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth or Dallas and need legal help, contact our personal injury lawyers at Anderson Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve Tarrant County, Dallas County, and throughout Texas.
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office
1310 W El Paso St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 294-1900
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office (Secondary)
6618 Fossil Bluff Dr # 108, Fort Worth, TX 76137
(817) 631-4113
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office
408 W Eighth St Suite 202, Dallas, TX 75208
(214) 327-8000
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office (Secondary)
6301 Gaston Ave suite 820, Dallas, TX 75214
(469) 457-4711
