The DNA results are in for the infamous ‘Wolves of Barton’ who were found roaming the streets to the North of Preston in October.
The animals were spotted near Station Lane, Hollowforth Lane and Eaves Lane between Barton and Broughton in October last year and sparked speculation online over what breed the dogs are.
Lancashire Police arrived at the scene along with specially trained dog handlers and the three pups were handed over to Preston City Council where they were later transported to Wolves of Wiltshire exotic animal sanctuary with the help of charity organisation 8 Below Husky Rescue.
Read more: Death threats reported by rescue where ‘Wolves of Barton’ are being held
They have now started their rehabilitation journey and are said to be making progress and settling in nicely to the rescue centre.
The Wolves of Wiltshire updated the public in a post on Facebook: “For their safety, we have chosen to keep them in a secure, kennel-based environment where we can closely monitor their health, stress levels, and behaviour, while spending significant time with them every day.
“This allows us to provide consistency, routine, and care similar to a family setting — without the risks a typical home environment could bring at this stage.
“They also have the companionship of a stable, kind dog, which is already helping build confidence and emotional security.
“We are giving these pups time. Time to learn to trust — on their terms, not ours.”
But the question that has had members of the public so interested in the journey of these pups is what breed actually are they?
With lots of rumours going round as to the species of the three animals along with an initial statement from Preston City Council stating a vet had said they were ‘German Shepherd-type dogs’.
The Wolves of Wiltshire have now revealed the Embark DNA results are now in and can confirm that the animals are not golden jackals or coyotes as some have previously suggested but are in fact 51% Czechoslovakian Vlcak and 49% Gray Wolf, therefore making them a wolf-dog hybrid.
Wolves of Wiltshire is yet to decide whether the dogs will be homed in a domestic environment however, for the time being, they will be remaining in the rescue centre as they continue to make steady progress around the carers and other animals.
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