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Possible wolf-hybrid escapes Weld County backyard, terrorizing neighbors for a week

Once a home of at least three dogs and an owner is now a dirt lot with one lone wolf.

WELD COUNTY - Residents in a neighborhood near Greeley have kept their pets close and kids closer this week after one of two possible dog-wolf hybrids escaped a backyard there.

A homeowner shot and killed the animal Tuesday after it killed three of their lambs.

“We’ve known that the male wolf has been out and we know that the wolf is aggressive and the whole neighborhood has been in fear of all of our animals and children,” said Meg Dillon, who lives across the street from the home where the animals live.

The possible hybrid attacked and killed Dillon’s small dog, Moose, on Monday -- a day before the shooting.

“Yesterday he got a hold of my pup. Right in front of my husband," Dillon said. "They’re fast and they’re furious, and they took our buddy.”

According to a press release from the Weld County Sheriff’s Office, the veterinarian who cares for the dogs said they’re listed as German Shepherds, but may be part wolf.

The dog’s owner, Joseph Givan, was arrested for DUI at the end of April and has been in jail ever since. The Weld County Sheriff’s Office said his family has arranged for someone to stop by and feed the animals.

Joseph Givan, was arrested for DUI at the end of April and has been in jail ever since. The Weld County Sheriff’s Office says his family has arranged for someone to stop by and feed the animals.

Neighbors said Givan and his dogs have been a problem since he moved in. There have been at least 20 calls for service on Dilmont Street regarding Givan’s dogs since 2012.

Rita Aneshansel lives next door to Givan. She’s a dog lover herself and said a couple of years ago, her dog ended up in Givan’s yard and one of his dogs killed hers. She also said a couple years ago, her husband was bit by a third dog that later got loose.

“He was out on the street here chasing people around. People were yelling and screaming, 'call animal control! He’s out! He’s out!' Aneshansel said. “He was just terrifying everyone.”

Aneshansel said animal control ended up tranquilizing that dog, killing it. Animal Control has not responded to 9NEWS request for comment.

People on Dilmont Street said something should have been done about these animals a long time ago. They said Givan’s home is in shambles; the yard is a mess and he’s been in jail since late April.

They also are upset by how long the latest escaped dog roamed free. But the Sheriff’s Office said Animal Control spent hours trying to track the dog and that they hit it three times with a tranquilizer dart.

The statement put out by the agency late Tuesday says the dog did not seem to be fazed by the tranquilizer and got away, only to be shot and killed by the owner of the lambs.

The statement said the office is still investigating and determining if criminal charges will be filed.

Aneshansel said she can see the remaining dog, a gray female who also appears to be a wolf-hybrid, from her window. The dog paces the yard full of trash, up and down the mounds of mud.

Once a home of at least three dogs and an owner is now a dirt lot with one lone wolf.

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