Ligertown Wolf Hybrids Headed To Arizona Refuge Will Place Or Euthanize The Animals, Whose Number Has Nearly Doubled Since Being Seized

Bannock County commissioners have decided to move 82 Ligertown wolf hybrids from a compound in Roberts to a temporary sanctuary in Arizona.

Forty-two of the animals originally were taken from the ramshackle Ligertown Game Farm just outside Lava Hot Springs to a zoolike compound in Jefferson County in September 1995.

The population has almost doubled since then.

Now they will be taken to Wherewolves Rescue, a philanthropic refuge in Sun City, Ariz., Bannock County Sheriff’s Capt. Mike Sanders said Friday.

“They will place them or euthanize them if they cannot be placed within a reasonable amount of time, certainly within several months,” Sanders said.

Some hybrids already have been placed in wildlife refuges from New Hampshire to Washington, but most still need a home.

The commissioners passed a resolution Nov. 29 that requires Ligertown owners Dotti Martin and Robert Fieber to start caring for the animals.

They were served with notices to appear before the commission Friday to indicate what steps they would take.

But neither Martin nor Fieber appeared or responded to commissioners, giving the county authority to take control of the hybrids under state pest-control laws.

Bannock County has spent about $24,000 for food, rent and personnel to care for the hybrids since the escape of African lions 15 months ago that prompted Ligertown’s closure and subsequent destruction.

Commissioner Tom Katsilometes said Friday’s decision absolves the county and taxpayers of additional financial responsibility, unless Martin and Fieber appeal. The Arizona facility will assume all further responsibility for the hybrids, including spaying and neutering.

In its contract with the county, Wherewolves Rescue also promised not to release the animals into the wild or put them up for adoption as pets.