Seized wolf hybrids eventually will be up for adoption

A pair of wolf hybrids seized from an apartment Tuesday will likely be placed with a rescue group that will oversee their adoption after they are nursed back to health.

The hybrids, both males, one about 2 years old and a puppy of about 4 months, were seized from the putrid apartment of Winston Tsai that was filled with dead reptiles and feces.

The adult hybrid weighed about half of what he should.

They were among the few living animals investigators from Hillsborough County Animal Services found in Tsai's home, said spokeswoman Marti Ryan.

Investigators found three young boa constrictors that were so dehydrated officials immediately sent them to an animal hospital for emergency hydration, she said.

A cat in the apartment belongs to a friend or neighbor and will be returned, she said.

Tsai was arrested on three counts of animal cruelty and was released from the Orient Road Jail today after posting $6,000 bail.

Both hybrids are at the county shelter and eating. They were found in cages and covered in excrement. Each had urine burns, Ryan said.

The adult appears to be frightened and traumatized but the puppy is more sociable.

The hybrids will be checked today for other health problems. Officials would like to get them out of the shelter as soon as possible.

"We have no intention of euthanizing them," Ryan said.

Members of a rescue group have more experience with the hybrids and are better able to find a suitable home.

"We'll leave it to the rescue group," she said.

Some homeowner associations prohibit the wolf-dog mixes and some companies charge more for homeowners insurance if a household has a hybrid, Ryan said.

"They are special-needs dogs."

When investigators entered Tsai's home in the Belemere Apartments in Citrus Park they found more than 20 dead snakes, lizards and tarantulas in drawers, containers, garbage bags and even the refrigerator.

They said Tsai expressed little remorse.

Nextdoor neighbor David Legrand said the smell from the apartment made him think something dead was inside.

"I thought to call the authorities because he would open the door and for 10 seconds after the door was closed, this whole landing would just smell terrible," he said.