On February 20, 2003, Ms. Ott announced on her website that she would not be filing suit against those who took her wolves. Instead, she stated that she will write a book telling her side of the story.
According to what was written in the Abstract, she will tell the Real Story surrounding the confiscation of the NAWA animals. Below are a few things that will tell a different story than what is stated in Ott's Abstract.
The Abstract begins with Ott talking about the greedy land owner, Mr. Floyd Barr. However, Ott failed to mentioned that Mr. Barr had agreed to renew the lease if she would provide the liability insurance that he had requested. Mr. Barr feared he would be held liable if the NAWA animals that had previously escaped from his property were to bite someone, or if anyone were to get hurt while on his property. Ms. Ott refused to furnish the liability insurance and was eleven months behind on her rent before eviction proceedings were filed.
Ott mentioned that the "wolves" were not all vaccinated. It is certainly true that many were concerned to learn of the lack of preventive care these animals had received. With an income of over $160,000.00 per year (as set out in the Profit and Loss Statement provided to potential donors), why wasn't at least a few dollars of that money spent on preventative vaccines to keep the animals healthy? And why weren't standard quarantine practices used when bringing new animals on the property?
However, our greatest concern came from statements we received from the volunteers.
Unfortunately, the number of deaths were not all that surprising once one saw the conditions in which the animals were kept at the NAWA facility.
Ott also claims to be a 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation. However, according to Texas Statutes, in order to be a 501(c)3, one must first have a corporation. According to a letter dated November 4, 2002, from the Texas Secretary of State, North American Wolf Association had failed to revise its right to do business, and was forfeited for the second time without judicial ascertainment on August 4, 2000.
The letter in good standing from the IRS, dated January 19, 2001 furnished to potential donors states in paragraph 4 as follows:
"... If your organization's source of support, or its charter, method of operation, or purposes have changed, please let us know so we can consider the effect of the change of the exempt status and foundation status of your organization."
Was the IRS notified of the change in corporate status? Not according to a second letter dated January 19, 2001 from the IRS. This letter states that the 501(c)3 status was based on corporate status as of November, 1995.
Ott's Abstract also states the animals were all healthy and showed pictures of the two remaining Donnelly Pack. Anyone that knows wolves, knows that a heavy winter coat can often hide the true condition of an animal's health. A hands-on physical examination performed on February 3, 2003, of those same two animals showed them to be dangerously underweight. The pictures below were taken the day of the exam.
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Beowolf, aka Big Yellow Wolf, (above left) and Frackett (above right)
Frackette 104.3Beowulf 104.2
Frackette has been diagnosed as anemic with a very low RBC (red blood count) and WBC (white blood count), her eosinophils are 75% high while the basophils are 37% highBeowulf has been diagnosed as anemic with very low RBC & WBC, his basophils are 17% high
During the first week of February, two out of state sanctuaries were asked for help to evaluate the physical condition of the animals. Indigo Mountain and WOLF sent a team of qualified personnel (including Cheryl Budler, a certified vet tech) to examine the animals. They came equipped with vaccinations, antibiotics, and darting equipment to accomplish this job. Written protocol (pdf) for the care of all animals was given to the primary care taker and passed out to the volunteers. Specific care for each individual wolfdog was set in place once the physical examinations and blood work was completed. It was recommended that basic quarantine procedures be implemented for the next 60-90 days. (ACE is an example of basic quarantine requirements.)
Out of the 20 animals examined, only two had normal temperatures, and one of those tested positive for heart worms. The temperatures for the other animals ranged from one or two degrees above normal to temperatures of 104 to over 107 degrees. When all of the animals showed to have elevated temperatures on the first day, two additional thermometers were used to insure that there wasn't a problem with the readings . All three thermometers registered the same readings for the animals tested.
It has been verified that six of the NAWA animals are still in tact. These animals will be spayed and neutered as soon as they are healthy enough to survive the surgery.
Daily reports itemizing treatment and results from the tests can be read at NAWA - The Real Story.
On the third day of treatment, a veterinarian was called in to assist with the sickest animals - which were those from the New Mexico pack. The veterinarian also did an on-site evaluation and advised that it would be dangerous to move any of the animals until they gained at least 10% or more of their current body fat.
Updates will be added concerning the NAWA animals as they occur.