Crying wolf? DNA shows family pet taken by animal control is all - WDAM-TV 7-News, Weather, Sports-Hattiesburg, MS

Crying wolf? DNA shows family pet taken by animal control is all dog

Aurora, CO, Animal Control picked up the dog when he escaped from the family's yard. Officials refused to give him back, claiming he was a wolf hybrid based on his look and mannerisms. (Source: Family photo/KDVR/CNN) Aurora, CO, Animal Control picked up the dog when he escaped from the family's yard. Officials refused to give him back, claiming he was a wolf hybrid based on his look and mannerisms. (Source: Family photo/KDVR/CNN)

AURORA, CO (RNN) - A family fighting to get their dog back from Animal Control said DNA tests show "Capone" is not part wolf.

The Abbato family adopted their beloved pet 10 years ago from the animal shelter, where officials classified Capone as a German shepherd mix.

KDVR in Denver reported Aurora Animal Control picked up the dog when he escaped from the family's yard, and officials refused to give him back.

They classified him as a wolf hybrid, based on his appearance and mannerisms. Capone has been held at a shelter for five weeks.

"We got some good news last night," said Tracy Abbato on Sunday to KDVR. "Capone is not wolf at all. He doesn't have an ounce of wolf in him."

The Abbatos sought help from the court, and a hearing is scheduled for Wednesday. They hope to get Capone home that day.

Abbato also faced charges of keeping an aggressive animal and an exotic animal.

The dog's story gained nationwide attention, and more than 22,000 people signed the family's petition on Change.org.

"I hope they let us keep him because he's really special to me,” said Abbato’s daughter, Ciara.

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