Genk police capture wolfdog on Onderwijslaan, Jan Loos confirms

Sarhan Basem
Credit: vrt.be,dhnet.be

Genk (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – In Genk, police captured a wolfdog on Onderwijslaan on Nov 10, 2025, after residents reported a wolf around midnight. Experts later confirmed it was a wolfdog, which was safely returned to its owner.

As VRT News reported, Police in Genk captured a wolfdog late last night, Nov 10, 2025, after it was seen roaming city streets. The animal was first spotted on Westerring, and officers responded immediately. 

2 patrols followed the dog through the neighbourhood. The animal moved to Onderwijslaan, where it stopped in front of a house. Police surrounded it and were able to capture it safely. No one was injured during the operation.

What happened when police captured a wolfdog in Genk?

Authorities were initially unsure if the animal was a wild wolf. They called the Wildlife Rescue Centre for assistance. Experts confirmed it was a wolfdog, a hybrid breed. The animal was taken into care. Police are now investigating.

The wolfdog that was captured by police late last night stayed remarkably calm throughout the entire incident. Officers were able to guide the animal off the road without using any force. Once the wolfdog was secured, officers scanned it for a microchip. The identification quickly led them to the animal’s owner.

Authorities confirmed that the wolfdog is an older dog. Jan Loos, representing local officials, verified the dog’s age and condition.

“We get these kinds of reports very often, especially in that region. Genk is a real hotspot for wolfdogs. They’re often found wandering around the E314 “

“A wolfdog is a cross between a wolf and a German Shepherd,”

Loos explains.

“They not only resemble a wolf, but they’re also just as shy and intelligent, which often leads them to escape.

The difference between a wolf and a real wolf is sometimes almost impossible to tell, so we understand people’s confusion. Fortunately, at Welkom Wolf, we have years of experience with these animals and can therefore quickly identify them.”

There have been reports in Belgium of wild animals travelling towards towns and roads. In August of 2020, a 3-year-old female European wolf escaped from the Pairi Daiza zoo in Brugelette after a section of the retaining wall fell. In October of 2025, a young wolf was spotted in the Zuiderkempen area near the E313 highway and the Albert Canal, where the young wolf had travelled through the farm and industrial areas.

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Brussels Morning is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.
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Sarhan Basem is Brussels Morning's Senior Correspondent to the European Parliament. With a Bachelor's degree in English Literature, Sarhan brings a unique blend of linguistic finesse and analytical prowess to his reporting. Specializing in foreign affairs, human rights, civil liberties, and security issues, he delves deep into the intricacies of global politics to provide insightful commentary and in-depth coverage. Beyond the world of journalism, Sarhan is an avid traveler, exploring new cultures and cuisines, and enjoys unwinding with a good book or indulging in outdoor adventures whenever possible.
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