STERLING - Paula Yuhas had heard stories about wolves coming on to her neighbors' properties, terrorizing and killing their pets and livestock.

"Everyone around here has seen them," Yuhas said, but none were able to confirm the suspicions.

The evidence they needed in order for the state Department of Environmental Conservation to prove that it was a wolf came at a grave cost: the life of her family's beloved pet, Rebel.

But Yuhas and her neighbors hope Rebel's death will be enough to prompt the Sterling town board to consider more strict enforcement of animal control laws.

At 4 a.m. once in April, the family heard a commotion outside their home off Route 38. Rebel, a golden retriever and husky mix, who had been part of the family for 11 years, was trying to fend off a wolf while he was still tied up on his leash outside.

John Yuhas went outside and shot the wolf. But it was too late for Rebel.

DEC Environmental Conservation Officer Mark Colesante confirmed before about 75 residents at Monday's meeting that the animal was a wolf. He said the DEC is still investigating the case.

The agency has jurisdiction over wolves because they are considered wild animals; it would not be involved if it had been any breed of dog, Colesante said.

People can own wolves or wolf-dog mixes if they have a permit, Colesante said. But if the animal is endangering a person or pet, it can be shot, he said.

Several other residents shared similar fears for their children and pets at the meeting. Al and Kathy Greco, who live on Route 38, said they didn't feel safe letting any of their 17 grandchildren in the backyard unsupervised.

"It's our kids that are involved," Al Greco said. "When (the wolves) finish with small animals, that's what they are going for."

Kathy Greco also questioned why the town didn't have its own animal control officer. The town currently contracts with Carl Collier, who provides similar services for other municipalities in Cayuga County.

"We're at the end of the county," she said. "That's why we need someone up here."

Supervisor Joan Kelley said at one time the town did have its own officer, but it became cost-prohibitive when the town would have to cover part of the utility costs for where the animals were kept.

The board will look into what it would take to bring back an officer and also investigate the town's current animal laws, Kelley said.

Paula Yuhas has circulated a petition among Sterling residents and has more than 150 supporters for better town animal laws.

"The ones they have now are a joke," she said. "It's just totally out of control."

The case has garnered enough attention that Paula Yuhas thinks something will be done about it.

"As heartbroken as we were, this may be the catalyst to get something done," she said. "Maybe then Rebel didn't die in vain."

Staff writer Liz Hacken can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 267

or elizabeth.hacken@lee.net