In brief: Emaciated dog euthanized; public help sought
A severely emaciated 4-year-old male pit bull found in the West Central neighborhood Saturday has animal protection agents requesting public help in identifying those responsible for it.
The dog was found lying on the ground near 1800 West Boone Avenue, unable to lift its head or walk, according to a news release from the Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service. It was taken to a veterinary clinic, where it was euthanized because of its condition.
The dog’s body weight was 31 pounds, about half of what it should have been, the release said.
A photo provided by SCRAPS of the pit bull shows prominent rib bones protruding beneath the skin, with haunches and leg bones clearly visible. The dog was white with brown markings.
“This young dog appears to have died of starvation and neglect,” SCRAPS Field Operations Manager Nicole Montano said in a written statement. “Someone needs to be held accountable.”
Those with tips are asked to call SCRAPS at (509) 477-2532. Tipsters can remain confidential.
Motorist in crash suspected of DUI
A car sheared off an Avista power pole at the base on Huetter Road in Coeur d’Alene on Tuesday, knocking out power to nearby homes and businesses.
James S. Clark, 43, was driving north on Huetter Road at high speed when he crossed the centerline and hit the pole near Prairie Avenue, according to a Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department news release. Clark was not injured and was arrested on suspicion of felony driving under the influence, the release said.
Clark has three previous arrests in Kootenai County on charges of driving under the influence.
Prison company settles staffing case
BOISE – Corrections Corporation of America will pay Idaho $1 million for understaffing the state’s largest prison in violation of its contract, according to a settlement agreement announced late Tuesday.
The Nashville, Tenn.-based CCA acknowledged last year that its employees falsified staffing records given to the state, making it look as though thousands of hours of mandatory guard posts were filled when they were actually left vacant for months. The vacant posts and phony records violated not only CCA’s $29 million annual contract to run the Idaho Correctional Center, but also a federal settlement agreement reached with inmates who sued claiming the understaffing led to rampant violence.
“While the $1 million payment does not reflect a specific number of hours, due to the complexity of the issue it was determined by IDOC officials to reasonably cover the State’s costs related to the staffing matter,” IDOC and CCA wrote in a joint statement. “The agreement also fulfills CCA’s commitment to make taxpayers whole on the issue.”
The state is also denying CCA’s annual $350,000 contract increase, which is intended to cover inflation. CCA reported revenue of $1.7 billion in 2012.