Man arrested on charge of animal cruelty
A Spokane Valley man is facing animal cruelty charges after he told an animal protection officer he kicked his dog in the head and threw her against a wall repeatedly, causing the dog to cry in pain.
Neighbors called 911 to report they heard a dog yelping in their apartment complex, according to a Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service news release.
An animal protection officer found Donald Ladford, 7415 E. Nora Ave., who said he had a “disagreement” with his 8-month-old puppy, Baby.
The officer saw the dog had an inch-long cut on its head and was walking stiffly. Ladford, 52, told the officer that he slaps and kicks Baby all the time, according to the news release. Ladford released the dog to SCRAPS, who took the dog to a pet emergency clinic where it received care.
Ladford was charged with second-degree animal cruelty. Baby was adopted earlier this week at the SCRAPS shelter.
Public safety
Police seek owner of missing gas can
Somebody tried to start a fire at Chester Elementary School last month using fuel from a metal gas can, and Spokane Valley Police investigators are hoping that gas container will help them solve the case.
The attempted arson involved a red metal gas can containing gasoline mixed with two-cycle oil, said Spokane Valley Police spokesman Sgt. Dave Reagan.
Investigators believe the metal can was stolen from a garage in south Spokane Valley, but they have been unable to identify the owner, Reagan said.
Anyone with information regarding a metal gas can being stolen before the July 13 arson attempt should call Spokane Valley Fire at 928-1700.
Chester Creek Floodplain
Public meeting Wednesday with FEMA
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will hold a public meeting Wednesday on a new draft map of the Chester Creek floodplain.
From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. representatives from FEMA, Spokane County, Spokane Valley and the Washington Department of Ecology will give a presentation and take questions on the map, at City Hall, 11707 E. Sprague Ave.
When finished, the new Chester Creek insurance rate map will be used to determine which homeowners in the area are required to buy flood insurance and how much it costs.