Bill would create state birding trail

Idaho would establish a state birding trail under legislation sponsored by Rep. George Sayler, D-Coeur d’Alene.

The resolution, HCR 38, would designate a network that includes 200 top bird-watching sites around the state to help attract bird-watching tourists. “It would help the local economies,” Sayler said.

About a dozen states, including Washington, have designated such official birding trails.

“As a birder, that’s something I wanted to do,” said Sayler, a retired high school teacher. “Birders spend a lot of money, so it could have some benefit for some of the more rural areas.”

– Betsy Z. Russell

OLYMPIA

Washington Senate OKs bestiality ban

People accused of having sex with animals would face a felony charge under a measure approved Saturday by the Senate.

The bill passed on a 36-0 vote, with 13 lawmakers excused. It was prompted by a widely publicized Washington state case in which a man died of injuries suffered while having sex with a horse. The measure now goes to the House.

“It’s really a bill that will protect animals, who are innocent, by the fact that they can’t consent,” said Sen. Pam Roach, R-Auburn, the bill’s prime sponsor. “We have a good deal of our population wanting to protect innocent animals from any cruelty.”

The measure would make bestiality a Class C felony, which is punishable by a maximum five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Anyone videotaping such acts also could be convicted under animal cruelty laws, as could anyone permitting such acts on their property.

Offenders could also be restricted from owning animals and required to undergo counseling.

Washington is one of 14 states where bestiality is not explicitly prohibited, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

“I know this has been the subject of a lot of press, and I know there are some who feel this is something unnecessary,” said Sen. Adam Kline, D-Seattle, a co-sponsor on the bill. “The fact is, we had a gaping hole in our criminal statutes. It ought to be criminalized. I think this bill is a moderate step in that direction.”

– Associated Press

POCATELLO, Idaho

ISU hopes to cast tigers in bronze

Idaho State University students, faculty and school officials say they want to replace the school’s papier-mache Bengal statue with up to four bronze mascot sculptures around campus.

“We want a very attractive, aesthetically done focal point for our campus,” art professor and project organizer Gail Dial said. “The papier-mache mascot is outdated and has served its purpose. We need to move forward with a new mascot.”

Each of the statues could cost up to $60,000, but the price could decrease if students and ISU employees helped make them, Dial said.

ISU art student Jason Brown and art professor Doug Warnock created a miniature model of the new bronze tiger and presented it to ISU Interim President Michael Gallagher and other ISU officials.

Despite the cost, Dial said the idea has a good chance of becoming reality.

The fundraising campaign could start as early as this week and Dial said there is already a strong buzz around campus from people wanting to join the effort.

A bronze Bengal could be standing as early as fall semester, said Darrel Buffaloe, ISU’s physical plant director.

“We’d love to have the first one ready before the next freshman class comes in,” Buffaloe said.

A location for a new statue has not been decided, he said, but some hope it’s near the old Swanson Hall arch, the site of the campus’ first building.

– Associated Press