04/25/08 Wildlife & Census

Wildlife & Census. I'm Greg Martin with today's Northwest Report. Nineteen wolves, seventeen bobcats, more than 60 house cats and numerous dogs were found living in deplorable conditions near Melba, Idaho after one of the wolves escaped last November. The wolves were being kept in cages on the property, which can be detrimental both mentally and physically  since the animals naturally roam free. They were underfed since the woman was only able to throw scraps from a distance. All but 2 wolves and 2 bobcats are being taken to shelters. The woman has owned the animals for about 14 years but can no longer care for them because of declining health. Under a deal worked out by authorities, the woman will not face charges. Farmers & ranchers, have you filled out your census forms? The USDA says it's not too late. Carol House with the National Agriculture Statistics Service says a complete report will be a valuable tool. HOUSE: In any business, you need to understand the general landscape of the industry as well as some of the specific opportunities and challenges and by filling out the census of agriculture; farmers are helping develop the roadmap. Both for their own operations and for their own communities so that later on everyone can make informed decisions about the future. Now here's today's Washington Grange Report. (GRANGE) That's today's Northwest Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Northwest Ag Information Network.