Theft suspect charged in death of puppy

The Daily Inter Lake

A charge of cruelty to animals has been added to a theft charge against a man who reportedly stole a puppy and then ran over it.

Daniel Staggs, 18, a transient, initially was arrested Wednesday on a theft charge for allegedly stealing the black Labrador puppy from the animal shelter. When he was followed by an animal warden and police, Staggs reportedly opened the door of his car and dropped the puppy outside on Meridian Road. The dog either couldn't get its footing or ran under the car and was killed, according to Kalispell police.

They later charged Staggs with cruelty to animals for allegedly placing the animal in danger by dropping it out in traffic.