Region briefs 8/17/07

Humane Society rescues 30 pugs from breeder

ST. LOUIS -- The Humane Society of Missouri and other authorities rescue 36 animals believed to be endangered on a breeder's property in southwest Missouri. The group said the owner could no longer care for the animals and voluntarily surrendered them. The rescue happened today on property near Collins. The St. Clair County Sheriff's Department assisted. The rescued animals include 30 pugs, both adults and puppies; two adult Boston terriers; one adult Blue Heeler; two domestic rabbits and one cat. The animals will be cared for and housed at the Humane Society and will become available for adoption.

Cooper doesn't respond to Supreme Court's order

Former state Rep. Nathan Cooper did not respond to a Missouri Supreme Court order directing him to provide reasons why his law license should not be suspended, high court communications counsel Beth Riggert said Thursday. Cooper, who pleaded guilty to two federal felony counts of immigration fraud, was ordered Wednesday to "show cause" why he should not be subject to an interim suspension of his license while he is awaiting sentencing. The immigration fraud case was connected to legal work he did on behalf of law clients. The court's Wednesday order did not suspend Cooper's license, Riggert noted. The court must take an additional step before that would occur. Cooper, a Republican, resigned his legislative seat Tuesday. He is due in federal court Oct. 19 for sentencing.

-- From wire reports

Harvard doctor is new MO HealthNet director

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A Harvard Medical School faculty member has been named director of the new MO HealthNet, the state's Medicaid program. Dr. Robert "Ian" McCaslin becomes the seventh physician in the country to head a state Medicaid agency. A sweeping health care bill passed by the legislature this session renamed the state's Medicaid program Mo HealthNet and reshaped the program to emphasize healthy living. Gov. Matt Blunt said McCaslin was chosen because of his experience both as a physician and as someone who's worked with public policy in health care. McCaslin, 50, also has been serving as an attending physician in the Pediatric Emergency Department of Children's Hospital Boston.

-- From wire reports