Judge issues second stay for wolf center's suspended license

SANDPOINT (AP) - A judge is reviewing Idaho Fish and Game's decision to suspend the license of a Cocolalla-based wolf exhibition company that allowed customers to touch the animals.

Department director Virgil Moore signed the suspension in February, saying the company didn't follow a no-contact order that was part of a 2012 agreement attempting to resolve 43 violations, the Bonner County Daily Bee reported.

Lawyers for Wolf People filed a challenge to the decision in late March. Attorney Art Bistline said the contact was allowed as long as an employee supervised.

The case is assigned to 2nd District Court Judge Jay Gaskill. The suspension was stayed until May and then stayed again until June 30 so both sides can agree to an expedited briefing schedule, court documents show.

In deciding to suspend the license, Fish and Game said the company failed to prevent visitors from touching the center's 23 wolves. State officials also said the company violated a 2012 agreement by failing to get a $50,000 bond to guarantee compliance.