[naviga:h3]Union says carcass was ‘intimidation’[/naviga:h3]

CANONSBURG — A teachers union spokesman says members aren’t buying the idea that a deer carcass left near their picket line was a prank by four teenagers.

The deer — spray-painted blue with the initials “PT” — was found Tuesday near the driveway of Peters Township High School, where 300 teachers have been on strike since Oct. 28.

Police chief Harry Fruecht said four 16- and 17-year-old boys left it there after hearing about an earlier incident in which a dead squirrel was reportedly thrown from a passing vehicle. He said they are remorseful but could still be cited or fined.

But union spokesman Paul Homer said that officials believe it was “an intimidation tactic,” not a prank — and they may press charges.

[naviga:h3]Man charged in dog strangulation death[/naviga:h3]

IRWIN — A man has been charged with misdemeanor cruelty to animals in the strangulation death of a dog he had adopted from an animal shelter.

Police in Westmoreland County were called to the Irwin home of 33-year-old Jason French shortly after 2 p.m. Tuesday.

Patrolman Michael Hooper found a black dog weighing about 30 pounds dead behind the house, and he alleges that French told him he strangled the animal with his hands because “he wouldn’t stop barking.”

The officer alleges that French showed no remorse, saying “It took me three hours to strangle that dog. You wouldn’t think it would take long with a dog that size.”

Court documents don’t list an attorney who could respond to the charges.

[naviga:h3]6 treated for carbon monoxide buildup[/naviga:h3]

MUNHALL — Authorities say six people were taken to a hospital after a carbon monoxide buildup in a Munhall apartment building.

Emergency crews were sent to the building at about 1:30 p.m. after a woman called 911 to report that her granddaughter was acting lethargic.

Officials said 10 people were evaluated and three adults and three juveniles were taken to a hospital for treatment.

WPXI-TV reported that the problem stemmed from a gas stove being used to heat one of the apartments.

Chief Ed Pletsch told the station that crews found “very high levels” of carbon monoxide in the building.

He said the problem is common this time of year “when the furnaces kick on.”