A junior high school science teacher who fed a sick puppy to a snapping turtle in front of students was found 'not guilty' of one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty on Friday.
KSTU reports that Robert Corsland was charged following the incident in March. On Friday, a jury of six found him not guilty after deliberating for around 30 minutes. The trial included testimony from students as well as his son, Mario Crosland, KIDK reported.
Crosland reportedly fed the puppy to a snapping turtle named Jaws in front of a small group of students after school hours. At the time, the Preston School District said "the event" was not "part of any school-directed program. We emphasize that at no time was the safety of students or staff compromised."
Crosland's defense attorney argued the puppy was sick and close to death when the science teacher placed the animal in the turtle's tank. However, it was revealed during the trial that the puppy was placed in the turtle's tank where it paddled around in the water for a short time before the turtle pulled it underwater, drowning it.
The defense made a motion to dismiss the case based on a lack of evidence that the puppy suffered, but the judge left the jury to decide.
Prosecutors argued that the puppy may not have been sick and could have survived, KIDK reported.
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