Idaho AG to investigate Preston animal cruelty case

Acting on a request from Franklin County Prosecutor Vic Pearson, the Idaho Attorney General’s office has taken over investigation of an alleged animal cruelty case at Preston Junior High School.

Citing a conflict of interest, Pearson had requested outside assistance to investigate the case against biology teacher Robert Crosland. He was accused of feeding a sick puppy to a snapping turtle he kept in his classroom.

The turtle, deemed to be an invasive species, was seized by Idaho Fish and Game Department officers and humanely euthanized by the Idaho Department of Agriculture last week.

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) issued a statement on the case March 13. In it, the organization called on the Preston school district to take additional action. The statement said:

“PETA has learned that witnesses, including students, reportedly watched this teacher place a live puppy into a tank with a snapping turtle, who attacked and nearly cut the dog in half, as the animal screamed. This teacher–who is allegedly known for feeding guinea pigs to reptiles during lessons–is a bully who should not be allowed near impressionable young people. Any youngster who witnessed cruelty in the classroom is now in desperate need of lessons about having empathy for other living beings.”

The school district said it is restricted from talking about personnel information involving the teacher and that the school board of trustees and administration were reviewing issues with the school district attorney.