Preston teacher pleads not guilty to animal cruelty

Kevin Richert | 07/10/2018

A Preston biology teacher pleaded not guilty to an animal cruelty charge Tuesday — setting the stage for what could be a high-profile jury trial.

Robert Crosland is accused of feeding a sick puppy to a snapping turtle in a junior high school classroom. The March after-school incident drew international media attention, enraged animal rights activists and galvanized local residents who support Crosland.

Crosland appeared Tuesday morning in Franklin County Magistrate Court.

A trial is scheduled for Oct. 26, according to Local News 8 in Idaho Falls.

Kevin Richert

Kevin Richert

Senior reporter and blogger Kevin Richert specializes in education politics and education policy. He has more than 35 years of experience in Idaho journalism. He is a frequent guest on "Idaho Reports" on Idaho Public Television and "Idaho Matters" on Boise State Public Radio. He can be reached at [email protected]

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