Science Teacher Fed Live Puppy to Reptile, Witnesses Say [VIDEO]

A junior high school teacher is accused of feeding a live puppy to a snapping turtle in front of students.

Authorities in Preston, Idaho are investigating Robert Crosland who is reported to have a snake and a snapping turtle in his classroom. A local animal activist said the teacher fed the puppy, that was reportedly sick, to the turtle during an after-school session.

"What I have learned in the last four days is disgusting. It is sick. It is sick," Jill Parrish told Fox 13. "Allowing children to watch an innocent baby puppy scream because it is being fed to an animal. That is violence. That is not okay."

But students and parents disagree.

"If it was a deformed puppy that was going to die anyway, Cros[land] is very much circle of life," one parent told the TV station. "If you're not fine with it, leave the room."

Este Hull is a 7th grader who also came to Mr. Crosland's defense.

"I've only heard him feed like mice or birds to his animals...I feel a little bit better that it was a puppy that was going to die, not just a healthy puppy."

Sheriff's deputies and school officials are investigating the incident. The teacher is still employed and has not been placed on administrative leave.

You can read the letter which was sent to parents here.