File photo of a snapping turtle Shutterstock / Sista Vongjintanaruks Shutterstock / Sista Vongjintanaruks / Sista Vongjintanaruks

AN IDAHO TEACHER accused of feeding a sick puppy to a snapping turtle in front of several students has been charged with animal cruelty.

Preston Junior High School science teacher Robert Crosland faces up to six months in jail and a $5,000 (€4,290) fine if convicted.

The school is in rural Preston, where the 2004 teen cult classic film “Napoleon Dynamite” was set.

The Idaho attorney general’s office handled the investigation after Franklin County Prosecutor Vic Pearson cited a conflict of interest.

Several parents came forward to say Crosland fed the puppy to the turtle on 7 March.

Several weeks later, state officials seized the turtle and euthanised it as a non-native invasive species.

Attempts to reach Crosland at the school were not successful.

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