Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged two local teens with animal cruelty after they allegedly killed a guinea pig.
The prosecutor's office says Tanner Coolsaet, 18, and Michael Roth, 17, met before a lacrosse game around 11:30 a.m. on April 30 and killed the animal they had brought to the meeting in a box.
7 Action News learned in court that the teens had purchased the guinea pig named Tina at a local pet store.
Coolseat is accused of slitting its throat and Roth is accused of striking it with a small bat. Both are charged with two counts of Animals-Killing/Torturing and Conspiracy to Commit Killing/Torturing of Animals.
The charges carry a maximum four-year penalty.
"The alleged facts in this case illustrate much more than a youthful prank or a pre-game antic. We must take these cases seriously,” said Worthy in a press release.
Coolsaet and Roth were both on the Grosse Ile High School varsity lacrosse team at the time of the incident.
Both defendants were released on bond following their arraignment on Monday. The probable cause hearing has been scheduled for July 26.
