HUDSON, WI (WTAQ) – Two Suamico teens, charged with mistreating an animal for allegedly setting a live chicken on fire, made initial appearances in court Thursday.
17 year olds Ryan McElmurry and Hayden Lammers face the misdemeanor count for the August incident at a St. Croix County farm.
McElmurry appeared by phone and pleaded not guilty, according to court records. A stats conference is scheduled for Feb. 2.
Lammers appeared in court in person, and also pleaded not guilty, according to records. He also returns to court Feb. 2.
According to the complaint, McElmurry and Lammers were visiting the father of a friend.
Four teens were asked to get a chicken and kill it. McElmurry allegedly held the chicken down while Lammers allegedly set it on fire.
The chicken did not die from being set on fire, so an axe was used.
The teens admitted to their roles in the incident, and apologized.
The incident was recorded, posted to social media, and eventually shared with authorities – leading to the charges.
