HUDSON, WI — Two Wisconsin teens have been convicted for their roles in setting a live chicken on fire - and then posting the act on social media.

Hayden Lammers, 17, pleaded guilty Monday in St. Croix County court to a misdemeanor count of intentionally mistreating animals.

Similarly, Ryan McElmurry, 17, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of mistreating an animal during a March court hearing.

For both teens, charges against them will be dismissed if they complete terms issued by a St. Croix County judge, including performing 30 hours of community service at a local humane society.

According to their criminal complaint, the two teens were at a friend's house, when the father of the friend asked McElmurry and Lammers and two other friends to go find a chicken on the property and kill it.

According to a FOX 11 report, McElmurry reportedly held the chicken down while Lammers allegedly set it on fire. The complaint goes on to state that the chicken did not die from being set on fire, so an ax was used.

The incident was recorded, posted to social media, and eventually was brought to the attention of local authorities, which led to charges being filed.

Without their deferred prosecution agreement, the charges against the teens coupld result in maximums of up to 9 months in jail and fines reaching $10,000.



image via patch file photo