Michigan High School Lacrosse Players Face Charges in Guinea Pig Mutilation

Players on the Grosse Ile High School boy's lacrosse team have been under investigation for torturing and killing a guinea pig before a game.

The Detroit Free Press reports that Tanner Coolsaet, 18, and Michael Roth, 17, have each been charged with two counts of killing/torturing an animal and conspiracy to kill/torture an animal by the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.

The teens are accused of bringing the animal in a box to a team meeting on April 30 before a lacrosse game and "sacrificing" it an attempt at "team bonding".

According to a news release, Coolsaet slit the guinea pig's throat and Roth struck it with a bat. The animal died shortly after.

Coolsaet and Roth were released on $5,000 personal bonds on Monday. They are due back in court July 26. The charges are against them are felonies that carry a maximum penalty of four years.

The teens are barred from consuming drugs or alchohol and cannot own or purchase an animal or pet.

According to the Detroit Free Press, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said,

"The alleged facts in this case illustrate much more than a youthful prank or a pregame antic. We must take these cases seriously."