State to appeal deer charges dismissal

The state will appeal a decision dismissing animal cruelty charges in connection with the Waupaca County deer thrill kill case.

Two different judges have dismissed the animal cruelty charges against Rory Kuenzi and Robby Kuenzi, with the reasoning that because the men face several hunting related charges, state law prohibits them from being charged with animal cruelty counts.

The Waupaca County District Attorney's office asked the state Attorney General's office to appeal that decision - wanting both the set of illegal hunting charges and the animal cruelty charges to stand. Wednesday, the Attorney General's office agreed to do so.

“We intend to pursue an appeal of the judges’ decisions because we believe the court erred in its interpretation of the relevant statutes," Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen said in a statement.

No court dates have been set for the appeals.

A third man, Nicholas Hermes, returns to Waupaca County court later this month in his effort to get the animal cruelty charges dismissed. The three allegedly ran down several deer with their snowmobiles, killing them.