Kuenzis: Felony charges shouldn't apply

WAUPACA (AP) - Two men accused of running down deer with snowmobiles, killing several of the animals, contend the felony charges of animal mistreatment against them don't apply to wild animals and should be dismissed.

Twenty-four-year-old Rory Kuenzi and his 23-year-old brother Robby Kuenzi, both of Weyauwega, are charged as a result of an incident Jan. 9 in the Waupaca County town of Lind.

Authorities say the brothers and a third man used their snowmobiles to kill the deer.

The dismissal motions filed by the brothers' lawyers Monday contend the statute requires that the animals involved be owned by someone, not wild. The law states that, "no person may treat any animal, whether belonging to the person or another, in a cruel manner."

The three also face multiple misdemeanor charges and ordinance violations.