A Preston biology teacher pleaded not guilty to an animal cruelty charge Tuesday — setting the stage for what could be a high-profile jury trial.

Robert Crosland is accused of feeding a sick puppy to a snapping turtle in a junior high school classroom. The March after-school incident drew international media attention, enraged animal rights activists and galvanized local residents who support Crosland.

Crosland appeared Tuesday morning in Franklin County Magistrate Court.

A trial is scheduled for Oct. 26, according to Local News 8 in Idaho Falls.