Metzenhuber case will go to trial Oct. 6

Patrick Fisher, Staff Writer

A former New Prague man pleaded not guilty in Rice County District Court to charges stemming from the death of a neighbor's dog in April.

According to the Rice County Court Administrator's office, Anton Steven Metzenhuber, 34, made the plea during a contested omnibus hearing Thursday, July 24. He will now face a jury trial at 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 6, at the courthouse. He faces charges of torture or cruelty to an animal resulting in death or great bodily harm, theft and receiving stolen property

Metzenhuber has been charged with the death of Buddy, a miniature beagle owned by his neighbor Norman Hallet. The pet went missing April 6 and the dog's body was later found in the channel between Cody and Phelps lakes in Rice County on April 8, after a witness reported seeing someone throw a dog into the lake.

An investigation was done and Metzenhuber was arrested. According to statements to the New Prague Police Department at the time of his arrest, Metzenhuber denied killing Buddy. He has since moved from New Prague.