(CNN) Two Maine police officers were fired from the Rockland Police Department following a criminal and internal investigation into allegations leveled against them.
Addison Cox, 27, and Michael Rolerson, 30, were fired after allegedly beating porcupines to death with their batons while on duty, according to The Courier Gazette.
The incidents took place in early June but were not reported until late August by another Rockland police officer, The Courier Gazette reported.
Police chief Chris Young confirmed the termination of two officers in a statement on Facebook but would not divulge their identities or any details, citing state law relating to employee discipline.
A third officer is on administrative leave for allegedly filming a video of Rolerson killing a porcupine, according to The Courier Gazette.
This is not an opportunity for some activist to score cheap points on a police officer," Rolerson's attorney, Steve Smith, told CNN.
Cox and Rolerson have appealed their termination, according to The Courier Gazette, which cited Joseph Piconne of the Teamsters Union. »