'He had them trapped': Teacher on leave after allegedly drowning raccoons in class

A teacher in Florida has been placed on administrative leave after allegedly drowning at least two raccoons during an agricultural science class.

Video filmed by a student at Forest High School in Ocala, obtained by local outlet WFTV, shows other students filling a large bin with water and lowering a raccoon inside a metal wire cage, later keeping it submerged.

GRAPHIC WARNING: The below image may be distressing for some readers. 

The student from Dewie Brewton's class, who wished to remain anonymous, told ABC America the raccoons had killed several of the school's chickens.

At least two of the animals were killed, with each taking several minutes to drown.

"We want people to know he had them in cages, he had them trapped," the student's mother told ABC America, saying her son returned home distressed following the incident on Monday.

"He could have had somebody come and relocate the animals."

Marion County Public School spokesman Kevin Christian said it is investigating the incident, describing the teacher's behaviour as "appalling".

"Marion County's education standards – in fact, Florida's education standards – do not include activities for the destruction of live animals, nuisance or not," a statement said.

"While law enforcement tells us the teacher may not have done anything illegal, his actions before students are certainly questionable."

The incident is also being investigated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Department of Health.

"Regardless of the investigative outcomes, Superintendent Dr Heidi Maier is recommending termination," Mr Christian said.

Mr Brewton was placed on administrative leave while investigations are conducted.

He has reportedly been the school's Future Farmers of America adviser since 2006.