Fireworks-burned mouse headed for museum

FRIESLAND, Netherlands, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- A mouse that died in the Netherlands of injuries sustained when it was strapped to fireworks is due to go on display at a museum.

The rodent, named Astromuis -- or Astro Mouse -- by the Dutch media, was rescued by police after two 20-year-old men allegedly strapped it to some fireworks and it died Friday of burn wounds to its stomach and paws, The Daily Telegraph reported Thursday.

The Natuurmuseum in Friesland said the mouse will be stuffed and put on display.

The two men are facing animal cruelty charges, police said.

"The story behind the mouse can help schoolchildren and other people learn respect for nature and everything that grows and thrives," said Christiaan Walen, the museum's taxidermist.