Two police officers in upstate New York have been suspended as authorities investigate claims the cops used a golf cart to run down and kill a groundhog during a police union's golf tournament.

Witnesses reported seeing the two men chase a groundhog near one of the holes at the Frear Park Golf Course in the city of Troy last Friday afternoon, authorities said. The animal was killed when the cart ran over it.

Rick Fusco, chief of police for the nearby city of Rensselaer, said Thursday the two officers are members of his department. He said both have been suspended with pay while an internal investigation is continuing.

Fusco said he will attempt to fire both officers if an investigation finds them guilty.