Teen Charged with Animal Cruelty After Allegedly Poisoning Rival’s Show Goat
A shocking case of animal cruelty has emerged from Cedar Park, Texas, where a 17-year-old girl has been charged with poisoning a rival’s show goat during a school competition. The tragic incident, which resulted in the death of a beloved goat named Willie, has left the local community shaken and sparked an outpouring of anger.
The Tragic Incident at Vista Ridge High School
In October, Vista Ridge High School hosted a competitive livestock show, where students from the area showcased their animals for cash prizes and certificates. It was a much-anticipated event for young agricultural enthusiasts, but it turned tragic when a show goat named Willie was found to be in distress shortly after the competition.
The day after the event, Willie, who had been performing well during the competition, suddenly began to experience severe respiratory problems. He began convulsing and passed away. An autopsy later confirmed that the cause of death was pesticide poisoning, which led authorities to investigate further.
The Alleged Confession and Evidence of Poisoning
The investigation quickly led to the involvement of 17-year-old Aubrey Vanlandingham, a student at Vista Ridge High School. According to an arrest affidavit obtained by PEOPLE, Vanlandingham allegedly confessed to poisoning Willie, accusing the goat’s owner of being a “cheater.” In a chilling admission, she also confessed to having attempted to poison Willie on previous occasions.
Aubrey Vanlandingham allegedly confessed to the crime (Williamson County Sheriff's Office)
Further investigation revealed troubling details when police searched Vanlandingham’s phone. The search history allegedly contained inquiries such as “If goats inject bleach do they die?” and “How much bleach kills a goat?” Additionally, a search for “Poisoning pets, what you should know” was found. These searches raised suspicion about Vanlandingham’s premeditation in the alleged poisoning of Willie.
Security Footage Captures Disturbing Actions
Security footage from Vista Ridge High School further corroborated the claims. The footage showed a female student, identified as Vanlandingham, using a drench gun, a tool used to administer liquids to goats and other livestock, to force-feed Willie. The video then captured Vanlandingham leaving the goat, only to return twice within a two-hour period to check on his condition. Afterward, she reportedly called the goat’s owner’s mother to inform her that Willie appeared to be sick.
The disturbing sequence of events shocked everyone involved, and the family of Willie’s owner has since spoken out, expressing their anger and heartbreak.
A Mother’s Heartbreak
In an exclusive interview, the mother of Willie’s owner shared her emotional distress over the situation. She revealed that she was present when Willie passed away, with her daughter holding the animal in its final moments. “That was very traumatic,” she said. The mother claimed that Vanlandingham had admitted to poisoning Willie multiple times over the course of several days, adding that the family feels the teenager has shown no true remorse for her actions.
The show took place at Vista Ridge High School (Facebook/ Vista Ridge High School)
The mother has since made it clear that they are not seeking leniency for Vanlandingham. Instead, they are advocating for “jail time” for the teenager and also called for her to receive mental health assistance, as they believe her actions reflect deeper issues.
Potential Legal Consequences for Vanlandingham
If convicted of the animal cruelty charges, Vanlandingham could face a hefty fine of up to $10,000 and up to two years in prison. The charges have sparked outrage both locally and nationally, with many calling for harsher penalties for such an appalling act of cruelty.
Vanlandingham’s attorney has since released a statement, confirming that the teen and her family are working to resolve the legal issues stemming from the allegations. The statement expresses gratitude for the judicial process and the opportunity to share their side of the story.
Response from the School District
Crestina Hardie, the Chief Communications Officer for Leander Independent School District, which includes Vista Ridge High School, issued a statement in response to the incident. Hardie expressed that the district had followed proper procedures, including the use of surveillance footage and supervision during the event, which led to the evidence needed for law enforcement to complete their investigation. While the district could not comment on the status of the student, it confirmed that disciplinary action had been taken in accordance with the school’s policies.
The Texas FFA Association Responds
The Texas FFA Association, which oversees agricultural education programs, has also weighed in on the issue. A spokesperson emphasized that the association upholds high ethical standards and does not condone behavior that compromises animal welfare or the integrity of its programs. The association’s commitment to fostering accountability and leadership was reiterated, as they stressed that all members are encouraged to demonstrate ethical behavior and make decisions with integrity.
Community Reactions and Broader Concerns
This case has sparked widespread outrage from animal rights advocates, the local community, and the agricultural community. Many have expressed their disbelief at the cruelty of poisoning an innocent animal, especially in a setting that was meant to celebrate hard work and animal care.
The incident has also raised broader concerns about the mental health and emotional well-being of young people involved in competitive livestock events. Experts have suggested that this tragic event could serve as an important moment for schools and organizations to reassess the pressures placed on students and the mental health support available to them.
Conclusion: A Call for Justice
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community continues to rally behind the family of Willie, hoping for justice in the form of appropriate legal consequences for the teenager. The heartbreaking incident has cast a shadow over what should have been a celebratory event and serves as a stark reminder of the need for accountability and compassion in all aspects of life, especially when it comes to the care and treatment of animals.
One Comment