Texas High School Student Charged with Cruelty After Allegedly Killing Goat with Pesticide
A 17-year-old high school student from Cedar Park, Texas, has been charged with cruelty to livestock after allegedly killing a goat by force-feeding it a toxic pesticide. The student, Aubrey Vanlandingham, a member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) at Vista Ridge High School, reportedly admitted to poisoning the goat because she believed the animal’s keeper, another student, was a “cheater.”
The incident occurred on October 23 at the high school’s barn, where police say security footage captured Vanlandingham administering a pesticide to the goat, named Willie. Over the following 21 hours, the goat exhibited symptoms such as convulsions and respiratory distress, ultimately dying from pesticide poisoning. The pesticide in question was identified as phosmet, a toxic chemical known to cause severe harm to animals.
Vanlandingham initially denied involvement in the goat’s death but later confessed to having poisoned the animal. According to an affidavit filed by a Williamson County detective, she explained her actions by stating that she did not like “cheaters” and accused the goat’s owner of cheating.
Further investigation revealed that Vanlandingham had searched online for information on various pesticides and even looked up harmful substances like bleach, specifically researching “how much bleach kills a goat” and “how to clear search history.” Police later determined this was her second attempt to poison the goat.
Vanlandingham was arrested on November 22 and charged with cruelty to livestock, a felony offense that carries up to two years in prison and a $10,000 fine. She was later released on a $5,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on January 15.
The case highlights the severe consequences of animal cruelty, with authorities stressing the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions toward livestock. The investigation continues as the community grapples with the tragic loss of the goat and the disturbing motives behind the crime.
