Teen Cheerleader Charged with Animal Cruelty in Texas

Texas Cheerleader Charged with Animal Cruelty for Poisoning Classmate’s Goat

A high school senior from Texas has been arrested and charged with animal cruelty after allegedly poisoning a classmate’s goat, an act described as “sickening” by the victim’s family.

Aubrey Vanlandingham, 17, a cheerleader and president of Vista Ridge High School’s Future Farmers of America (FFA), is accused of fatally poisoning a six-month-old goat named Willy. The goat, owned by a 15-year-old freshman, was part of a competition project.

Details of the Incident

According to Texas prosecutors, Aubrey Vanlandingham poisoned the goat twice over three days in late October by injecting it with a pesticide. Initially, she denied harming the animal but later confessed to using a pesticide. A necropsy confirmed the cause of death as organophosphate intoxication.

The goat owner’s mother expressed her grief, saying:

“Willy died in my daughter’s arms. It was devastating. We want justice. This wasn’t just a mistake—this was deliberate.”

Online Searches and Evidence

Investigators revealed that Aubrey Vanlandingham searched online for ways to poison goats, using phrases like “how much bleach kills a goat” and “poisoning pets, what you should know.” These searches were part of the evidence that led to her arrest.

Legal Consequences

The family of the goat’s owner has taken legal action, demanding accountability for what they believe was a calculated act of cruelty. The case has sparked outrage in Texas, where another cheerleader recently faced separate allegations and punishments.

The Call for Justice

The family hopes the charges will serve as a warning and promote stricter measures against animal cruelty. “This wasn’t just about a goat—it’s about accountability and justice,” the goat owner’s family stated.