Aubrey Vanlandingham, a Texas cheerleader, has been charged with animal cruelty after allegedly poisoning a rival student’s show goat. Authorities claim Vanlandingham used a pesticide and a drench gun to administer the toxin to the goat, named Willie, at a high school barn facility in Cedar Park, Texas. The goat suffered convulsions and respiratory distress before dying a day later.
Police say Vanlandingham confessed to poisoning the animal and admitted this was her second attempt. Allegedly, she targeted the goat because she believed its owner’s daughter was a “cheater.” Evidence from her phone also showed searches for lethal poisons and how to clear her search history.
The arrest affidavit detailed her actions, which prosecutors described as “intentional and knowing torture of a livestock animal.” Vanlandingham has since been released on a $5,000 bond.
This case has drawn widespread attention, highlighting the disturbing lengths some individuals might go to in competitive environments. Authorities continue to investigate the incident.
