Texas Teen Charged After Allegedly Poisoning Pet Goat Out of Jealousy Over Livestock Show

A 17-year-old Texas cheerleader, Aubrey Vanlandingham, has been charged with animal cruelty after allegedly poisoning the pet goat of a fellow schoolgirl out of jealousy. Vanlandingham, who is also involved in livestock shows with her own goat, is accused of killing six-month-old Willy using pesticides.

The incident took place at Vista Ridge High School in Cedar Park, Texas, where both girls are students. According to an affidavit obtained by CBS Austin, police discovered CCTV footage showing Vanlandingham trapping Willy and forcing the goat to drink pesticide using a drench gun. The teenager allegedly returned to the barn twice within two hours of the incident before calling the other girl’s mother to report that Willy was unwell.

Willy suffered convulsions and breathing difficulties before dying the next day in the arms of his owner, local media reported. Investigators initially said that Vanlandingham denied involvement but later confessed after being confronted with the damning footage. She reportedly told authorities that she killed Willy because she “doesn’t like cheaters,” referring to the other girl, who is 15, and her family.

Prosecutors further allege that Vanlandingham’s internet search history contained troubling queries such as “how much bleach kills a goat” and “poisoning pets, what you should know,” suggesting premeditation, reported by the Daily Mail. The two girls are reportedly competitors in Future Farmers of America (FFA) livestock shows, where students vie for scholarships and cash prizes worth up to $30,000.

Vanlandingham now faces felony charges of animal cruelty, which could lead to a penalty of up to two years in prison and a $10,000 fine. She has not yet entered a plea and is scheduled to appear in court on January 15.