Topics: Animals, Crime, Texas, True crime, US News, Animal Cruelty, Viral
The owner of Willie the goat has spoken out in the hopes that a 17-year-old receives 'jail time'.
In October, Vista Ridge High School in Cedar Park held a competitive livestock show where students were invited to take part with their animals to win certificates and cash prizes.
However, one show goat - named Billie - ended up passing away a day after the show and 17-year-old student Aubrey Vanlandingham accused of poisoning the animal.
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An arrest affidavit seen by PEOPLE states the goat showed signs of respiratory distress and started convulsing.
The animal later passed away the day after the competition and his death was ruled as pesticide intoxication as per the autopsy.
Vanlandingham allegedly confessed to killing the goat to authorities, branding the daughter of Billie's owner a 'cheater' alongside allegedly confessing to having tried to kill Willie before too.
Police also conduced a search of Vanlandingham's phone.
On the phone, the affidavit claims authorities discovered search history relating to the poisoning of animals with alleged searches online such as 'If goats inject bleach do they die' and 'How much bleach kills a goat,' alongside 'Poisoning pets, what you should know'.
Police are reported by the Post as later obtaining security footage from the school which shows a female student using a drench gun (syringe used for goats and similar livestock) to force-feed the goat too.
The student can then be seen leaving the goat but returning to check on him twice in two hours, before calling the mother of her schoolmate - who owned the goat - to say Willy seemed sick.
And Willie's owner - mom of the other student at the school - has since spoken out.
In an exclusive interview with the Mail Online, choosing to remain anonymous, the mom said they were there when Willie passed away, her daughter actually 'holding him'.
"That was very traumatic," she added.
The mom alleges Vanlandingham 'admitted to poisoning [Willie] multiple times over several days' and the family doesn't 'believe' the teenager is showing 'any' true 'remorse'.
The mom says they hope the 17-year-old doesn't just 'get a slap on the wrist,' but receives 'jail time' and also 'gets some kind of mental help'.
If found guilty, Vanlandingham could face a $10,000 fine and up to two years in prison.
Aubrey's attorney is reported as having previously released a statement reading: "My minor client and her family are working hard to resolve any legal issues and non-legal issues raised by these allegations, and we are thankful for a judicial process that will let us tell our story."
Crestina Hardie, the Chief Communications Officer for Leander Independent School District, which includes Vista Ridge, said in a statement to the Austin American-Statesman: "The district believes the security measures in place, including surveillance footage as well as routine supervision by agriculture science teachers, provided the evidence law enforcement needed to complete the investigation.
"While the district cannot comment on the status of the student, disciplinary action was taken consistent with policy and procedures."
A spokesperson from The Texas FFA Association told UNILAD: "The Texas FFA Association positively impacts members by fostering a culture of accountability that emphasizes the highest standards of leadership and ethics. Through our programs, Texas FFA and agricultural science education encourage individuals to lead with integrity, make ethical decisions, and uphold the organization's core values. Chapters are encouraged to use learning standards that address the welfare and safe handling of animals, and those skills are reinforced through the student's Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE).
"Members are encouraged to demonstrate ethical behavior in all activities, from competitions to community service. Texas FFA does not condone any behavior that compromises ethical standards, animal welfare, or the integrity of its programs. This commitment to accountability shapes the character of our members, preparing them to be exemplary leaders who positively impact the agricultural industry and beyond."
UNILAD has contacted Vista Ridge High School for comment.
