A 17-year-old Texas girl involved in competitive livestock shows is facing a felony animal cruelty charge after allegedly poisoning a rival's show goat. Aubrey Vanlandingham is accused of using a drench gun to administer a lethal dose of pesticide to 6-month-old Willy at the Vista Ridge High School barn on October 23rd. Security footage reportedly captured the goat's attempts to escape the attack.
Vanlandingham allegedly visited Willy twice over a two-hour period before informing the goat's owner, a 15-year-old competitor, that the animal was unwell. Willy tragically died within 24 hours, suffering convulsions and respiratory distress. A necropsy confirmed the cause of death as organophosphate intoxication from the pesticide phosmet.
According to reports citing the arrest affidavit, Vanlandingham confessed to the poisoning, claiming she believed the younger girl was cheating. She reportedly admitted to a previous unsuccessful attempt to harm the goat. The victim's mother, however, disputes the cheating allegation, suggesting jealousy as the motive, emphasizing that cheating in goat shows is virtually impossible.
Investigators discovered searches on Vanlandingham's phone related to lethal doses of bleach for animals, poisoning techniques, and clearing search history. The victim's mother expressed concern about Vanlandingham's apparent lack of remorse and is seeking a just punishment, including jail time and mental health treatment.
Charged with cruelty to livestock animals, a felony offense in Texas carrying a potential two-year prison sentence, Vanlandingham was arrested on November 22nd and released on a $5,000 bond. Her court date is scheduled for January 15th.
