Texas Cheerleader Accused of Poisoning Rival’s Show Goat in Shocking FFA Scandal

A disturbing case of competition gone wrong has emerged from Cedar Park, Texas, where a high school cheerleader has been charged with felony animal cruelty after allegedly poisoning a classmate’s show goat.

Aubrey Vanlandingham, 17, a senior at Vista Ridge High School, was arrested on November 22 following an investigation into the death of a show goat named Willie. She was released the same day after posting a $5,000 bond.

According to police, security footage from October 23 at the school’s barn facility captured a female student using a drench gun to administer toxic pesticide to the six-month-old goat. The animal died approximately 21 hours later, suffering through convulsions and respiratory distress before succumbing to the poison.

Initially denying any involvement, Vanlandingham later confessed when confronted with surveillance footage. The arrest affidavit reveals a particularly cruel sequence of events, with the suspect returning to the scene twice to photograph and video record the suffering animal. The goat ultimately died in the arms of its owner’s daughter, who was reportedly Vanlandingham’s classmate.

During police questioning, Vanlandingham claimed she “doesn’t like cheaters,” referring to the family who owned the goat, her competitors in a local Future Farmers of America (FFA) livestock show. She also admitted to beginning her poisoning campaign three days before the goat’s death.

Laboratory tests conducted on November 6 confirmed the presence of phosmet, a common agricultural pesticide, in the goat’s stomach contents.

The case has sent shockwaves through the FFA community, where students compete for substantial rewards. These competitions offer scholarship opportunities worth thousands of dollars and cash prizes ranging from $50 at local events to $30,000 at larger state fairs.

The Texas FFA Association responded with a statement emphasizing that its members “are encouraged to demonstrate ethical behavior in all activities, from competitions to community service” and that the organization “does not condone any behavior that compromises ethical standards, animal welfare, or the integrity of its program.”

Prosecutors allege that Vanlandingham’s competitive drive led her down a dark path. Their case is bolstered by disturbing evidence from her internet search history, which included queries such as “how much bleach kills a goat,” “if goats inject bleach do they die,” and “poisoning pets, what you should know.”

If convicted of felony animal cruelty, Vanlandingham faces up to two years in jail and a $10,000 fine. She has not yet entered a plea and is scheduled to appear in court on January 15. In the meantime, she has been banned from attending Vista Ridge High School while the case proceeds through the legal system.