- Texas, USA -
Following a “deeply troubling incident” which happened during an Agricultural Animal Science class at Westwood Independent School District in Palestine, the teacher, 25-year-old EMILY MARIE BENNER (pictured), was arrested and is now facing charges of cruelty to non-livestock animals.
BENNER is accused of instructing her students to staple a helpless cat’s incision.
CBS19 obtained the graphic video and published a few still images which I shared below.
According to the news outlet, the video begins with BENNER instructing the students to grab the cat and lay him/her down on a table. The furvictim was awake and understandably resisting during the “incident.” The video goes on to show the poor cat screaming while the students hold him/her down as instructed. The students then proceeded to turn the cat on his/her back and at that point BENNER guided the students to perform the stapling on the cat’s incision.
As reported by CBS19, “The video concludes with cheers being heard after the procedure.”
I emailed Britni Calzada, Public Relations Coordinator at Westwood ISD to inquire about the cat’s wellbeing and she responded: “Westwood ISD does not comment on personnel matters. This is an ongoing investigation and is being handled by the authorities. However, we want to make it absolutely clear that our priority is the safety of our students and staff. We hold high standards at Westwood, and it’s important to emphasize that our district takes such matters extremely seriously.”
CBS19 has learned that the cat is alive and under the care of a local veterinarian
Ms. Calzada sent me a copy of the statement that was released regarding this heinous act of animal cruelty.
The statement, issued by Westwood ISD Superintendent Wade Standford, read:
“Dear Parents, Students and Community,
Over the weekend, we became aware of a deeply troubling incident that occurred during the Agricultural Animal Science class, Friday, August 23rd.
This procedure amounted to animal cruelty, and we want to make it absolutely clear that our district takes such matters extremely seriously.
We deeply regret the distress this incident has caused, particularly to our students who were involved or witnessed it. This behavior is not in line with the values and standards we uphold within our district, and we are committed to taking immediate and decisive action to address this issue.
We offer our sincere apologies to our students, their families, and the entire community for this unacceptable occurrence. Please be assured that we will implement appropriate measures to prevent any future incidents.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we work to ensure that our educational environment remains safe and respectful for all. “
The Westwood ISD Police Department arrested BENNER on Sunday, August 25, 2024. She was released from the Anderson County Jail the same day after posting a $7,500 bond.
CBS19 reports that according to records with the Texas Education Agency, BENNER “received her Texas Educator Certificate on June 9, 2022, and it is set to expire in 2027. She is certified to teach agriculture, food and natural resources for sixth through 12th grade.”
# # #
Voice For Us Disclaimer: Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.
In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.
BENNER’s mugshot shared from the Anderson County Jail
Comments