In a troubling incident, Texas teacher Emily Marie Benner has been arrested for allegedly instructing her students to staple a living cat during an agriculture class.
Benner faces charges of cruelty to non-livestock animals and was released on bond on August 25, as reported by Law and Crime.
The event took place at Westwood High School in Palestine, Texas, last Friday. Local news outlet CBS19 obtained video from the classroom, believed to show students handling the cat at Benner’s direction.
In the footage, the cat is seen visibly alive and struggling. Benner reportedly encouraged the students to staple a previously made incision in the cat, although it’s unclear who made the incision in the first place.
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Fortunately, the cat is now in the care of veterinarians, according to CBS19. The Palestine Herald mentioned that students shared photos and videos of the event on social media, tagging Benner in their posts.
After being taken into custody, Benner appeared in her mugshot smiling while wearing a shirt that read “Teach AG.” Her bond was set at $7,500, which she paid right away. It remains unclear if she has legal representation, but she may potentially argue that the actions were part of bona fide scientific research, which could lead to a not guilty verdict.
As the investigation continues, Westwood school district’s superintendent, Wade Stanford, issued a statement emphasizing the seriousness of the incident and offering apologies to the community. He assured parents and students that steps would be taken to prevent such incidents in the future, mentioning that this behavior does not align with the district’s values and standards.
Further updates are expected as the investigation unfolds.