Teacher Made Students Hold Down Screaming, Unanesthetized Cat To Staple Stomach

Published: September 05, 2024 at 08:25 PM Author: PENNY EIMS

Palestine, Texas – A 25-year-old teacher with the Westwood Independent School District is under fire, and facing charges, after a deeply disturbing incident took place in the classroom – and it was captured on video.

The incident

On Friday, August 23, Emily Marie Benner, an agriculture animal teacher, used an unanesthetized cat, with a gaping wound on the stomach, for a “teaching moment” for her students. The cat was provided NO pain relief when students in Benner’s class were instructed to hold her down and staple an incision closed. The cat writhed and screamed in pain, desperately trying to escape, as students stapled her flesh closed.

  

Wade Stanford, the school’s Superintendent, issued a statement following the cruel classroom “lesson,” describing it as “deeply troubling,” and referencing the procedure as “animal cruelty.”

 

Benner was arrested and booked into the Anderson County Jail; she was released the same day on a $7,500 bond.

We think this is torture! If you are sickened by what this “teacher” made her students do to an innocent cat, please add your name to the petition. Emily Marie Benner has to face the consequences of her actions, and we cannot let this happen again.

Note: We are told that the cat survived and is being treated at an area veterinary hospital. 

Targets

• Anderson County Criminal District Attorney
• Superintendent of the Westwood Independent School District

 

WHY THIS PETITION MATTERS: 

 

We the undersigned demand Emily Marie Benner be fired from her position, and her Texas Educator Certificate be revoked. Additionally, we want to see Benner receive the maximum sentence for her charge of cruelty to non-livestock animals. Benner’s actions were cruel, morally corrupt, and ethically indefensible. Her behavior caused unimaginable suffering on an innocent cat and set a dangerous precedent for acceptable conduct within educational environments. It is crucial that she faces full accountability to ensure that no other students or animals are subjected to such horrific treatment.

Individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.

News:

KLTV

CBS19

Daily Mail

Law and Crime

Update 3/01/2025: FINAL UPDATE: Emily Benner pled guilty and was sentenced to 6 months probation and 35 hours of community service.  Attached, please find the plea agreement and sentencing document for this case. Thank you to every one who signed this petition. Animal Victory has reason to believe Emily has lost her job but this is not confirmed. While we are happy there were some consequences, it clearly wasn’t enough. We also despise her mugshot grin above indicating no remorse to us.

Update 1/12/2025: Animal Victory sent petition with updated signatures to the District Attorney. 

Update 1/07/2025: Emily Benner is scheduled for pre-trial on 1/31/2025 at 1:30 p.m. Judicial Officer Jeffrey B. Doran presiding.

Update 11/17/2024: Animal Victory sent petition to the District Attorney with updated signatures. 

Update 10/26/2024: Emily Banner was charged with a Class A Misdemeanor cruelty to non-livestock animals.  She bonded out on a $7,500 bond. Emily Marie Benner, Case No. 69437, is scheduled for pre-trial on 11.22.2024 at 1:30 pm. C.S.T. with Judicial Officer B. Jeffrey Doran.

Update 10/22/2024: Animal Victory sent petition to the District Attorney and Judge with updated signatures. 

Update 9/23/2024: Animal Victory sent petition to the District Attorney. 

Update 9/10/2024: Animal Victory has been told that this cat is back with the owner (via Brookhollow Vet Clinic).