A high school teacher in Texas forced her students to perform impromptu surgery on her cat while it screamed in pain.
Emily Marie Benner, 25, an agriculture teacher in Palestine, about 110 miles southeast of Dallas, instructed her students to staple her cat’s open wound while the animal was fully awake.
The disturbing incident, which occurred during a class on Friday, was captured on video.
Benner was arrested Sunday on charges of cruelty to non-livestock animals.
The blonde teacher was seen smiling in her mugshot at the Anderson County Jail. She was released the same day after posting $7,500 bail.
Emily Marie Brenner was arrested Sunday and charged with animal cruelty.
The video captured the cat being restrained after Benner instructed the students to do so.
The graphic video begins with Benner instructs his students to each grab the cat and place it on the metal table, despite the animal’s resistance.
The students reportedly held the cat down and were instructed to turn it on its back and staple the incision, all while the cat whimpered in pain.
After the heinous act, students were heard cheering.
According CBS 19The cat is now under the care of a local veterinarian.
Superintendent Wade Standford issued a letter to parents, students and the community on Monday saying he was aware of the “deeply troubling incident” and that it would not happen again.
The letter did not mention Benner by name, KTLV reported.
Westwood High School is located in Palestine, about 110 miles from Dallas.
“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,” Stanford said.
Benner received her Texas Educator Certificate in June 2022 and is certified to teach agriculture, food, and natural resources in grades six through twelfth.
As of Monday, Benner’s photo and bio were no longer posted on the school’s website. It’s unclear whether he still works at the school.
A school representative said the investigation is ongoing, This was reported by the New York Post.