A 32-year-old man has been arrested and charged with arson and other felonies for allegedly deliberately setting fire to a New York stable that killed more than 24 thoroughbred horses.
New York State Police said they responded to a structure fire early Thursday morning at the Tioga Downs Casino complex in Nichols, N.Y. … about an hour’s drive south of Syracuse.
NYSP said the fire was catastrophic, killing more than two dozen horses… and a person who tried to save the animals was injured in the blaze, which also caused thousands of dollars in damage.
“More than two dozen racehorses died in the fire,” NYSP said.
The first thing that comes to mind is the defenseless animals that rely on us, that will never happen. @tiogadowns This morning there is now “doubt” about how it started. The life of the horse and everything associated with it is completely gone. pic.twitter.com/TAy43euAaX
— Horse Riding Uncovered (@HRUncovered) November 9, 2023
@HRUncovered
“A man who entered the burning barn in an attempt to save the horses suffered second-degree burns and was taken to Robert Packer Hospital for treatment.”
State police also expressed condolences to “the individuals and families who lost beloved animals in this tragedy.”
An ongoing NYSP investigation reveals the fire was intentionally set… and has been determined Boyd H. Fenton as a suspect.
The Pennsylvania native was arrested and charged with third-degree arson, third-degree burglary, second-degree assault and second-degree criminal mischief.
PETA statement on Tiogadams arson incident @peta pic.twitter.com/wYWgnpWopL
— Kathy Guillermo (@kathygfrompeta) November 9, 2023
@kathygfrompeta
PETA released a statement regarding the devastating news… and hopes the courts will prosecute Fenton “to the fullest extent of the law.”
If convicted, he faces years in prison…but many animal lovers will tell you that no matter how long that sentence is, it will be too short.