In one of the fastest-moving criminal cases In Defense of Animals has followed recently, we know that you will be relieved to learn that Boyd Fenton, the man arrested last fall for setting fire to the Tioga Downs Casino racehorse barn in Nichols, New York and mercilessly killing 31 animals in the process, has been sentenced to at least a dozen years in prison. 

We’re pleased to report that 14,645 In Defense of Animals supporters signed our letter to Tioga County District Attorney Kirk Martin and that the effort made a huge difference. Our letter asked him to file additional charges of felony aggravated animal cruelty under NY State Statute § 353.a and NY Agric. & Mkts. Law § 361 which prohibits the willful destruction of racing horses to the original arson charge.

On April 19, 2024, Fenton pled guilty to arson and 30 counts of “interference with injury to domestic animals.” The New York State Police handled the heinous case, reporting that 30 horses and a cat died, and an individual who heroically rushed in to try to save the horses suffered second-degree burns.

Fenton was indicted on 105 charges related to his merciless crime and we can report that he was sentenced to serve 5-15 years for arson and another 7 years for his “assault on the animals.” He will serve his sentences consecutively rather than concurrently and thus will be imprisoned from 12 to 22 years.

This incident is just another example demonstrating why there must be regulations requiring sprinkler systems in facilities that house animals of any species. Being burned alive is a horrendous death and preventing anyone from suffering that fate is well worth any costs incurred.

Our Justice for Animals Senior Campaigner, Doll Stanley, often meets with prosecutors and delivers your signatures and wants you to know that your signatures make a significant difference and frequently impact sentencing. These letters - with the thousands of accompanying signatures - are presented to judges during the sentencing phase of the trials.

We thank you for your support of In Defense of Animals and your participation in seeking justice and freedom from suffering for each animal’s plight that we report on. You are heard. Together we are making an impact.

Learn more about what we do and how you can help.