At least 24 horses killed and one particular person injured in what New York police say was arson

A barn fireplace Thursday on the Tioga Downs racetrack and on line casino killed no less than 24 horses and injured an individual making an attempt to avoid wasting them. New York State Police say the hearth was an act of arson.

The fireplace broke out in one of many facility’s horse barns at round 6:30 a.m. Thursday, in accordance with Tioga County Emergency Services. Over 24 horses perished within the blaze and an unnamed one who tried to hurry in and save them suffered second-degree burns, state police stated.

Boyd Fenton, 32, of Athens, Pennsylvania, is accused of coming into the barn and intentionally beginning the hearth. 

Mr. Fenton, who has since been arrested and arraigned, faces three “Class D” felony prices for third-degree housebreaking, second-degree prison mischief and second-degree assault, every carrying a most sentence of seven years in jail. 

In addition, Mr. Fenton has additionally been charged with the “Class C” felony of third-degree arson, which carries a most sentence of 15 years in jail.

Tioga Downs’ proprietor, American Racing & Entertainment Chairman Jeff Gural, expressed his and the on line casino’s disappointment over the hearth.

“We are deeply saddened by today’s tragedy, it was a loss no one could have imagined or expected. It is an active investigation so we are not able to comment any further at this time. We would like to express our sincere gratitude for all the first responders who rushed to our aid,” Mr. Gural wrote in a Facebook put up.

The lifeless horses had been at Tioga Downs for the winter to coach however had been owned by numerous different events, Jason Settlemoir, normal supervisor of the Meadowlands Racetrack additionally operated by Mr. Gural, advised the native Press & Sun-Bulletin newspaper.