Canadian charged with the fatal beating of racehorse

GOSHEN – As reported by the Mid Hudson News, a 27-year-old Canadian has been convicted following a bench trial on Monday in connection with the beating death of a racehorse on July 17, 2023, at the Pine Bush Training Facility in the Town of Crawford.

The indictment against Frederick Bourgault charged him with criminal mischief for having “damaged” a racehorse named “Finish Line,” that had an estimated value of at least $5,000.

It was alleged that Bourgault struck the horse with a hard object fracturing its skull, which resulted in the house having to be euthanized.

The indictment also charged Bourgault with interference with or injury to certain domestic animals, a felony under state law, for willfully and unjustifiably injuring or destroying the animal.

The State Police, Orange County District Attorney’s Office and State Gaming Commission investigate the death including exhuming the animal’s remains and having them examined by experts at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

The State Gaming Commission provided expert witnesses and assisted in coordinating the arrest of Bourgault by the State Police.

“The beautiful horse that was the victim of this defendant’s senseless act of violence deserved the justice that was delivered on his behalf,” said District Attorney David Hoovler. “We will not, as a civilized society, allow abusers to bring harm to helpless animals.”

Reprinted with permission from the Mid Hudson News