Canadian harness racing trainer Frederick Bourgault has been sentenced to 2 to 6 years in prison for the beating death of a racehorse named Finish Line at the Pine Bush Training Facility in Crawford, New York, in July 2023. Bourgault was convicted of criminal mischief and interference with or injury to certain domestic animals after striking the horse with a hard object, causing a fatal skull fracture. The Orange County District Attorney emphasized the importance of justice for the animal and pledged continued prosecution of animal abuse cases.

In addition to prison time, Bourgault must register with Orange County’s Animal Abuse Registry under the local Rocky Law, which restricts convicted abusers from obtaining animals through adoption or purchase. Bourgault’s history of prior fines for animal mistreatment, including kicking a horse and excessive whipping, was highlighted by animal rights advocates who called for his removal from the racing industry.