A fire that killed two horses last week at a makeshift stable in Southwest Philadelphia was set intentionally, police said Monday, and investigators released video showing the arson suspect.
The blaze erupted at around 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, inside unsanctioned shelters constructed near the 5800 block of Eastwick Avenue, according to authorities. Animal welfare groups rescued a dozen horses from the property – several of which were injured – along with a pig and a goat.
Surveillance video distributed by the PPD on Monday shows a man walking in the area moments before flames emerged from the pop-up stable.
Police described the suspect as a white man with a thin build who was wearing dark-colored pants, a gray long sleeve shirt and a black hat. Anyone with information is asked to contact the City Wide Arson Task Force at 215-783-1092 or call or text the police tip line, 215-686-TIPS (8477).
The Pennsylvania SPCA is caring for the horses that survived the fire, while ACCT Philly took custody of the goat and pig.
ACCT Philly, the city’s animal care and control provider, said in a Facebook post last week that it “appears the stable was operating as a business and people were boarding their horses at the property.”
The organization said citations were issued Feb. 16 following a visit to the site, and that ACCT Philly was working with the city to address the situation. Philadelphia residents are permitted to own horses but are supposed to go through a licensing process.
