NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — A 55-year-old man was sentenced for locking seven dogs inside of a Harlem apartment that he set on fire, killing two of the dogs and severely injuring five, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced Friday.
Wattie Folk was sentenced to three to six years in state prison, a 10-year animal ownership ban, and registration on the New York City Animal Cruelty Registry.
Folk pleaded guilty to one count of arson and one count of aggravated cruelty to animals on Sept. 19.
According to court documents, before setting the fire, Folk was staying at his friend’s apartment in Harlem. On June 24, 2022, they got into an argument, which turned physical, prompting his friend to flee the apartment and call the police.
At approximately 1:40 a.m., Folk bean started a fire inside the bedroom of the apartment before fleeing, leaving one 3-year-old adult Pitbull and six 5 1/2-month-old puppies inside.
When police officers responded, they met the friend in the lobby and followed her upstairs to ensure Folk was no longer in the apartment. Upon reaching the apartment, they saw smoke coming out from under the door, evacuated the building and called FDNY.
Two puppies were killed in the fire and the additional five dogs required immediate medical attention, including receiving oxygen in an ambulance as they were transported to the Animal Medical Center in Manhattan.
The five dogs were found severely dehydrated, coughing, and covered in soot. Each dog suffered from high levels of carbon monoxide exposure, prosecutors said.
At AMC, the five dogs received intensive medical care before they were transferred to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Animal Hospital where they received treatment for weeks.
The victim’s apartment and belongings were destroyed in the fire.
"Today, Wattie Folk is facing accountability for intentionally setting his friend’s apartment on fire. His reckless actions endangered tenants, destroyed property, killed two puppies, and severely injured five dogs," D.A. Bragg said. "Those who endanger the lives of people and animals in their homes will be held accountable."