Auction: Centennial Auction
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
Date of Visit: July 23, 2025
Animals Observed: Horses, goats, sheep, pigs, cattle
Animals’ Angels investigators attended the Centennial Auction, a weekly livestock auction in Fort Collins, CO, held every Wednesday. On July 23, 2025, the auction offered a wide array of animals for sale, including more than 600 goats, over 100 sheep, 11 horses, and 1 pony.
While the majority of horses appeared to be in acceptable condition, investigators noted that one gelding exhibited a light limp. Two horses were identified as former dude ranch horses — typically animals used for trail riding, now being sold off after years of service.
The horse sale began at 3:58 p.m., drawing known kill buyers to the scene. Jason Fabrizius, a long-time kill buyer, and Sage Carter, also a horse trader and kill buyer, were both in attendance.
Fabrizius purchased five horses, including a 13-year-old mare labeled with “health issues” for $550, and the limping gelding for $650.
Carter purchased four horses, mostly young, untrained, and not halter-broken, paying between $300–$375.
Their continued presence at this auction highlights the ongoing risk that animals sold here, regardless of age or background, may enter the horse slaughter pipeline.
While inspecting the pen areas, Animals’ Angels investigators also uncovered disturbing conditions among the goat pens. A group of goats — some appearing ill or unable to rise — had been left abandoned in an exposed, unsheltered pen. Unlike other animals, they had no access to food or water, despite the high summer temperatures. A large, rusty nail was found protruding from a wooden board within their enclosure, posing a serious injury risk.
Later, during the sale, it was confirmed that at least two of these goats were non-ambulatory, as handlers were forced to carry them in and out of the ring. These compromised animals were sold for just $25 each.
Conclusion:
We’ve filed a complaint with local authorities — they must be made aware of the troubling neglect of these vulnerable animals. Our investigation underscores the urgent need for improved animal welfare standards at the Fort Collins Auction. Compromised animals should never be dragged through the sale ring, and minimum care — including water, shelter, and protection from injury hazards — must be provided.
The presence of active kill buyers like Jason Fabrizius and Sage Carter only adds to the concern, especially for horses who may end up in the slaughter pipeline.
And we’re not waiting around for local authorities. We’ll sustain the pressure on our end. Animals’ Angels will continue to monitor the Fort Collins Auction. We’re here to expose those who profit from cruelty.