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A group of middle-aged men, dressed as animals and taking part in what is known as a "furry" party in Bucks County, Pa., are accused of sexually assaulting a 9-year-old boy beginning in 2009. Among those arrested and charged are, from left to right: Kenneth Fenske, 57, of Quakertown, Bucks County; David Parker, David Parker, 38, of Stroudsburg; and Jeffrey Harvey, 40, of West Wyoming, Luzerne County.(police photos via NBC-10)

A Quakertown man charged with raping an 8-year-old boy during animal "furry parties" in Bucks County was ordered to face trial after his preliminary hearing today.

Kenneth C. Fenske, 57, was bound over for court on charges of child rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and unlawful contact with a minor after a hearing in Perkasie, Bucks County.

Fenske was arrested in January as part of a ring of child predators who abused the boy repeatedly over several years at so-called "furry parties" - events in which adults dress up as animals.

Fenske, who would dress up as a red fox known as Lupine, was charged with sexually abusing the boy in 2009 at furry parties in a Quakertown house.

For some, participating in furry parties is a sexual fetish, said the state attorney general's office.

"This is a horrendous case," said Attorney General Josh Shapiro. "It is deeply disturbing to me not only as attorney general of Pennsylvania, but as a father of young children. We care about this victim and every victim of sexual abuse."

The victim, who was 8 years old when the crimes were committed, is now 16 and receiving treatment and counseling for the abuse, he said.

Hearings for four others charged in the case will occur at a later date.

Others charged are:

David Parker, 38, of Stroudsburg, Monroe County, charged with child rape, possession of child pornography and related charges.

Jeffrey Harvey, 40, of West Wyoming, Luzerne County, charged with unlawful contact with a minor, attempted involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, attempted statutory sexual assault and related charges.

Craig Knox, 35, of Henrico, Va., charged with child rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, unlawful contact with a minor and related charges.

Stephen Taylor, 30, of Henrico, Va., charged with bestiality and animal cruelty. Taylor was Knox's roommate, authorities said.

Participating in the investigation, in addition to the attorney general's child predator section, were Bucks County detectives and district attorney, state police, U.S. Postal inspectors, FBI and Homeland Security investigators.