Police Rescue Horses Being Transported to Canada for Slaughter

Several horses have been rescued from a Pennsylvania livestock transporter after police say they were being transported through New York with the intention of being sent to Canada for slaughter and human consumption.

According to the New York State Police, it all began last week when the New York State Humane Association lodged a complaint with the Warren County District Attorney’s Office regarding horses being transported from Pennsylvania through New York State with a final destination of a slaughter facility in Quebec, Canada.

Horses in Trailer

Horses Being Transported to Canada for Slaughter

Acting on the complaint, the New York State Police launched an investigation along with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the nonprofit organization Animals’ Angels.

To start, investigators focused on Rotz’s Livestock in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, which is owned by Bruce Rotz. According to police, the investigation centered around allegations that horses were being purchased, tagged, and transported to Canada to be slaughtered for human consumption.

Then, in the early morning hours of September 2, the investigation led troopers to a truck traveling through St. Lawrence County, NY.

New York State Police Traffic Stop

Truck Stopped in Upstate New York Carrying Horses

At approximately 2:24 a.m., State Police were traveling north on U.S. Highway 11 in the Town of DeKalb when they spotted a red 2007 Freightliner towing a livestock trailer. Troopers observed the truck violating New York's Vehicle and Traffic Law and pulled it over.

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During the traffic stop, the driver was identified as Robert M. Seitz of Lewiston, Pennsylvania, and police began a safety inspection of the truck and trailer.

Driver Arrested

That's when troopers determined that Seitz was transporting multiple horses that had been tagged for transport to Canada for slaughter. Seitz was arrested and charged with violating New York State Agriculture and Markets Law § 385.02, which prohibits the slaughter of horses for human or animal consumption.

The horses were removed from Seitz's custody, and arrangements were made to ensure they would be protected. Seitz was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Town of DeKalb Court at a later date.

The investigation involved multiple agencies and organizations, and authorities say the case remains ongoing.