25 horses bound for slaughter, human consumption in Canada saved during traffic stop in New York
DE KALB, N.Y. —
A Pennsylvania man is due in court after police said he was caught transporting horses to Canada for slaughter and human consumption.
New York State Police troopers said they were notified last month that a person was transporting horses through New York State for slaughter in Canada, which is illegal.
The investigation focused on Bruce Rotz, the owner of Rotz’s Livestock in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. Police said the business had allegedly been transporting the horses across the border so that they could be slaughtered and prepared for consumption.
Later, on Sept. 2, troopers were able to stop a freightliner truck in DeKalb, New York, that was being driven by Robert Seitz, of Lewiston, Pennsylvania. The livestock trailer behind the truck was inspected, and police found horses that were tagged for slaughter in Canada inside.
Seitz was arrested and charged with violating New York State Agriculture and Markets Law. He was released and is due in the Town of DeKalb Court to answer to the charge.
A total of 25 horses were seized and brought to a farm in New York for care and inspection, according to Hearst-owned The Albany Times Union.
Troopers worked with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the USDA, as well as nonprofit Animals’ Angels during the investigation.
The Times Union reported that the incident marks the first time that a New York law banning the slaughter of horses for human and animal consumption has been enforced since it went into effect two years ago.
Editor’s note: The Albany Times Union is owned by WPTZ parent company Hearst.