DEKALB — State Police have arrested a Pennsylvania man after investigating a complaint of illegal transportation of horses intended for slaughter in Canada.
According to police, Robert M. Seitz, Lewiston, Pennsylvania, was charged with violating New York State Agriculture and Markets Law § 385.02, which prohibits the slaughter of horses for human or animal consumption.
Police say a complaint was received on Aug. 28, stating Rotz’s Livestock, owned by Bruce Rotz in Shippensburg, PA, intended to transport multiple horses through New York to a slaughter facility in Quebec, Canada.
An investigation was conducted in conjunction with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the nonprofit organization Animals’ Angels amid allegations that horses from Rotz’s farm were purchased, tagged and ready for transport to Canada for slaughter and human consumption.
On Sept. 2 at approximately 2:24 a.m. State Police traveling north on U.S. Highway 11 in DeKalb observed a red 2007 Freightliner towing a livestock trailer traveling northbound, at which time they initiated a traffic stop.
Police were able to identify Seitz as the driver after members of the New York State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit responded to the scene and conducted a safety inspection of the truck and trailer.
Police were then able to identify the horses which were tagged for transport, leading to Seitz’s arrest.
Police said the horses were removed from his custody and arrangements were made for their protection.
Seitz was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Town of DeKalb Court at a later date.