A relatively new state law in New York proved critical in preventing more than two dozen horses from being shipped to slaughter in Canada, according to New York State Police and an animal protection group.
State police said they arrested truck driver Robert M. Seitz, of Lewistown, Pa., Sept. 2 in De Kalb, N.Y., on charges that he violated the state law that prohibits the slaughter of horses for human or animal consumption. The law, which went into effect in 2024, specifically prohibits moving, selling, or buying horses to be used as food.
New York State Police initiated an investigation and worked in conjunction with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the nonprofit organization Animals' Angels. The investigation focused on Rotz Livestock, owned by Bruce Rotz and located in Shippensburg, Pa., and allegations that horses were being purchased, tagged, and transported to Canada for slaughter and human consumption.
At approximately 2:24 a.m. Wednesday, New York State Police members were traveling north on U.S. Highway 11 in the town of De Kalb when they observed a red 2007 Freightliner towing a livestock trailer traveling northbound. Troopers observed a violation of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law and initiated a traffic stop.
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. During the investigation, troopers determined Seitz was transporting multiple horses that had been tagged for transport to Canada for slaughter.
Police said they began their investigation after the New York State Humane Association brought a complaint to the attention of the Warren County District Attorney's Office regarding multiple horses being transported from Pennsylvania, through New York State, with a final destination of a slaughter facility (Viande Richelieu) in Quebec, Canada.
Sue McDonough of the NYSHA said the rescued horses are mostly Standardbreds along with some draft horses. McDonough worked as a state police officer for many years focused on animal cruelty cases, until her retirement. Now the equestrian enthusiast is with the NYSHA. She noted the importance of the 2024 state law specifically prohibiting horses for slaughter.
"Before the law was passed, the police would see these trucks passing through the state but there was little we could do," McDonough said. "Now these vehicles are not going to be allowed. The police are receiving the training to stop them."
McDonough hopes more states put similar laws in place and also hopes federal legislation is passed to improve protections.
After the arrest, the horses were removed from Seitz's custody, and arrangements were made for their protection. Animals' Angels said in working with the New York State Humane Association, 25 horses were rescued and are now receiving the care and support they need.
"This is what we have fought for," said Animals' Angels president Sonja Meadows. "A law only protects horses when it is enforced. Today, 25 horses are getting a chance they otherwise would not have had."
Meadows said her group has investigated Rotz's operation since 2009, and it backed the state law passed in 2023 that took effect in April 2024 to specifically prohibit the transport of horses through New York on their way to slaughter.
"For years, Animals' Angels has followed these trucks, documented their movements and worked to expose the kill buyers who profit from sending horses to slaughter," Meadows said. "Our investigators' extensive documentation and knowledge of Bruce Rotz's operation were instrumental in making this possible. We are deeply grateful to the New York State Troopers and everyone who acted on the information provided. After years of pushing for meaningful enforcement, we now know that these shipments can be stopped."
Seitz was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in the Town of De Kalb Court at a later date.
BloodHorse has not been able to reach Bruce Rotz for comment about the allegations.
