DEKALB, N.Y. — New York State Police have charged a Pennsylvania man after troopers say he was transporting horses through New York that were destined for slaughter in Canada. The case is drawing attention because New York horse slaughter laws prohibit transporting horses for the purpose of slaughter for human or animal consumption. This incident highlights the serious implications surrounding the case of the Pennsylvania Driver Charged for Transporting Horses to Canada.
State Police said the investigation began after the New York State Humane Association contacted the Warren County District Attorney’s Office about horses allegedly being moved from Pennsylvania through New York to a slaughter facility in Quebec, Canada.
Troopers Stop Livestock Trailer in DeKalb
According to State Police, the original complaint was reported on Aug. 28, 2026, at about 7:14 p.m. Investigators then worked with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the nonprofit Animals’ Angels.
The investigation focused on Rotz’s Livestock in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, which State Police identified as being owned by Bruce Rotz. Police said investigators were looking into allegations that horses were being purchased, tagged and transported to Canada for slaughter and human consumption.
On Sept. 2, at about 2:24 a.m., troopers traveling north on U.S. Highway 11 in the town of DeKalb observed a red 2007 Freightliner pulling a livestock trailer. State Police said troopers observed a Vehicle and Traffic Law violation and stopped the truck.
The driver was identified as Robert M. Seitz of Lewiston, Pennsylvania. Members of the State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit responded and inspected the truck and trailer.
Police said their investigation determined that Seitz was transporting multiple horses that had been tagged for transport to Canada for slaughter.
Driver Charged Under New York Horse Slaughter Law
Seitz was arrested and charged with violating New York Agriculture and Markets Law Section 385. State Police specifically cited Section 385.02 in announcing the arrest.
The law prohibits the slaughter of horses for human or animal consumption and also bars certain activities connected to sending horses to slaughter. New York lawmakers expanded protections in 2023 to prohibit buying, selling, possessing, transferring or transporting horses when the purpose is slaughter for human or animal consumption.
Assemblymember Deborah Glick, who sponsored the legislation in the Assembly, said when the measure was signed in 2023 that it was intended to stop New York from serving as part of a pipeline for horses being transported to slaughter facilities outside the state.
“I have worked for 19 years to prohibit the buying, selling, and transportation of horses for the purpose of slaughter in New York,” Glick said at the time.
The legislation built on earlier protections for racehorses and racehorse breeding stock.
What New York Law Prohibits
In practical terms, New York’s horse slaughter law is designed to prevent the state from being used as a transportation route for horses intended for slaughter.
- Slaughtering horses for human or animal consumption is prohibited.
- Transporting horses for the purpose of slaughter is prohibited.
- Buying, selling or possessing horses for that purpose is prohibited.
- The law applies even when a horse is being transported through New York toward a destination outside the state.
The current State Police case appears to be an enforcement of those protections against an alleged interstate and international shipment.
Horses Removed From Driver’s Custody
State Police said the horses were removed from Seitz’s custody and that arrangements were made for their protection. The agency did not specify how many horses were in the trailer or where the animals were taken.
Police also did not announce any charges against Rotz’s Livestock or Bruce Rotz in the Sept. 3 release. The company and its owner were identified as the focus of the broader investigation, but an investigation is not a finding of wrongdoing.
Seitz was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Town of DeKalb Court at a later date. As with all criminal cases, the charge is an accusation, and Seitz is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Why the Case Matters
The arrest is significant because it provides a clear example of how New York’s horse slaughter ban can apply not only to activity occurring inside the state, but also to horses allegedly being moved through New York on their way to another country.
Supporters of the 2023 law argued that simply banning slaughter inside New York would leave a loophole if horses could still be bought, sold or transported through the state for slaughter elsewhere. The expanded law was designed to address that concern.
The case also shows the cross-agency nature of animal transportation investigations. State Police said federal border and agriculture agencies were involved, along with the New York State Humane Association and Animals’ Angels.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
State Police announced the arrest on Sept. 3, 2026. The agency did not say whether additional arrests or charges are expected.
Anyone following the case should rely on updates from New York State Police, court records and other official sources as the investigation continues.
Sources: New York State Police; New York State Senate Open Legislation; New York State Assembly.
