September 3, 2026
On August 28, 2026, at approximately 7:14 p.m., New York State Police members were notified of a complaint regarding the transportation of horses through New York State for slaughter and human consumption in Canada.
The New York State Humane Association brought the 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 in Quebec, Canada.
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’s Livestock, owned by Bruce Rotz and located in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, and allegations that horses were being purchased, tagged, and transported to Canada for slaughter and human consumption.
On September 2, 2026, at approximately 2:24 a.m., New York State Police members were traveling north on U.S. Highway 11 in the town of DeKalb 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.
The operator was identified as Robert M. Seitz, of Lewiston, Pennsylvania. 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. 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 for their protection.
Seitz was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in the Town of DeKalb Court at a later date.
Contact Troop B Public Information Officer: Trooper Brandi M. Ashley
Troop B Commander:
Major Peter C. Arcadi