Arrest Made, Transporting Horses for Slaughter and Human Consumption

New York State Troopers have made an arrest in a case of allegedly transporting horses illegally. Even worse, the destination was Canada where the horses were to be slaughtered and consumed by humans.

What sounds like the script for a horror movie became reality last week when troopers responded to a complaint brought to their attention by the New York State Humane Association.

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On Friday August 28th, according to a New York State Police press release, horses are allegedly being transported from Pennsylvania, through New York State, with a final destination of a slaughter facility in Quebec, Canada.

Troopers launched an investigation focused on Rotz’s Livestock located in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania.

three horses in white trailer

On Wednesday 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 livestock trailer traveling northbound, observed a violation of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law and initiated a traffic stop.

The operator was identified as an individual from 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.

A horse looks out of its stable window

Troopers have determined the suspect was transporting multiple horses that had been tagged for transport to Canada for slaughter. The suspect 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 suspects custody and arrangements were made for their protection.