HORSEPWR Calls for Accountability for Those Behind Illegal Horse-Slaughter Shipments
HORSEPOWER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2026
CONTACTS:
Karin Spencer, Founder & President of HORSEPWR.ORG
518-339-0765
Accountability Must Extend to Those Behind Illegal Horse-Slaughter Shipments
Following the rescue of 25 horses in northern New York, HORSEPWR.ORG and partner organizations call for a full examination of Bruce Rotz’s role
DEKALB, N.Y., September 8, 2026 — The interception of a tractor-trailer carrying 25 horses toward a Canadian slaughterhouse represents a historic moment for equine protection in New York. For HORSEPWR.ORG and its advocacy partners, however, stopping the truck was only the first step. Everyone responsible for organizing and carrying out the shipment must now be fully investigated and, where supported by the evidence, BE PROSECUTED TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW.
New York State Police charged driver Robert M. Seitz with transporting horses for slaughter in alleged violation of Agriculture and Markets Law §385. The horses were removed from the shipment and transported to a secure location, where they are now receiving care. The Times Union reported on the interception and charges.
The successful operation grew out of close coordination among law enforcement and equine welfare advocates. HORSEPWR.ORG particularly recognizes its partner Animals’ Angels, whose investigators conducted surveillance near Rotz Livestock in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, and developed information that helped authorities identify and intercept the shipment. Documents associated with such investigation identify longtime kill buyer Bruce Rotz, doing business as Rotz Livestock, as the horses’ owner and shipper. Although the driver has been charged, Rotz has not.
HORSEPWR.ORG, Animals’ Angels, and the New York State Humane Association are therefore urging the St. Lawrence County District Attorney’s Office to thoroughly investigate Rotz’s alleged involvement and bring any charges warranted by the evidence. “Stopping this truck saved 25 horses, but meaningful enforcement requires authorities to look beyond the person behind the wheel,” said Karin Spencer of HORSEPWR.ORG. “We are asking prosecutors to carefully examine who owned these horses, who arranged the shipment, and who intended to profit from sending them to slaughter. Every person who can be held legally responsible should be held accountable.”
Spencer also recognized the partnership that made the interception possible. “Animals’ Angels brought years of experience tracking slaughter-bound shipments and provided indispensable investigative support,” Spencer said. “The New York State Humane Association helped address the complicated logistical needs involved in safely removing and caring for 25 horses, and the New York State Police acted on the information presented to them. This outcome demonstrates what can happen when experienced advocates and law enforcement work together.”
“We fought for this law so that horses could be protected from slaughter, and now we need to make sure it is fully enforced,” said Sonja Meadows, President of Animals’ Angels. “Twenty-five horses were on that truck. We are asking prosecutors to hold everyone responsible for sending them to slaughter accountable.”
“Intercepting a truck carrying 25 horses is an enormous undertaking that does not end when the vehicle is stopped,” said Patricia Valusek, Chair of the New York State Humane Association. “Safe placement, veterinary care, transportation, feed, and secure accommodations all had to be arranged quickly. Our organization was proud to work alongside HORSEPWR.ORG, Animals’ Angels, and law enforcement to ensure these horses were protected. We now urge prosecutors to follow the evidence wherever it leads and hold every responsible party accountable.”
HORSEPWR.ORG is asking concerned members of the public to respectfully contact the St. Lawrence County District Attorney’s Office and request a complete investigation of the shipment, full prosecution of the pending case, and appropriate charges against any additional parties whose conduct violated New York law.
This case marks an important advance in the enforcement of New York’s equine anti-slaughter protections. HORSEPWR.ORG will continue working with Animals’ Angels, the New York State Humane Association, law enforcement, and other partners to ensure those protections reach beyond individual drivers to the businesses and individuals responsible for supplying horses to the slaughter pipeline.