A Pennsylvania man was arrested after New York State Police said he was transporting horses through New York to Canada for slaughter and human consumption.
The investigation began Aug. 28 after the New York State Humane Association brought a complaint to the Warren County District Attorney's Office concerning horses being transported from Pennsylvania through New York with a final destination at a slaughter facility in Quebec, Canada.
State police worked with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Animals' Angels, a nonprofit organization, during the investigation.
Troopers stop livestock truck in St. Lawrence County
At about 2:24 a.m. Sept. 2, troopers traveling north on U.S. Highway 11 in the town of DeKalb observed a red 2007 Freightliner towing a livestock
trailer.
Troopers said they observed a violation of New York's Vehicle and Traffic Law 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 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, according to police.
Horses removed from driver's custody
Seitz was arrested and charged with violating New York 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, police said.
Seitz was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in DeKalb Town Court at a later date.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Man arrested after horses transported through NY for human consumption
