Animals’ Angels investigation leads New York State Troopers to intercept shipment connected to longtime kill buyer Bruce Rotz; 25 horses destined for slaughter at Viande Richelieu are now safe
DEKALB, N.Y., September 3, 2026 — Twenty-five horses destined for slaughter at Viande Richelieu in Canada are safe today after New York State Troopers intercepted their truck at approximately 4 a.m. Wednesday in the Town of DeKalb, following days of surveillance and investigative work by Animals’ Angels.
Beginning early Monday morning, Animals’ Angels President Sonja Meadows and a second investigator conducted surveillance near the Shippensburg, Pennsylvania operation of longtime kill buyer Bruce Rotz. Working on the ground, the investigators monitored the movement of horses and trucks while working to identify the next shipment leaving for Canada.
By Tuesday evening, the investigators concluded their field work. At approximately 4 a.m. Wednesday, Meadows received a call from New York State Police informing her that Troopers had stopped the truck on Route 11 in De Kalb Junction. Documentation obtained from the driver confirmed that the shipment was destined for slaughter at Viande Richelieu in Canada.
A Fight Years in the Making
Animals’ Angels has investigated Rotz’s involvement in the slaughter-horse trade since 2009, documenting his Pennsylvania operation, the treatment and condition of horses in his custody, and the routes used to move horses from the United States to slaughter facilities in Canada.
After New York enacted legislation prohibiting the sale, transfer and transport of horses for slaughter, Animals’ Angels obtained official documentation proving Rotz was still shipping slaughter-bound horses through New York despite the new law and filed a formal complaint seeking enforcement. The earlier case did not result in charges, but Animals’ Angels continued investigating.
Previous Animals’ Angels investigations into Rotz can be found in “Bruce Rotz Violates NY Law: Call to Action — Support Animals’ Angels’ Complaint” and “The Cruel Career of Bruce Rotz: Animals’ Angels Exposé.”
HORSEPWR helped champion New York’s equine anti-slaughter law and has continued advocating for its enforcement, while New York State Senator Dan Stec played an important role in bringing advocates’ concerns and evidence to authorities and facilitating engagement with State Police and prosecutors.
The New York State Humane Association (NYSHA) was also essential to the operation, helping secure the facilities, veterinary support and other resources needed to safely receive and care for the horses if the shipment was stopped.
“For years, Animals’ Angels has followed these trucks, documented their movements and worked to expose the kill buyers who profit from sending horses to slaughter,” said Sonja Meadows, President of Animals’ Angels. “Our investigators’ extensive documentation and knowledge of Bruce Rotz’s operation were instrumental in making this possible. We are deeply grateful to the New York State Troopers and everyone who acted on the information provided. After years of pushing for meaningful enforcement, we now know that these shipments can be stopped.”
25 Horses Are Safe
In partnership with NYSHA, Animals’ Angels is working to ensure the 25 rescued horses receive the care and support they need. For the safety of the horses and those caring for them, additional details will not be disclosed at this time.
“This is what we have fought for,” said Meadows. “A law only protects horses when it is enforced. Today, 25 horses are getting a chance they otherwise would not have had.”
About Animals’ Angels
Animals’ Angels is a nonprofit animal-welfare organization dedicated to investigating and exposing cruelty to animals at auctions, feedlots, slaughterhouses and during transport. Its investigators work throughout the United States to document abuse, hold offenders accountable and advocate for stronger protections for animals.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Sonja Meadows
Animals’ Angels
info@animalsangels.org
443-821-3343
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