Centre Hall, PA – Animals’ Angels investigators attended the monthly horse auction at Penns Valley Livestock Auction, which bills itself as the “largest horse sale on the East Coast.” Every month, between 600 and 800 horses pass through the auction, most brought in by members of the surrounding Amish and Mennonite communities. The horses are predominantly Standardbreds and Drafts.
Due to overcrowding, many horses were tied in long rows outside the barn, exposed to the elements. Investigators documented several animals in severely emaciated condition, their hips jutting sharply beneath their skin. One horse bore a deep, bleeding facial wound, while another—a frail, elderly draft horse—stood in the farthest corner, head hanging low, without access to food or water.
Consistent with previous visits, investigators noted disturbing patterns of rough and abusive handling. One worker was seen hurling gravel into a horse’s face to force it forward. Another punched a horse in the face, then kicked it forcefully in the abdomen for moving too slowly.
The “as-is” workhorse sale began at 7:36 a.m., attended by kill buyer Bruce Rotz and traders Brian Moore and Ron Harker. Rotz routinely purchases horses from this auction, often collecting 100 to 130 animals in a single day.
Many horses in the auction ring had severely overgrown hooves and showed visible signs of malnourishment. Sale prices ranged from $600 to $1,300. The elderly, limping gelding seen earlier was sold to Rotz for just $50.
As night fell, Rotz and Moore packed their trailers full. Within days, many of Rotz’s purchases were destined for slaughter in Canada. Animals’ Angels remains committed to ongoing surveillance of this major slaughter pipeline.