MONTICELLO, N.Y. -- Monticello Raceway is conducting an investigation into the alleged purchase and sale of horses for slaughter.

The allegations were first reported in an article on harnesslink.com.

According to the article, the horses are allegedly being sold for a couple hundred dollars.

Representatives at Monticello Raceway released a statement Friday in response to this saying, "We are fully investigating the allegations and are attempting to obtain the identity of any individuals who have information or who are alleged to engage in these practices. Monticello Raceway does not permit unlicensed individuals in our paddock or backstretch areas and we will impose a lifetime ban and report to the Racing and Wagering Board any person believed to be engaging in buying or selling horses in our backstretch areas for the purpose of sending them to the slaughterhouse."