Four individuals have been charged after an investigation by Mounties into unlawful livestock dealing and the illegal slaughter of sheep, goats, and beef in Southern Alberta.
Four individuals have been charged after an investigation by Mounties into unlawful livestock dealing and the illegal slaughter of sheep, goats, and beef in Southern Alberta. (Photo provided by RCMP)"RCMP confirms sheep and goats were purchased at a market, transported to rural properties in Mountain View, Rocky View, and Wheatland County, where the animals were unlawfully slaughtered," Mounties stated in an update on Tuesday. "Then the meat was delivered to stores and residences in the City of Calgary. The beef had also been slaughtered and was seized by investigators before making its way into the city."
Inspections were completed at the involved farm and store locations which resulted in closure orders issued to seven Halal grocery stores, as well as the revocation of two On-Farm-Slaughter-Licences. Clean-up orders have been issued for animal remains and the unsightliness of some slaughter locations.
Four individuals have been charged after an investigation by Mounties into unlawful livestock dealing and the illegal slaughter of sheep, goats, and beef in Southern Alberta. (Photo provided by RCMP)The individuals charged are all Calgary residents and are scheduled to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Strathmore on June 24.
48-year-old Raed Alnajar has been charged with:
- Fail to have animals inspected before slaughter, contrary to section 4(1) of the Meat Inspection Act Provincial.
- Sell, offer for sale, transport, or deliver uninspected meat, contrary to section 5(a) of the Meat Inspection Act Provincial.
- Deal in livestock without being a licenced livestock dealer, contrary to section 47(1) of the Livestock Identification and Commerce Act.
35-year-old Waeel Alhamawi has been charged with:
- Fail to have animals inspected before slaughter, contrary to section 4(1) of the Meat Inspection Act Provincial.
- Two counts of Sell, offer for sale, transport, or deliver uninspected meat, contrary to section 5(a) of the Meat Inspection Act Provincial
- Deal in livestock without being a licenced livestock dealer, contrary to section 47(1) of the Livestock Identification and Commerce Act.
35-year-old Amer Alhamawi has been charged with:
- Fail to have animals inspected prior to slaughter, contrary to section 4(1) of the Meat Inspection Act Provincial.
- Two counts of Sell, offer for sale, transport, or deliver uninspected meat, contrary to section 5(a) of the Meat Inspection
- Deal in livestock without being a licenced livestock dealer, contrary to section 47(1) of the Livestock Identification and Commerce Act.
41-year-old Tareq Alhamawi has been charged with selling, offering for sale, transporting, or delivering uninspected meat, contrary to section 5(a) of the Meat Inspection Act Provincial.
"The RCMP Livestock Unit reminds the public that to buy and sell livestock or livestock products within 30 days, a dealer’s licence is required," police reminded.
The initial investigation began last November and involved multiple agencies, including the RCMP, Alberta Sheriffs Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods, Alberta Agriculture, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and Alberta Health Services.
Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com. You can also message and follow us on Twitter: @AIR1061FM
DiscoverAirdrie encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the DiscoverAirdrie app. For breaking news, weather and contest alerts click here
Sat, Jul 27, 1:00 PM
Full-time, Permanent, Labour