A report of unlawful livestock dealing and illegal slaughter of sheep, goats and beef in southern Alberta has now resulted in charges.
The case centres on events that occurred in November 2023.
RCMP say that sheep and goats were purchased at market and transported to rural properties in Mountain View County, Rocky View County and Wheatland County. Upon arrival, these animals were unlawfully slaughtered and meat was delivered to stores and residences in Calgary.
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Cattle were also slaughtered, but the resulting beef was seized by investigators prior to arriving in Calgary.
Inspections were completed at the farm and store locations. Seven grocery stores were closed and two on-farm slaughter licences were revoked as a result. Four Calgary residents have been charged.
Raed Aljnar, 48, has been charged with failure to have animals inspected prior to slaughter, as well as selling, offering to sell, transporting and delivering uninspected meat, both charges under the Meat Inspection Act Provincial. He also faces charges of dealing livestock without being a licenced livestock dealer, contrary to the Livestock Identification and Commerce Act.
Waeel Alhamawi, 35, has been charged with failure to have animals inspected prior to slaughter, selling, offering for sale, transport and delivering uninspected meat, and dealing without being a licenced livestock dealer.
Amer Alhamawi, 35, has been charged with failure to have animals inspected prior to slaughter, selling, offering for sale, transporting and delivering uninspected meat, and dealing in livestock without being a licenced livestock dealer.
Tareq Alhamawi, 41, has been charged with selling, offering for sale, transporting of delivering uninspected meat.
The four are scheduled to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Strathmore on June 24, 2024.
To buy and livestock and livestock products within 30 days, a dealer’s licence is required.
For information on dealer licences, refer to Livestock Identification Services Ltd. Inquiries regarding slaughter and meat inspect can be directed to Alberta Agriculture’s Inspection and Investigation Section.
