RCMP probe of livestock slaughter operations leads to charges

An RCMP investigation has resulted infour residents of Calgary facing a range of charges, including violating provincial rules related to meat inspection, licensing, transportation and sales.

Mounties saysheep and goats were purchased at market andtransported to rural properties in Mountain View, Rocky Viewand Wheatland County, where animals were allegedly slaughtered unlawfully.

"Then the meat was delivered to stores and residences in the City of Calgary," RCMP said in a media release.

"Beef had also been slaughtered and was seized by investigators prior to making its way into the city."

Mounties say the inspections were carried out at the farm involved and at store locations. They said that led to closure orders being issued to seven Halal grocery stores, plus the revocation of two, on-farm slaughter licences.

"Cleanup orders have been issued for animal remains and unsightliness of some slaughter locations," RCMP said.

Raed Alnajar, 48,Waeel Alhamawi, 35, andAmer Alhamawi, 35, are charged with violating provincial laws.Those include failing to have animals inspected prior to slaughter, dealing in livestock without being a licensed livestock dealer, and selling or offeringto sell, transport or deliver uninspected meat.

Tareq Alhamawi, 41, has been charged with selling, offering for sale, transporting or delivering uninspected meat.

All four men are scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Strathmoreon June 24.

In April, eight Calgary halal meat outlets were forced to closeas the RCMP announced an investigation into unlawful livestock dealing and illegal slaughter operations in southern Alberta.

Days later, public health officials rescinded closure orders for seven of the operations after all uninspected meat had been destroyed and the facilities had been cleaned under supervision.

The operators were also required to sign an agreement that going forward they willacquire and provide food only from an approved source.

Halal refers to food that conforms to the dietary rules of Islam. For meat to beconsidered halal, the animal must be slaughtered manually in a specific manner.