Four people have been charged following the illegal slaughtering of livestock in southern Alberta.
In November of 2023, RCMP initiated an investigation into unlawful livestock dealing and the illegal slaughter of sheep, goats and beef. This investigation involved collaboration between the RCMP, Alberta Sheriffs Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods, Alberta Agriculture, Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Alberta Health Services.
RCMP have confirmed that sheep and goats were purchased at market, transported to rural properties in Mountain View, Rocky View and Wheatland counties, where the animals were unlawfully slaughtered. The meat was then delivered to stores and residences in the City of Calgary.
Beef had also been slaughtered and was seized by investigators prior to making its way into the city.
Inspections were completed at the 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 unsightliness of some slaughter locations.
As a result of these investigations, the following people have been charged:
Raed Alnajar, 48, a resident of Calgary, has been charged with:
• Fail to have animals inspected prior to slaughter, contrary to section 4(1) of the Meat Inspection Act.
• Sell, offer for sale, transport or deliver uninspected meat, contrary to section 5(a) of the Meat Inspection Act.
• Deal in livestock without being a licenced livestock dealer, contrary to section 47(1) of the Livestock Identification and Commerce Act.
Waeel Alhamawi, 35, a resident of Calgary, has been charged with:
• Fail to have animals inspected prior to slaughter, contrary to section 4(1) of the Meat Inspection Act.
• Sell, offer for sale, transport or deliver uninspected meat, contrary to section 5(a) of the Meat Inspection Act (x2).
• Deal in livestock without being a licenced livestock dealer, contrary to section 47(1) of the Livestock Identification and Commerce Act.
Amer Alhamawi, 35, a resident of Calgary, has been charged with:
• Fail to have animals inspected prior to slaughter, contrary to section 4(1) of the Meat Inspection Act.
• Sell, offer for sale, transport or deliver uninspected meat, contrary to section 5(a) of the Meat Inspection Act (x2).
• Deal in livestock without being a licenced livestock dealer, contrary to section 47(1) of the Livestock Identification and Commerce Act.
Tareq Alhamawi, 41, a resident of Calgary, has been charged with sell, offer for sale, transport or deliver uninspected meat, contrary to section 5(a) of the Meat Inspection Act.
All accused are scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Strathmore on June 24.
